A wonderful in-depth Mekong delta experience that combines two countries! We drive from Saigon to My Tho and start our floating exploration. This part of the delta is home to a myriad of rice fields, canals and small villages. Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop as we boat through the canals and stroll on small islands. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.
This trip is designed especially for travelers who will leave Vietnam and continue on to Phnom Penh, Cambodia by traveling along the beautiful waterways of the Mekong.

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 locally made products
• Spend time cruising gently through one of the river's huge floating markets
• Explore the border town of Chau Doc and surrounding areas before entering Cambodia

ITINERARY

[Day 1] Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Meals: lunch | Accommodation: hotel

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 the leisurely time to explore and pedal through this green and unspoiled island. Make frequent stops for photos and glimpses and 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 to 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 to the frenetic buzz of Saigon which seems far, far away. We then stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

At last we'll reboard the boat to head back to My Tho and start the drive through the fields and towns of the Mekong to Can Tho city. Spend the evening at your leisure seeing the town by foot or pedicab, or find a quiet place for a cocktail by the river.

[Day 2] Can Tho – Chau Doc
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: hotel

After and early breakfast, we start a boat cruise to head to the bustling Cai Rang floating market – the largest and most colourful in the Mekong delta. Feel free to take photographs, talk or bargain while our boat glides slowly through the market mayhem. There are fantastic photo opportunities amidst the huge variety of agricultural bounty on sale here. Farming boats big and small trade seasonal fruits and an array of other goods in a chorus of sights and smells that you won't soon forget. We will take a stroll through the farms and houses of a nearby village. Returning to our car, we make a short drive to the historic ancient house of Binh Thuy. This 130 year-old home has lovely traditional architecture and many of its features are carved from the local and long-lasting ironwood tree. The roof of the house's temple is decorated with lions, fish, and dragons and is well worth a look. The complex has served as a filming location for several movies and is a fine place to wander and lose yourself in the history of the area. We then make the short drive back to Can Tho for a relaxing lunch.

After having lunch, sit back in the car and watch the river scenery as you float by. You arrive in Chau Doc for the night, check-in at your hotel and have the evening at your leisure.

[Day 3] Towards Cambodia
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: N/A

Take a taxi to the pier where you embark on a speed boat for an exciting 4 hour ride to Phnom Penh, where the trip will end. This will be your starting point for discovering Cambodia and the famed temples of Angkor.
Please contact us if we can help organize your tour to Angkor or within Cambodia, or your transfer back to Saigon afterward.

Note: N/A

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

 

Option	1 person	2 persons up	Single Sup
Standard	462	254	29
Superior	502	274	49
Deluxe	709	378	153

 

Included

• Accommodation
• Boat cruises on the 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 (1.5 first day until you leave Can Tho for Chau Doc)
• Speed boat ticket Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
• 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)

ACCOMMODATION CHOICES

Standard
• Can Tho: Kim Lan hotel (ROH)
• Chau Doc: Trung Nguyen hotel (ROH)

Superior
• Can Tho: Ninh Kieu hotel (ROH)
• Chau Doc: Chau Pho hotel (ROH)

Deluxe
• Can Tho: Victoria Can Tho hotel (Superior)
• Chau Doc: Victoria Chau Doc hotel (Superior)