Explore the serene beauty of the mangrove forest, listening to the songs of native birds and marveling at the unique ecosystem. Choose to visit historical landmarks or extend your adventure to Cambodia. Discover the rich culture and natural splendor of southern Vietnam’s way of life.
Experience Highlights
- Experience the daily life at a floating fish farm, where you’ll witness local fishermen in action and gain insights into their traditional way of life.
- Discover the intricate process of crafting coconut candy at a local workshop, where skilled artisans transform fresh coconuts into delicious sweets.
- Enjoy a peaceful ride on a traditional sampan boat and soak into the tranquil atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside.
- Expereince the vibrant atmosphere of a floating market and enjoy breakfast aboard a traditional boat in Can Tho.
- Discover the lush greenery of Tra Su’s mangrove forest, home to diverse bird species.
- Discover the intricate process of crafting coconut candy at a local workshop, where skilled artisans transform fresh coconuts into delicious sweets.
DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CIY – BEN TRE – CAN THO
Our expedition to Mekong Delta starts in the morning at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. After a two-hour drive, we reach Ben Tre province – the Vietnamese capital of coconut and one of the most beautiful places in the Mekong Delta.
We then board our motorboat and begin to explore the area. Firstly, we cruise along one of the Mekong branches and pay a visit to a floating fish farm. Then, our boat enters a smaller channel, covered with dense and tropical vegetation. After disembarking, we will go for a walk through the fruit orchards and the peaceful countryside.
From there, we commute by tuk-tuks to a coconut candy factory, where we get to taste a wide array of tropical fruits, such as jackfruit, pomelo, longan, and many more.
In small oar-powered boats we will go to another part of the village, from where we will walk to lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Mekong Delta cuisine. You can try the famous “Elephant’s Ear” fish, local freshwater shrimps and many other specialties. And after a filling meal, for the brave – a durian tasting.
After lunch, we will take a large boat back to the marina, where we will get back to our car. Here, we then start our 3-hour drive to Can Tho. Upon arrival we will check in to a scenic Ecolodge, enjoy a dinner, and spend overnight in Can Tho.
DAY 2: CAN THO – CHAU DOC
We will begin our day early at 6:00 A.M. by walking to the local pier. There we will board a boat and cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market.
This is where we can see what life on the water looks like and how the local people trade fruits and other products. We will also learn how to spot from a distance what goods are sold on each boat. Today’s breakfast, together with morning coffee and some tropical fruits will be served on our boat. The best part is that all those treats will come to us by themselves!
Around 7:30 A.M. we will return to the hotel for a short rest and check out. You can also grab a “second breakfast” at the hotel restaurant.
We then leave Can Tho and set off for Chau Doc town with a stop at Tra Su Mangrove Forest.
In Tra Su forest, we will immerse ourselves in a landscape like no other on earth, listen to the intricate songs of the local birds, and gaze upon the sunbeams shining through the tall treetops. This location is also the home of a unique ecosystem with various special flora and fauna. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars as the forest is a great spot for bird watching with all kinds of water bird species.
After these experiences, we will rest at one of our selected resorts in the area.
DAY 3: CHAU DOC – HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Chau Doc, An Giang province, and visit the Temple of the Celestial Lady of the Realm. This is an extremely popular temple where worshippers ask for happiness and success for their business endeavors.
We will get familiar with the custom of offering sacrifices to the local deities and find out what “bringing back luck” means.
Then it’s time for us to return to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way, we will stop at a local rest stop venue for a quick lunch.
