Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Cai Be

The journey starts with a morning pickup from the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Travel proceeds toward Cai Be, where the local river life continues despite the decline of the traditional floating market due to urbanization. The guide will help observe the ongoing authentic river lifestyle maintained by local communities.

480 min

Boat Cruise on the Tien River

Upon arrival, a boat trip along the Tien River begins, highlighting the changes in waterway commerce. Although the wholesale floating market has transformed, current river trading activities remain visible. The cruise passes lush fruit orchards lining the riverbanks, illustrating the Mekong Delta’s natural environment.

60 min

Visit to Antique Mekong Delta House

Explore Mekong Delta villages where time seems paused. Visit a well-preserved antique house featuring a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French colonial architectural styles. The wooden structure, made from ebony and mahogany over a century old, has rooms arranged around a central courtyard for airflow. Family shrines, antique furniture, and heirlooms reveal the history of prosperous merchant families.

30 min

Family-Run Confectionery Visit

Observe traditional methods in a family-run confectionery producing coconut sweets and rice popcorn. Skilled hands turn simple ingredients into regional treats, which can be tasted warm. Seasonal tropical fruits from nearby farms are offered while Southern Vietnamese folk songs play.

30 min

Canal Boat Trip and Tan Phong Island

Travel through narrow canals lined with water coconut palms and water lilies, providing a quiet contrast to main rivers. The route leads to Tan Phong Island, known for its fruit orchards, flower gardens, and rural homes, presenting daily life in the Upper Mekong Delta.

30 min

Cooking Class and Lunch in Garden

Enjoy a midday meal in a garden filled with tropical fruits and herbs. Participate in a cooking class preparing traditional regional dishes under local chefs’ guidance. Learn to make spring rolls, rice paper, and how to blend herbs and spices using family recipes passed down through generations.

60 min

Bicycle Ride Through Countryside

After lunch, take a relaxed bicycle ride along dirt paths through the island’s countryside. Pass rice paddies, palm trees, fruit groves, and small villages. Observe farmers working, children playing, and artisans practicing traditional crafts, with opportunities for authentic interactions.

30 min

Boat Ride to Cai Be and Transfer to Can Tho

At sunset, take a quiet boat trip back to Cai Be. A private car then transfers guests to Can Tho City, where hotel check-in is arranged. Time is available for rest or evening walks along the river and dining at local restaurants in preparation for the next day’s floating market visit.

Bassac River Boat and Cai Rang Market

After breakfast at the hotel, take a quiet boat trip on the Bassac River, a tributary of the Lower Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market during its peak activity, where vendors present goods from boats and use sample poles to show products such as fresh produce and household items.

40 min

Traditional Rice Noodle Factory

Visit a noodle factory to observe the traditional process of making rice noodles. See how basic ingredients are transformed into a key component of Vietnamese cuisine using established methods.

30 min

Munir Ansay Pagoda Visit

Explore the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple reflecting the Mekong Delta’s cultural heritage. The site features detailed Khmer art, including murals depicting Buddhist stories, carved columns, and intricate decorations. Guides explain the temple’s religious and historical significance.

30 min

Con Son Eco-Tourism and Fruit Orchard

Take a boat trip to Con Son, focusing on community-based eco-tourism. Participate in a workshop making Mekong Delta cakes with local artisans. Visit a fruit orchard practicing sustainable agriculture, where seasonal fruits like durian, mangosteen, longan, and rambutan are sampled, and environmental practices are explained.

60 min

Tra Su Forest Exploration

After midday, begin exploring Tra Su Forest near Chau Doc, an ecological area with a diverse mangrove ecosystem. A traditional sampan quietly moves through calm waterways beneath a green canopy. The area offers peaceful surroundings and opportunities to observe various wildlife, including birds and insects, providing a contrast to the earlier river market activity.

40 min

Ba Chua Xu Temple Visit and Dinner

Following the visit to Tra Su Forest, travel to Ba Chua Xu Temple, a notable Vietnamese pilgrimage site dedicated to a protective deity and visited by many worshippers annually. The guide explains the temple's history, legends, and rituals. Dinner featuring local An Giang cuisine is served at a well-regarded restaurant. Afterwards, rest at the hotel in Chau Doc with comfortable accommodations for the night.

20 min

Phnom Penh Boat Meeting Point

If continuing to Phnom Penh, a stop will be arranged at the designated boat meeting point.

120 min

Hang Temple on Sam Mountain

Continue with an exploration of Hang Temple, located within Sam Mountain. Ascend the mountain path surrounded by greenery to reach the quiet cave sanctuary. Inside, observe detailed Buddhist sculptures and experience the peaceful environment.

30 min

Floating and Cham Villages, Chau Doc Market

Visit the floating village and Cham Village to learn about the cultural heritage of the Cham people in the Mekong Delta. Then explore Chau Doc Market, a lively place with fresh produce, handmade items, and Cambodian imports. Notice the aromas of local foods and the authentic market atmosphere.

30 min

Mekong Delta Cuisine Experience

Enjoy traditional Mekong Delta dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients at a regional restaurant. The cuisine reflects the culinary traditions of the western provinces of Vietnam and highlights well-known regional specialties.

60 min

Return Transfer and Trip Conclusion

End the three-day Mekong Delta trip with a transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. The journey included floating markets, temples, waterways, and villages, offering cultural insights and scenic views. Arrangements are made for smooth onward travel to Phnom Penh, or for those returning to Ho Chi Minh City, the trip concludes with lasting impressions of the Mekong Delta.