South Vietnam : Down The Mythical Mekong

The Mekong River is one of the world’s great rivers. Covering a distance of nearly 5,000 km from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China to the Mekong Delta, the river flows through six countries, passing through Southern  Vietnam before exiting to  the South China sea.

The Mekong crosses the border at Đồng Tháp province, where it is known as Tiền Giang. It flows through Long Xuyên, Sa Đéc and Vinh Long and then splits into four distributaries before exiting to the South China Sea. The Bassac, which flows south, enters Vietnam at Châu Đốc, where it becomes known as the Sông Hậu or Hậu Giang and passes through the major delta city of Cần Thơ. It disperses into three distributaries before exiting to the sea in Sóc Trăng. In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is known as the ‘Nine Dragon River Delta’; the name is derived from the nine major channels.

LIFE ON THE RIVER  2 DAYS/1 NIGHT (PRIVATE SAMPAN)

Admire the rustic riverscapes and enjoy unique sightseeing experiences cruising among …

Highlights Include

• Explore how life is lived along the river.
• Visit a Coconut candy & puffed rice factory.
• Visit a clay pot factory and Cao Dai temple.
• Boat around a bustling floating market.
• Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities.

Day 1. Cai Be – Binh Minh – Tan Quoi

Meet us at your hotel at 8:00 am and transfer to Cai Be by road. Begin cruising from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am.

From the sampan, observe life as it plays out on shore – people going about their daily activities set against mesmerising backdrops. En route to Binh Minh, we will stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including the making of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn) including a visit to an ancient house in Dong Hoa Hiep village.

Continue by sampan and observe the life on the shore, the people, and the stunning landscapes from your boat. We will then cross the Co Chien River passing by quaint villages to visit a clay pot factory. Lunch is served on board while cruising towards Binh Minh along a narrow canal teeming with life. Observe the endless boat traffic and the quiet but constant activity along the banks. Enjoy shore excursions to gain insight into how the local people make a living, and stop for a visit to a Cao Dai temple.

Back to your sampan and enjoy the sunset boat while the sampan continues its way towards the Hau River. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2. Tan Quoi – Cai Rang – Can Tho

Wake up early at 6:00 am for a visit to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the hustle and bustle of the morning market as traders offer their wares on the waterway vying for attention from potential punters. Breakfast is served on board while the sampan  navigates towards the market among local barges loaded down with fruits and vegetables from the Delta, making for some stunning photos.

Continue cruising towards shore and disembark at the hotel’s private jetty.

*Note: Actual itinerary may vary depending upon river tides, arrival time or other

THROUGH THE DELTA TO THE SEA 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS ( PRIVATE SAMPAN) :  CAI BE – RACH GIA

Cruise through mesmerizing riverscapes, visiting lush river islets and the historic town of Sa Dec, featuring Chinese, Khmer and French-Indochina influences.

Highlights Include

• Travel through the Delta by river to Rach Gia, gateway to Phu Quoc
• Discover historic Sa Dec
• Explore areas rarely visited by tourists
• Unique photo opportunities

Day 1 Cai Be – Sa Dec

Pick up at your hotel at 8:00 am and transfer to Cai Be by road. Your trip starts from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am. Start with a bicycle ride to better explore this wonderfully rural area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.

After lunch, board the sampan for a leisurely boat on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta, with stops along the way to visit local cottage industries that utilize products from the Delta like rice and coconuts.

Before arriving in Sa Dec, stop to visit a traditional brick factory where everything is made by hand. Arriving in Sa Dec, step ashore and take a stroll to a lively outdoor market. Visit the Kien An Cung, ancient Chinese architecture has played an important part in the Chinese community in Dong Thap for nearly a hundred years.

Dinner is served onboard. Enjoy your night on board your sampan as it moors on the Mekong River.

Day 2. Sa Dec – Long Xuyen – Rach Gia

Breakfast is served on board as you boat towards Long Xuyen along narrow canals past several rustic monkey bridges and pristine countryside scenes.

After enjoying lunch on board, arrive at Long Xuyen to visit Tiger Island, birthplace of Vietnam’s second president. Return to the sampan for dinner and resume your boat towards Rach Gia. Enjoy your second night on board.

Day 3. Rach Gia

Arrive in Rach Gia at around 7:00 am, the capital of Kien Giang Province, located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Breakfast is served on board before disembarkation.

Including

Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle  with driver

Accommodation  as mentioned in programme

(on twin shared room basic)

Experienced English/French speaking guide

All entrance fee to indicated sights

Meals  as indicated in programme (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

Cruise trip/private sampan   as mentioned in programme

Cycling  as mentioned in prorgramme

Gift souvernir from Ideal travel Asia

Mineral water/cold tissue during the tour

Excluding

Meals not mentioned in programme

Single suppement

Gratitude to driver/guide

All drinks

All International & domestic flights

International airport tax

Travel insurance  – personal expenses

Anything not mentioned in Inclusion