3D2N Mekong Delta through local eyes
Mekong Delta | 3 days 2 nights
Stay with locals and embrace Mekong Delta Culture
Embark on a journey filled with unique local experiences that will immerse you in the vibrant lives of the people in Ben Tre – renowned for its sprawling coconut gardens, and Vinh Long – a serene countryside brimming with traditional handicrafts. Navigate to the intricate system of tributaries of the famous Mekong River. This adventure is punctuated with numerous stops at local families, orchards, and craft workshops. Engage in a variety of activities, from leisurely walks and invigorating cycling to the unique experience of tuk-tuk riding, each leading to a delightful surprise.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by spending two nights with two different local families. This unique opportunity allows for meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of the rich culture and lifestyle of the people in these regions.
What you’ll exeperience
Highlight
Know your journey
Routes & Destination
Places you will explore
Follow the rhythm of river life in the Mekong Delta, where winding canals lead you through peaceful villages, lush orchards, and endless rice fields. Just 70 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, this fertile region is shaped by the mighty Mekong River, locally known as Sông Cửu Long, meaning “River of Nine Dragons.”
Glide along narrow, palm-shaded canals by small boat, cycle through quiet countryside paths, and meet local farmers in villages such as Thuan Dien in Ben Tre. Here, you can meet local farmers, discover their daily routines, and experience the traditions that have shaped generations of life along the river. More than a scenic escape, the Mekong Delta offers a chance to connect with local people and experience the warmth and simplicity of rural southern Vietnam.
ESSENTIAL DETAILS
Travel itinerary
Meals: lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Private room in a homestay in Ben Tre
Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8 AM for a three-day, two-night trip to fully immerse you in the local life of the Mekong Delta. Your first destination is Ben Tre, where you will embark on a small boat and discover the tranquil country in Thuan Dien village—a rural area in the Mekong Delta. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to interact with local peasants, immersing yourself in their daily lives and finding the mythical canals Tai Phu and Cai Tac in the Mekong. This experience will leave you feeling not just like a visitor, but a part of the community.
Next, the boat will continue the journey on the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong River, and take you to the My Long local market. Here, you can feast your eyes on local specialities like aqua products, fish, fruits, and cakes. Afterwards, you’ll continue your journey through the coconut jungles on the Tai Phu Canal and visit a farmer’s house to try coconut jam. This serene and natural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
You will also explore Thuan Dien village by biking or hopping on a tuk-tuk and experience local life by contacting local peasants, riding a rowing boat on the Cai Tac small canal, and having lunch at a local riverside restaurant. You will have adorable pics of this scenery on the trip. Later, you’ll visit a coconut candy mill to see the candy-making process and taste some local honey tea.
Lastly, you’ll visit a traditional brick kiln to see how bricks are made by hand and be guided by a local expert. The boat trip will conclude at Phong Nam pier, where your driver will wait to transfer you to your homestay.
Once you arrive at your homestay, say hello to your host family and join them in preparing dinner if you wish to. Alternatively, you can take this time for a leisurely walk in their lovely garden. Overnight in the homestay.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Homestay in Vinh Long
Wake up and enjoy a serene morning at your homestay. After breakfast, you’ll travel from Ben Tre to Cai Be.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, you’ll embark on a traditional wooden boat, a unique experience that sets the tone for your journey through the Mekong Delta canals. Beginning with a sightseeing tour around the area, the boat then continues to Tan Phong Island, where you will meet local farmers. They will welcome you onto small, hand-prowed sampans to take you deeper into the Mekong countryside along narrow, winding canals. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the cool shade of the water coconut trees. Stop at a local orchard to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and hot tea while listening to traditional folk music.
Next, enjoy a cycling trip along village paths to observe the daily life of the locals: lush orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. Along the way, we can stop to see how dried water hyacinth is used to create various handicrafts, such as baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes. (If you prefer not to cycle, you can opt for a walk; our guide will flexibly shorten the route and include several interesting stops).
Return to the boat to cross the Mekong River to a lush, peaceful islet featuring a beautiful traditional wooden house – this will be your home for the night. Enjoy lunch at the homestay before checking in and relaxing.
In the afternoon, you will cycle (or stroll) around the village to visit local workshops. Here, you can see the traditional process of making rice paper, coconut candy, and crispy puffed rice. Taste these sweet treats along with a cup of hot tea.
Return to the homestay to relax and enjoy a tranquil countryside sunset. If you wish, you can join the host family in the kitchen to help prepare signature Mekong Delta dishes for dinner. Enjoy your meal and stay overnight at the homestay.
Note: Occasionally, there are traditional music performances in the homestay; your host will let you know if a show is happening during your stay.
Meals: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Not any
Prepare to be awakened by the rooster’s crowing, a unique start to your day. Following a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our local hosts and board the boat to visit local brick kilns. Here, you can witness how artisans create beautiful pottery and ceramic products from clay. Our boat will then cruise along a floating fishing village, where we will see how catfish are farmed directly on the Mekong River.
Vibrant floating market in Tet celebrations
The final stop of the boat ride is the bustling Vinh Long market in Vinh Long City. This vibrant hub is a feast for the senses, offering a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and aromas. It’s a great place to capture the essence of local life, with its variety of fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice rats, tropical fruits, and vegetables. Take your time to explore and take pictures, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Our journey continues to Sa Dec, a charming city on the banks of the Sa Giang River—a branch of the Mekong. Sa Dec is home to many ancient architectural works that showcase a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures.
You will visit Phuoc Hung Pagoda—built during the reign of Minh Mang in 1839 by the Minh Huong Chinese community (descendants of Ming Dynasty loyalists). This was the time when the Minh Huong people fled China from the Qing Dynasty to Southern Vietnam under Land reform in the South Vietnam period. You will also visit Kien An Cung (Sa Dec Hokkien Assembly Hall), built in 1924 by the Fujianese community, which clearly demonstrates the cultural exchange between the Chinese and Vietnamese people in the Sa Dec area.
If time permits, we will make an additional stop at the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House. This unique architectural gem blends traditional Vietnamese style with Chinese and French influences. Beyond its stunning design, the house is famous for the real-life romance between Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and the renowned French novelist Marguerite Duras.
Our tour concludes at the end of the afternoon in Saigon, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories
Price per person based on a private group of
This tour is designed for private group operation so the price per person varies by group size. Select the number of guests to calculate your price directly on our website.
A deposit is required to confirm your reservations at the time of booking. Book online to pay either a deposit or the full tour price.
| Group Size | Price per Pax |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 23,365,157 vnd (899 $) |
| 2 people | 13,191,777 vnd (507 $) |
| 4 people | 8,482,731 vnd (326 $) |
| 6 people | 6,896,321 vnd (265 $) |
| 8 people | 5,903,741 vnd (265 $) |
- Single Supplement: 1,317,600 vnd ($ 51)
For overnight stays, the standard arrangement is 2 guests/room. For odd-numbered groups (1, 3, 5, or 7 guests), an extra single supplement will apply.
Read more about our payment & cancellation policy
Surcharge for holidays or discount for larger group is available.
Please contact our travel consultants at:
Excluded
- Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city
- Beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses.
- Camera fees (if any)
- Insurance
- Surcharge in peak season (Christmas, New Year & Lunar New Year)
To bring
