Uniquely MEKONG DELTA river barge cruise 2 days/1 night
Tripcode: VCUMBC2D

This 2-day package river barge trip is unique and offers a glimpse into the agrarian life of the vibrant southern Delta region as we wind our way
through the tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Taste a local cuisine a superb indochine villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. From our private chartered barge, we are able to closely observe the daily rituals of river life and participate in the bustling commercial activities.

Along the way, we will visit an orchard farm, handicraft villages, and a land market with an abundance of colourful fresh fruits and vegetables. We stay overnight in a traditional land house of a local family near the River. You will have the opportunity to observe the lifestyle of Mekong Delta peoples.

CAI BE / PHU AN / DONG HOA HIEP / AN BINH / VINH LONG / SA DEC

DAY 1 : CAI BE - PHU AN - DONG HOA HIEP - AN BINH (L/D)

Pick up at the lobby of your hotel in Saigon, this morning we set off for a drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be, well-known for its floating market.

Your unique excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.30 am. Upon embarkation on your river junk, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels. The cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. We will then proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer.

On the way, stop will be made at some local home factories to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other regional specialties are made.

A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations.

After lunch, your private sampan will cruise deeper to Dong Hoa Hiep and An Binh islands, a peaceful escape where you will be able to discover the rural life style and daily activities of the delta inhabitants such as roofs making with palm tree leaves, a bricks and tiles artisanal factory, net fishing, an ancient Mandarin house dating from late 19th century.

Cruising along Dong Phu canal, we will make a last stop at a fruit orchard
and bonzais plantation near Binh Hoa Phuc islet.

These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people.

Late afternoon, disembarkation and check-in at a traditional charming house built on pillars by the river (Mai Quoc Nam or Muoi Dai).

Rest of the day at leisure in a peaceful and romantic atmospher.

Dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 2 : AN BINH - VINH LONG - SA DEC(B/L/-)

After breakfast, back on board your private sampan for your second day
cruise in the delta.

Crossing the Co Chien river, some of the largest Mekong's arm, we will cruise under the spectacular My Thuan bridge.

A stop will be made at Dinh Tan Hoa, an ancient provincial house built some hundred fifty years ago.

We will proceed the cruise up-stream on the Tien Giang river, another large arm of the Mekong. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the biggest bricks and tiles factory where we will you have an interesting visit.

Back on board, we will cruise to Sa Dec. On both sides of the river, locals
are recolting water jacinths, another famous Mekong delta product used for furnitures and baskets.

We will reach Sa Dec around noon. Lunch will be served on boat while cruising or at a local ancient house in Sa Dec(Nha co).

The town is appearing like a little "venise" with numerous narrow canals, with various kind of activities on the banks.

At around 3pm, you will disembark at Sa Dec local market, one of the biggest of the delta.

An optional visit of Sa Dec charming and peaceful town can be arranged by your own, walking along its narrow streets and beautiful old houses dating from the last century, some old chinese temples, including the primary school of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (see Marguerite Duras novel turned into a famous movie, "The Lover").

Following this, we will rendezvous at 3:30 pm with our vehicle for the drive to the town of My Tho for a short break before our return to HCMC. Tour ends at your hotel in HCMC.

 

Tour price includes:

- All private transportation and transfers
- English and French speaking guide
- 1 night accomodation at local house by the river
- Full board meals as indicated in the itinerary 2 lunches (days 1+2), 1 dinner (day 1), Boat cruise trip
- Fresh cotton towels fresh fruits with hot green tea and mineral water during cruise 1 hour bicycle ride
- Admission fees and permits where applicable

Tour price excludes:

- Pre & Post trip accommodation in Saigon
- Personal expenses
- Tips and Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Beverage