About 70 km south of Saigon, My Tho is the metropolis of Tien Giang province. This is an exciting day for those who don't have much time to spare. Boat along small canals, take walks through orchards and visit local fisherman and farmers. Our one day delta tour is a fascinating and rewarding exploration of the daily lifestyles of local people as well as the marvelous nature of the Mekong delta.

DESTINATIONS

• The Mekong Delta, the story of a river and the life it generates

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise along the rivers maze of canals for a taste of the lush and lively culture
• Visit farms and workshops, chat with local people and taste their products

ITINERARY

[Day 1] Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre – Saigon
Meals: lunch | Accommodation: N/A

8:00am – We leave Saigon for My Tho. Upon arrival, board a motorboat and head out on the mighty Mekong to Xuan Dong Islet. In contrast to many of the overly visited Mekong islands, we choose Xuan Dong for its quieter, less crowded, and more authentic slice of Mekong life. Hop on a bike and savor some leisurely time to explore and pedal through this green and unspoiled island. Make frequent stops for photos and glimpses of the daily lives of local villagers.

 

We'll then take a small boat as you are rowed quietly along the thick mangroves of Vam Xep, a small canal with little village houses dotted along its sides. Get off the boat to enjoy some honeyed tea at the 'Coconut Artisan' village and check out the workshops where a range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.

We next take a small sampan along Vam Chua canal, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat from the frenetic buzz of Saigon which seems far, far away. We then stop for a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

At last we'll reboard the boat to head back to My Tho. Before we return to Saigon, we pause for a visit at the lovely 160-year old Vinh Trang pagoda where a towering white stone Buddha greets us with a smile. The rich architecture of this Buddhist pagoda is a harmonious blend of Asian and European styles, and the pagoda contains a number of finely carved wooden statues of bodhisattvas – Buddhist saints that refrain from entering nirvana in order to save others and instruct them about the nature of the compassionate life.

After strolling through the pagoda grounds and learning a bit about its history and about Buddhist beliefs, we start the drive back to Saigon and return you to your hotel around 5pm.

Note: N/A

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013)

Solo: $115
From 2 participants up: $60
Single supplement: N/A

Included

• Boat cruise on Mekong River
• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• The services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

• Hotel in Saigon
• Beverages, guide gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)