Tour snapshot
GT-MK3
3 days / 2 nights
Ho Chi Minh city
Mekong Delta Tours
DAILY DEPARTURE
Overview
Experience the Complete Mekong Delta Through Authentic Cultural and Natural Immersion
Journey deep into the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta on this comprehensive three-day exploration. From vibrant floating markets to serene mangrove forests, this adventure reveals the full diversity of the region’s landscapes, cultures, and traditions. Navigate winding waterways connecting rural communities, witness centuries-old craftsmanship, interact with ethnic minority villages, and explore spectacular natural ecosystems. This balanced tour supports sustainable tourism while providing authentic insights into every corner of Vietnam’s most distinctive and fertile region.
Tour Highlights
– Cai Be & Cai Rang Floating Markets – Experience two distinct floating markets showcasing traditional river commerce
– Tra Su Mangrove Forest – Explore a spectacular protected ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna by boat
– Local Craft Villages – Observe traditional production of coconut candy, rice paper, and other regional specialties
– Cham Village Visit – Discover the unique culture and traditions of the Cham ethnic minority community
– Sacred Temples & Pagodas – Visit significant religious sites including Ba Chua Xu Temple and Hang Temple
Why Our Cai Be Floating Market Tour?
– Complete Experience: This comprehensive journey explores all three major regions of the Mekong Delta (Tien Giang, Can Tho, and An Giang provinces) for the most diverse experience possible.
– Cultural Diversity: Engage with multiple ethnic communities including Vietnamese, Khmer, and Cham people, gaining insight into the region’s rich multicultural heritage.
– Natural Wonders: Discover both agricultural landscapes and protected natural ecosystems that showcase the delta’s ecological importance.
– Comfortable Pace: With two overnight stays, enjoy a relaxed exploration pace that allows for deeper cultural immersion and more authentic experiences.
Timeline Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho (L)
07:30 – 07:45 | Hotel pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City District 1
07:45 – 10:30 | Scenic drive to Cai Be via Trung Luong Expressway
10:30 – 11:30 | Boat tour to floating market and visit fruit orchards
11:30 – 12:30 | Explore traditional craft village and ancient house
12:30 – 13:30 | Interactive cooking experience and lunch in garden setting
13:30 – 14:30 | Sampan boat trip through narrow canals
14:30 – 15:30 | Bicycle tour through village paths and orchards
15:30 – 17:30 | Transfer to Can Tho city
17:30 – 18:00 | Check-in at hotel in Can Tho
Evening | Free time to explore Can Tho city and riverfront (self-guided)
Day 2: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Tra Su Forest – Chau Doc (B/L/D)
06:00 – 06:30 | Breakfast at hotel
06:30 – 07:00 | Transfer to boat pier
07:00 – 09:00 | Boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market
09:00 – 10:00 | Visit local noodle factory
10:00 – 11:00 | Explore Munir Ansay Pagoda (Khmer Temple)
11:00 – 12:00 | Boat journey to fruit plantation with tasting
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch at local restaurant
13:00 – 15:00 | Transfer to Tra Su Forest
15:00 – 16:30 | Explore Tra Su Mangrove Forest by boat
16:30 – 17:30 | Visit Ba Chua Xu Temple
17:30 – 18:30 | Check-in at hotel in Chau Doc
19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner at local restaurant
Day 3: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
06:00 – 07:00 | Breakfast at hotel and check-out
07:00 – 09:00 | Visit floating village and Cham Village
09:00 – 10:30 | Explore vibrant Chau Doc Market
10:30 – 12:00 | Visit Hang Temple on Sam Mountain
12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch at local restaurant
13:30 – 17:00 | Return journey to Ho Chi Minh City
17:00 – 17:30 | Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Important Notes
Pickup Service: Available only for hotels/accommodations in central District 1 (excluding Đa Kao Ward and Tan Dinh Ward)
Pickup Time: Between 07:00 – 07:20 AM (please be ready in your hotel lobby)
– Exact time depends on your accommodation location
– For those staying outside our pickup zone, please meet at TNK Travel office (112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward Pham Ngu Lao, District 1) by 07:20 AM
Weather Considerations: This tour includes outdoor activities that are most enjoyable in favorable weather conditions
– Please note that tour itinerary and drop-off times may therefore fluctuate due to traffic and weather conditions
– Furthermore, we may adjust activities slightly while nevertheless ensuring all highlights are included
Accommodation:
– Tour includes two nights in 3-star standard hotels:
+ 1 night in Can Tho City (West Hotel or similar)
+ 1 night in Chau Doc (Paris Hotel or similar)
– Rooms are based on twin or double sharing
– Single supplement available for solo travelers (additional cost)
What to Bring:
– Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and cycling
– Small backpack for overnight essentials
– Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
– Insect repellent (especially important for forest visit)
– Camera for capturing memorable moments
– Some cash for personal expenses and optional purchases
Responsible Tourism:
– Please follow your guide’s instructions regarding photography and respectful behavior at this historical site
– We operate with respect for the historical significance and cultural sensitivity of this location
Join us in practicing responsible tourism that preserves the cultural integrity and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta for future generations.
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Can Tho
Upon arrival in Cai Be, a traditional wooden boat will be boarded for a mesmerizing journey along the Tien River, leading to a vibrant floating market. The lively exchange of fruits, vegetables, and various goods between vendor boats, each distinguished by a tall pole showcasing their primary offerings, will be witnessed. This authentic glimpse into waterborne commerce unveils the enduring trading practices that have defined life in the delta for centuries.
A cruise past lush orchard gardens, which have bestowed upon the region its reputation as the "fruit basket of Vietnam," follows. The abundance of tropical fruits, including mangoes, longans, pomelos, and jackfruits, flourishing along the fertile riverbanks, will be admired.
Visits to charming villages are included, where an ancient house, exemplifying traditional Vietnamese architecture and design, will be explored. These meticulously preserved historic structures unveil the cultural influences and lifestyles of affluent Mekong
Delta families from past generations, featuring intricate woodwork and spacious courtyards, evocative of a bygone era.
Immerse yourself in local traditions through visits to family workshops where time-honored crafts are still practiced using methods passed down through generations. The captivating process of crafting coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn will be observed, with opportunities to sample these delectable treats. The sweet sounds of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music will provide a delightful soundtrack while savoring the freshest seasonal tropical fruits.
An interactive cooking experience awaits, where the preparation of Vietnamese specialties will be learned under the expert guidance of local culinary artisans. A delectable lunch, the culmination of your culinary efforts, will be enjoyed in a picturesque garden setting, surrounded by tropical fruit trees and blooming flora.
After lunch, the magic of the Mekong's narrow waterways will be experienced during a sampan paddling adventure through small canals shaded by water coconut palms. This intimate boat journey provides a tranquil perspective on delta life and affords proximity to the lush vegetation characteristic of this fertile region.
A leisurely bicycle tour through serene village pathways offers further exploration. Family orchards, traditional homes, and friendly locals engaged in their daily routines will be encountered. This cycling adventure provides authentic glimpses into rural life and opportunities for memorable photographic captures of the idyllic landscape.
In the late afternoon, a journey to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, will be undertaken. Following check-in to your comfortable hotel, free time will be available for independent exploration of this vibrant riverside city. A visit to the bustling night market along the Can Tho riverfront, where local street food can be sampled and souvenirs acquired, is recommended.
Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating market - Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Upon arrival during the bustling morning hours, observe the vibrant commerce as larger wholesale boats supply smaller retail crafts with an array of fruits, vegetables, and diverse goods sourced throughout the delta. Witness vendors showcasing their offerings, colorful samples suspended from tall bamboo poles, a vibrant testament to the region's agricultural bounty. Your knowledgeable guide will facilitate interactions with local vendors, perhaps offering a taste of freshly harvested tropical fruits or a traditional Vietnamese coffee, expertly brewed aboard a boat.
Subsequently, a guided walking tour through a traditional rice noodle factory unveils the intricate process of noodle creation, a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine. Each stage of production, from rice milling to the delicate drying of the noodles, is meticulously showcased.
Next, a visit to the magnificent Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple, highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the Mekong Delta. Marvel at the unique architectural style, distinct from conventional Vietnamese Buddhist temples, a reflection of the Khmer community's influence.
A continuation of the aquatic exploration leads to a flourishing fruit plantation, where a leisurely stroll through orchards brimming with tropical fruits awaits. Learn about cultivation techniques and savor the exquisite taste of perfectly ripe, seasonal fruits, plucked directly from the trees.
After a delightful lunch at a local eatery, travel to the breathtaking Tra Su Forest in An Giang province. This protected mangrove forest, encompassing approximately 850 hectares, harbors a remarkable ecosystem. A motorized boat will navigate the primary waterways, followed by a tranquil row boat excursion deeper into the forest's heart. Drift serenely beneath a canopy of cajuput trees adorned with hanging vines and water ferns, observing the diverse avian life, bats, reptiles, and other wildlife inhabiting this verdant haven.
Following this immersion in nature, a visit to the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site in southern Vietnam, is in order. Discover the legend of the Lady of the Realm and witness devotees expressing their reverence at this culturally significant shrine.
Proceed to Chau Doc, a multicultural border town situated near the Cambodia-Vietnam border. After settling into your hotel, savor a delectable dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in regional culinary specialties, concluding your second day of exploration.
Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh
Optional: For travelers proceeding to Cambodia, a transfer to the designated embarkation point for Phnom Penh awaits.
Begin your day exploring Chau Doc's renowned floating village, a captivating community nestled on the Bassac River. Observe the extraordinary lives of its inhabitants, whose homes are constructed upon rafts, and daily activities, from aquaculture to education, unfold upon the water's surface.
Next, immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural tapestry with a visit to a Cham village. Discover the unique heritage of the Cham people, an indigenous group tracing their roots to the ancient Champa kingdom. Their distinctive cultural practices, Islamic faith, and traditional crafts are proudly preserved. Engage with villagers and witness their exquisite weaving techniques, famed for their stunning textiles.
For those extending their journey, explore the vibrant Chau Doc market, a bustling hub showcasing a blend of Vietnamese and Cambodian products. Meander through stalls overflowing with colorful fabrics, fresh produce, fragrant spices, and distinctive souvenirs, reflecting the town's multicultural essence.
Ascend Sam Mountain to discover Hang Temple, a revered cave temple nestled amidst verdant foliage. Explore this tranquil sanctuary, adorned with elaborate Buddhist statuary, and take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding delta, stretching towards Cambodia.
Following a delightful lunch at a local eatery, a comfortable journey back to Ho Chi Minh City commences. Reflect upon the unforgettable experiences of your three-day exploration of the Mekong Delta's diverse cultures, customs, and landscapes.
Arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon, enriched by a profound understanding of the Mekong Delta's cultural significance, stunning natural beauty, and the intertwined lives of its vibrant communities.
Price & Bookings
What’s Included
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- Meals as indicated in the program (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner)
What’s Not Included
- Additional food and beverages, tax
- Optional shooting range fees
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Beach equipment rental
- Gratuities (though appreciated by local service providers)
Reservations
Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers.
