Mekong Delta Discovery: Sampans, Markets & More

📍 HCMC to Cai Be (110km): 2,2 hours

This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City for a 2.5-hour drive into the beautiful Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Phu An jetty, embark on the Song Xanh Sampan Cruise. 

As the sampan cruises along the river, observe the daily activities of people on shore, set against mesmerizing backdrops. Various stops en-route to Binh Minh Town provide the opportunity to explore some of the cottage industries of the region, such as the making of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn), as well as a visit to a historic house in lovely Dong Hoa Hiep village.

Cross the Co Chien river, passing by quaint villages, and visit a clay pot factory. Lunch will be served on board while cruising along a narrow canal teeming with life. 

Observe the river traffic and the quiet but constant activity along the banks. Then, pay a visit to a Cao Dai temple before returning to the sampan to savor the beauty of the sunset while it continues its way towards the Hau River to drop anchor for the evening.  

Dinner and overnight on board the Song Xanh Sampan Cruise.

Note: air-conditioning is only available during nighttime.  
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Can Tho is 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. 

Start the day early 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 while breakfast is served on board.

Here boats laden with fruit and vegetables, with the vendors jostling for the best positions on the river while breakfast is served on board. 

Following the visit to the market, cruise to the city’s main pier, disembark the Song Xanh Sampan and say goodbye to the crew. 

From here, 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.

Following the visit, take a short drive to the hotel (note that the standard check-in time is at 14:00). The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Can Tho
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After a relaxed morning, depart at 11:30 to discover the Mekong Delta further. 

Hop aboard a wooden boat for the one hour cruise across the vast body of water into a lush tributary. Enjoy a Vietnamese traditional lunch serviced on board as the boat winds through the maze of canals

Stop at Khmer temple where monks reside, featuring a gilded pagoda and a grand reclining Buddha surrounded by forest. Following the visit take a leisurely bicycle ride (approx. 10km) through the countryside and villages (note the route can be adapted according to weather or fitness levels). Life here is slow and the people are friendly.  

After the cycle, cruise back to the city’s main pier, or the hotel pier (if staying at Azerai or Victoria Can Tho).  

Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.  

Overnight in Can Tho
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Can Tho to HCMC (200 km): 4 hours

After breakfast, check out and depart Can Tho for the approximate 4-hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast