MEKONG DELTA – LUXURY BEN TRE CRUISE & LOCAL LIFE 2D1N
The Mekong Delta, known to many as Vietnam’s “Heartland,” has always been an incredible draw to tourists as it celebrates the modest beginnings of the country. Beyond the picturesque natural beauty of the area, its warm and friendly local people paint a true portrait of happiness, hard work and community that is lacking in many parts of the world today.
DAY 1
Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre
At 8.00am we depart for a 1.5-hour drive from Saigon to Ben Tre, one of the country’s southern provinces, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Take in the highway as you leave behind the busy city. Pass Rach Mieu bridge before reaching Huu Dinh hamlet. Get on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi) ride to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads.
Arrive at the waterfront where we board our charming cruise for a glimpse at the Delta scenery while enjoying some fresh coconut juice. The first stop we make is to visit coconut processing. We return to your cruise and make our next stop at a brick making shop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. A bicycle trip will take you around Phong Nam village, around 4km, through gardens with a stop at a rice noodles factory, “hu tieu”, one of most popular breakfast dishes in the region. Walk about 3 minutes to visit Mrs. Huong’s home. Her family lives on fishing, shrimp and farming.
Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before taking the rowing sampan; be paddled by a personalised rowing trip to discover the maze of small canals.
We row you back to your cruise boat and head to the restaurant where you can enjoy a 5-course lunch and freshen up before we switch to bicycles for a 500m ride (about 4 minutes, or 7-10 minutes walk) through village roads, passing green gardens and local houses. We stop at another local house, of Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh.
Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper, which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife, and see how it is made.
We return to your lovely accommodation, perhaps it is time to enjoy the swimming pool or relax at one of the nice sitting areas. Dinner will be served later in the evening.
Transportation: Private A/C transportation and cruise
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Guide: English speaking tour guide
Accommodation: Double room at the riverside resort
DAY 2
Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, take a boat trip 30 minutes then get off the boat to ride the bicycle to a local market of My Long, stroll around the market, then continue the cycling tour to Phong Nam village stop for a Cao Dai religious temple visit, after that we will cycle back to the resort for a wonderful 5-course lunch.
After lunch it is time to check-out and your driver will transfer you back to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City where the tour ends.
Transportation: Cruise, cycling and private A/C transportation
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Guide: English speaking tour guide
Accommodation: N/A
- Sightseeing as programmed
- Luxury cruise
- Return, private transfer from and back to Ho Chi Minh City
- Superior double room at the riverside resort with swimming pool
- All entry fees and other fares like boat trips
- Meals as indicated in the program
- English speaking guide
- Beverages and personal expenses
- All services and items not mentioned specifically in the list above
- Booking voucher from us
- Cash for personal expense
Specific food requests
Please let us know if you have specific eating restrictions, allergic for certain things or if you are vegetarian, we can take that into account during the trips.
Useful information
Especially for the north and central Vietnam;
In the period between November and April, the weather is variable, from sunny to cold and rainy. It is advisable during this period to bring some rain gear with some warmer clothes. In the period from April to November, it is good to pack a hat with a wide brim, sunscreen (at least SPF15) and a reliable insect repellent. A thin rain poncho is useful all year round.
The south of Vietnam is generally a lot warmer all year round, so warm clothing is not really necessary.
Get Up And Go Vietnam does everything to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we have no control over weather conditions. Our apologies for that!
What do I need to know?
During the period March to November it will good to pack your swimming gear, a towel, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen (at least SPF15), a reliable insect repellent, toiletries, a camera and lots of batteries. Warm clothing for the cooler months of November to March is advised. How much luggage can I take? Your vehicle has limited space so please keep your luggage to a maximum of 15kgs in a backpack or soft over-night bag and include a small day pack to hand carry for easy access to camera, sunscreen, water etc. Inhibitions can be left in the luggage storage rooms at your hotel with your other unwanted baggage.
Get Up and Go Vietnam is doing all possible to make your journey and travel experience an unforgettable one. Weather conditions, we unfortunately cannot control. Our apologies for that!
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