DAY 1: HO CHI MINH – CAI BE – PHU AN – DONG HOA HIEP – VINH LONG – SA DEC
At 08:00, we will be met at the lobby of our hotel in Saigon. We transfer to Cai Be; embark the Song Xanh sampan hotel, welcome by friendly crew and fresh cotton towels. After our installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Leaving Cai Be market we will visit an ancient mandarin house dating from 1890 where we will be welcomed by the owner. Further, another stop at some local home factories will allow us to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made.
Next stop is Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. A delicious lunch will await for us at “Le Longanier”, a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, our sampan will proceed to Sa Dec cruising 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 remaining unknown to many people.
We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… We will 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 artisanal bricks and tiles factory where we will have an interesting visit.
Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. We will disembark for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses, Chinese temples and Vietnamese Dinh are dating from the last century…
We will also visit the local market and the Trung Vuong primary school where well known writer Marguerite Duras spent her childhood (see her famous novel turned into the movie “The Lover”). Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a delicious dinner, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere. First night on the Mekong River…Overnight on board “Song Xanh” Sampan.
DAY 2: SA DEC – LONG XUYEN – CHO MOI
The breakfast will be served on board at 07am. The Sampan will slowly leave Sa Dec and proceed the cruise upstream the river to Long Xuyen, a peaceful provincial town located on the Mekong’s banks. We will pass by several luxuriant islands, crossing countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fishes, showing an intense activity on the river. Approaching Long Xuyen, our lunch will be served on board.
Later, we will have a quick tour of Long Xuyen typical center before cruising further to “Cu Lao Ong Ho” (The Tiger Island) for a visit at Ton Duc Thang museum, second president of Vietnam… And then, we will proceed upstream on the Mekong River to Chau Doc. Some stops on the banks will be possible for cycling tours to discover deeper the inhabitants’ life style.
Our dinner will be served at an ancient house that located by the river in the suburbs of Cho Moi. We will have chance to share experiences with family members and learn about traditional Southern Vietnam lifestyle, one of the highlights of our journey on the Mekong which should not be forgotten! Back on board our private sampan for our second night on the river. Overnight on board “Song Xanh” Sampan.
DAY 3: CHO MOI – CHAU DOC – HO CHI MINH
Early morning, our breakfast will be served on board while we will be cruising to Chau Doc. We will cruise on a little arm of the Mekong where several traditional activities can be observed on the banks (artisan boat factories, bamboo baskets making, palm leaves cutting, net fishing), as well as old Vietnamese temples dating from late 19th century.
We will reach Chau Doc late in the morning. Located on the upper Mekong Delta, the town is 280 km south-west of Saigon on to the Cambodian border. With such proximity the local population is an eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese sharing different cultures and historical richness. At around 11am, you will disembark at Chau Doc main city pier; our awaiting vehicle will transfer us back to Saigon. End of services.
Noted: Trip could be finished in Chau Doc on requested.
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
