MEKONG DELTA EXPLORATION

( 6 days/ 5 nights)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi- Vinh Long - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Cao Lanh- Xeo Quit - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1:  Arrival - Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis contrasts with its northern counterpart, is crowded with bicycles and motorbikes, enlivened by many shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. (If time permits, we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2 :  Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale! We drive out this afternoon to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American War.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh city - Vinh Long - Can Tho (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Heading out of town we travel by road to Cai Be in Vinh Long Province. On arrival we embark on a boat for a leisurely trip around the tributaries of the Mekong River delta. Our first stop is the vibrant floating market of Cai Be where each boat usually sells one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples, or sugar canes and in order that the customer knows what the boat is selling, the vendor hangs that item from the highest part of the boat. Along the way we also visit the many fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper making, sweet factory, bonsai nurseries. After lunch at an orchard we weave our way through the intricate network of canals which are the arteries of the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long. In this small town we meet our vehicle for a short drive to Can Tho, our final destination.

Overnight in hotel, Can Tho.

Day 4: Can Tho - Chau Doc (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we continue venturing into the Mekong Delta, passing through the many rice fields fringed with palm trees, fruit orchards and canals crammed with boats and rice barges to Chau Doc. This border town is less affected by the flash and glitz of Ho Chi Minh City’s fashionable young people although it is a major hub of trade along the Mekong. A highlight of our visit to this region is an interesting boat trip on the Hau River to a fish breeding farm and a small Muslim community in Cham Village. Upon disembarking we drive to explore the sacred Ba Chua Temple and the nearby sanctuary of Tay An. We complete our day with a walk to the Sam Mountain for a beautiful view of the sunset over the Mekong River Delta.

Overnight in hotel, Chau Doc.

Day 5: Chau Doc-Cao Lanh - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The return trip begins as we depart this border town. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. On arrival in Cao Lanh, we board  a boat  for an exploration of the Xeo Quit Forest which was once a stronghold of the communist troop during the American War. These boundless cajeput forests are criss-crossed by numerous narrow canals surrounded by aquatic grass and plants, tall trees and vines. The cool and humid air mixing with the fragrance of flowers as well as the beautiful song of birds in the quiet environment make for an unforgettable excursion. After the boat trip we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through the charming countryside.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh.  

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Free until time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure flight.

  End of Programme.

INCLUDED :

+Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at the mentioned hotels
+ English speaking guide (other languages possible) 
+ Entrance fee to indicated sights
+ Meals as indicated
+ Boat trip in Vinh Long and Chau Doc 

NOT INCLUDED: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance, international flights, visa fee.

HOTEL LIST FOR VIETNAM PACKAGES