Extended Mekong Delta
Day 1 – Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho (Lunch: Home-hosted lunch in Ben Tre )
By vehicle from Saigon (city) to Ben Tre
Pedal and Paddle in Ben Tre
Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre. A journey of about two and a half hours will bring you to a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. The industrious local residents have found many other uses for the humble coconut, including turning them into household items and cosmetics. Hop on a bike for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you’re feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands. Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorised boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made.
By vehicle from Ben Tre to Can Tho
– Overnight in Can ThoDay
2 – Can Tho – Chau Doc (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat to Cai Rang Floating Market (Visit before 8.00am, tour with the early morning start)
07.00: From Ninh Kieu wharf, a boat carrying you along the River Can Tho. During the tour you will have the chance to see the nature of the Mekong delta. At Floating market, you’ll feel the excitement through sounds, water brandishing paddle, the laughter of the buyers and sellers to make up the bustling scene of Cai Rang floating market. Many local products are sold here and in particular a large variety of fruits, some of which you might have never seen before. You’ll learn that boats identify what they are selling by hanging a sample off the top of a long pole. Returning Ninh Kieu Wharf. End Tour at 10am.
By vehicle from Can Tho to Chau Doc
Sightseeing in Chau Doc
Visit Lady Chua Xu Pagoda
The Lady Chua Xu Pagoda is an early 19th century pagoda that sits at the base of Sam Mountain, and is famous for the legend of Lady Chua Xu’s statue. Local legend has it that the statue originally stood at the mountain peak. When Siamese soldiers attempted to steal the statue, it grew heavier and heavier until they were unable to carry it further
at that point, the pagoda was built.
Visit Tay An Pagoda
The Tay An Pagoda has a complex of architectural structures built within the premises of the pagoda which work in harmony with its natural surroundings. The present construction is a blend of Oriental and Indian styles. The pagoda houses 200 statues made of precious wood.
Visit temple of Thoai Ngoc Hau
– Overnight in Chau DocDay
3 – Chau Doc (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Tra Su forest with a boat trip [Half day]
Depart from Chau Doc to Tra Su Forest located 25km northeast of the Mekong River. The forest is gaining an international reputation as an attractive destination for ecological and scientific research tours in the Mekong Delta. It is home to 70-80 bird species and 11 other animal species. The flora is equally abundant with 140 species. Take first a motorboat to access the mangrove and then embark for a ride on a rowing little boat. Back on land, climb the bird watching tower for a great view point on the bird sanctuary.
By vehicle from Chau Doc to Saigon (city)
