Mekong with locals - 3 days 2 nights

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Tour Type

City Break

Group Size

6 Persons

Tour Guide

1 English-speaking tour guide

Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam

Mekong with locals – 3 days 2 nights

Embark on a journey filled with unique local experiences that will immerse you in the vibrant lives of the people in Ben Tre – renowned for its sprawling coconut gardens, and Vinh Long – a serene countryside brimming with traditional handicrafts. Navigate to the intricate system of tributaries of the famous Mekong River. This adventure is punctuated with numerous stops at local families, orchards, and craft workshops. Engage in a variety of activities, from leisurely walks and invigorating cycling to the unique experience of tuk-tuk riding, each leading to a delightful surprise.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by spending two nights with two different local families. This unique opportunity allows for meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of the rich culture and lifestyle of the people in these regions.

Highlight

Exploring Ben Tre’s renowned sprawling coconut gardens;
Immerse Yourself in serene countryside in Vinh Long;
Meet and interact with smiling local people;
Cruise along the Mekong’s maze of canals to experience the lush and lively culture;
Staying in a real homestay – a chance for a cultural exchange with local people;
Diverse activities and experiences, each leading to a delightful surprise.

boat trip on the Mekong river — Boat trip on the Mekong river

Destination	Mekong Delta
Included	Transfer service in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver Services of an English-speaking guide / French-speaking guide Boat cruises, sampan rides, and bicycle rides as mentioned in the program 01-night stay in a homestay in Ben Tre and 01-night stay in a homestay in Vinh Long, in a private double room for 2 people. Meals as indicated in the itinerary Coconut drink and fruits on the boat All the activities mentioned in the itinerary All entrance fee
Excluded	Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city Beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses. Camera fees (if any) Insurance VAT and other taxes Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)
Travel by car & boat

Price per person based on a private group of

1 pax

2 pax

3 pax

4 pax

5 pax

6 pax

VND 16,435,000

($ US 657.36)

VND 9,860,000

($ US 394.25)

VND 8,030,000

($ US 321.25)

VND 6,680,000

($ US 267.25)

VND 5,885,000

($ US 235.45)

VND 5,525,000

($ US 221.02)

Single supplement: VND 780,000 /person

Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at:

lam@dcttravel.vn or send us inquiry through the contact form

Details

Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8 AM for a three-day, two-night trip to fully immerse you in the local life of the Mekong Delta. Your first destination is Ben Tre, where you will embark on a small boat and discover the tranquil country in Thuan Dien village—a rural area in the Mekong Delta. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to interact with local peasants, immersing yourself in their daily lives and finding the mythical canals Tai Phu and Cai Tac in the Mekong. This experience will leave you feeling not just like a visitor, but a part of the community.

Next, the boat will continue the journey on the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong River, and take you to the My Long local market. Here, you can feast your eyes on local specialities like aqua products, fish, fruits, and cakes. Afterwards, you'll continue your journey through the coconut jungles on the Tai Phu Canal and visit a farmer's house to try coconut jam. This serene and natural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. You will also explore Thuan Dien village by biking or hopping on a tuk-tuk and experience local life by contacting local peasants, riding a rowing boat on the Cai Tac small canal, and having lunch at a local riverside restaurant. You will have adorable pics of this scenery on the trip. Later, you'll visit a coconut candy mill to see the candy-making process and taste some local honey tea.

Lastly, you'll visit a traditional brick kiln to see how bricks are made by hand and be guided by a local expert. The boat trip will conclude at Phong Nam pier, where your driver will wait to transfer you to your homestay. Once you arrive at your homestay, say hello to your host family and join them in preparing dinner if you wish to. Alternatively, you can take this time for a leisurely walk in their lovely garden. Overnight in the homestay.

Wake up and enjoy a serene morning at your homestay. After breakfast, you'll travel from Ben Tre to Cai Be. It's best to start the day early to experience the lively atmosphere of the market. Then, you'll go on a traditional wooden boat trip and make a quick visit to the Cai Be floating market.

Next, the boat will take you to Tân Phong island where you will cycle or walk on village paths, and visit orchards, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses to witness local life. Along the way, we may stop to see how the locals weave dried water hyacinth into products like baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes. We'll also visit a local garden to enjoy tea while listening to traditional music.

Following that, a boat will take you through smaller canals deeper into the countryside for a peaceful and relaxing experience. Lunch will be served on the boat, allowing you to savor local specialties while taking in the scenic countryside along the riverbanks. In the early afternoon, the boat will stop at a green island where your homestay is located not far from the wharf. Upon arrival, check into your homestay and meet your host, who is looking forward to welcoming you. You can then relax in the garden or go on a biking trip around the village. Finally, enjoy dinner and spend the night at the homestay.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Homestay in Vinh Long Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a peaceful morning walk through the village. Then, head back to the boat and sail towards Vinh Long. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit local families and see how they make rice paper, coconut candy, pop rice, and other tasty sweets. You can also try these local treats with a cup of hot tea for an authentic experience.

Next, we'll stop at a pottery workshop where you can watch local artisans make beautiful pottery from clay. As we continue along the floating village, you'll get a peek at the unique farming methods for catfish on the Mekong River. Our adventure ends at the lively Vinh Long market, which is bustling with activity. This market is a great place for photography enthusiasts, with a variety of subjects including fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, and vegetables. The cruise finishes in Vinh Long City around 10 am, and your car will be ready to take you back to Saigon.

But the journey isn't over yet. You'll also visit the lovely Sa Dec flower village. While walking along the riversides, you can stop and chat with the locals and learn about the peaceful lifestyle in the Southern flower and ornamental garden. For those who enjoy literature, you'll visit the old school of the famous writer and the ancestral home of her lover's family, which fans of the novel "L'amant" (The Lover) by Marguerite Duras will recognize. Finally, you'll return to Saigon, and the trip is expected to end at 5 pm.