Community Immersion in The Mekong Delta

📍 HCMC to Can Tho (160km): 3 hours

Today’s tour starts at 08:30. Leave the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind and transfer 3-hours southwest of the city to Can Tho, the largest city in this area and the fourth largest city in Vietnam. The name of the city, which means ‘river of poems’ in Vietnamese, refers to its location in the Mekong Delta region. 

Mid-afternoon, once arrived, refreshed and checked into the hotel, transfer from the hotel for the starting point of the bicycle tour. Wind through charming villages on the outskirts of Can Tho at a leisurely pace on 2-wheels, observing the unhurried rhythm of rural life in this southerly part of Vietnam. Have the chance to travel on a traditional ferry like a villager, then pedal along sun-dappled paths by canals, passing by orchards and smiling locals. Feel the warmth this region has to offer. 

En-route, see a gigantic sprawling tree with huge branches that rise up, almost like a serpent. Late afternoon after the exploration of Can Tho,  transfer back to the hotel. 

Overnight in Can Tho.

Inclusions:

📍 Can Tho to Ben Tre (135km): 2.5 hours

Start the day early at 7:00 with a cruise to Cai Rang, once the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. The waterway of boats, both tourists and traders can be seen, although some days there are few traders (due to time of year/demand). See local produce depending on the season for sale - mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even floating coffee sellers and noodle soup vendors. Here boats laden with fruit and vegetables, with the vendors jostling for the best positions on the river.

Following the floating market cruise, visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, written about in the French novel and featured in the film "The Lover" (1992). A beautiful French-Vietnamese style house built in 1870 by the Duong family, one of the wealthiest families in the region at the time. The house is a unique blend of French and Vietnamese architectural style surrounded by lush gardens.

Continue the journey with a 2.5 hour transfer to Ben Tre Province, known as the land of coconuts in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, check in to a simple yet charming lodge. Rest of the day at leisure by the pool, or exploring the lush neighborhood at own pace. 

Overnight in Ben Tre.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ben Tre to HCMC (90km): 2.5 hours

After breakfast at the lodge, board a local boat for a glimpse of Delta scenery on a 1-hour cruise. Sip a freshly picked coconut as the boat winds through canals and large waterways. Witness the trading along the water and activity of a coconut ‘market’ that stretches for kilometers along both banks of the river. 

Continue by boat across a huge expanse of water to a very special place;  a charming island, home to friendly locals who promote sustainable and community tourism. Unique to the region, the locals here live ‘off the grid’ with only solar plus as there is no electricity on the island which adds to the rustic charm. There are only 15 households here on this tiny island who navigate on foot, there are no roads even for motorbikes. 
 
Meet the villagers at their homes to learn more on their simple and humble lives. Enjoy lush tropical fruits, honey tea, and regional snacks while learning about their daily life on this 1-kilometer long island before sitting back to enjoy a herbal foot bath.  

For lunch, feast on delicious Mekong styled dishes, home cooked by one of the local families. Conclude with a short boat cruise across the mighty Mekong to the mainland before the transfer back to Saigon. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch