DAY 1 HO CHI MINH – CAI BE – SA DEC – CAN THO
In the morning, we will be met at the lobby of the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), then transfer to Cai Be town. On the way we will have a rest time at Rest Stop, far from Saigon around 70km, where we can relax, take some tea or walk around the impressive natural landscape with village lotus pond, “Monkey Bridge”, old house…. It is a complex system of a restaurant chain, shopping area…
Arriving in the pier at around 10AM, we embark on our sampan, and are welcomed by our friendly crew. After installation, the cruise begins with the visit of some local home factories where we can observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will then proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables.
The sampan will take direction of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruising upstream on the Tien Giang River, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people.
We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations…; and disembark to take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Further on the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisan bricks and tiles workshops where we will have an interesting visit.
Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. We will disembark at the local market place for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous.
Our lunch will await us at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, the “Lover” of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (See her novel and adapted movie “The Lover”). Back on board our sampan, we then enjoy cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages. There are also some stops on the banks (if possible) to establish contacts with the local population. A visit will be done at a Cao Dai temple.
Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co – Ancient House” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere. After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place. Our bed will be ready for our night on the Mekong river.
DAY 2 CAI RANG – CAN THO – HO CHI MINH
At around 06am, our sampan will slowly start cruising. The breakfast will be served on board at 07am while approaching Cai Rang floating market actually is the largest in the whole Mekong delta. Joining with local people with countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river. Goodbye the floating market, the cruise will stop at Ninh Kieu pier. We will transfer to Saigon by our private vehicle. Drop off at hotel. Cruise trip ends.
Children policy:
Under 6 years old: FOC
Between 6 – 11 years old: 50%
From 12 years old: charged as adult
Notes:
The cruise program can be reversed starting from Can Tho
Ending in Cai Be
