Rural Mekong Delta and Floating Markets
Cost USD per person
Group 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6+ pax
Adults $420 $225 $210 $190 $170 $160
Children 6-11 years N/A $168 $157 $142 $127 $120
Children 3-5 years N/A $112 $105 $95 $85 $80
Children under 3 Free of charge
TOUR INFORMATION
Immerse yourselves in the timeless rural and riverside life of the Mekong Delta as we journey through this remarkable region by a variety of boats, bicycles, and cars. As we navigate the winding waterways and lush landscapes, you’ll have the chance to observe the daily rhythm of local life. Visit the iconic floating markets of Cai Rang and Phong Dien, where you can witness firsthand the unique traditions of trade that have thrived for centuries, with boats exchanging fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies. Along the way, you’ll encounter the bustling activity of riverside communities—watching fishermen casting their nets, farmers tending to their orchards, and locals going about their everyday tasks. From the vibrant markets to the quiet, serene canals, every moment will reveal a new aspect of life in this water-bound region. Prepare to be amazed by the harmony between the people and their environment, as you witness a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
What’s Included
- Accommodation as specified, based on twin/double share room
- Modern air-conditioned private vehicle
- Meals as specified: (B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner)
- Private boat trips and sampan cruises in Ben Tre and the floating markets
- All entrance fees for specified stops
- Bike ride to visit local villages
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day
What’s Not Included
- Drinks, meals and any other incurred expenses, that are not mentioned above
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratitude
Support: +84 912345678
Email: info@detourasia.com
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY BY DAY
DAY 1: SAIGON – BEN TRE – CAN THO (-/L/-)
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Morning:
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Depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:30 AM to explore the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl of Vietnam.”
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After about two hours of driving, you’ll reach Ben Tre, where you’ll take a boat ride along the Mekong River.
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Visit brick kilns to see the handmade brick-making process, a traditional craft in the region due to the abundant local resources like clay, rice husk, and charcoal.
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Midday:
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Continue your boat ride through green canals and enjoy the tranquil rural atmosphere. You’ll witness local life with activities such as coconut production, fishing, and farming.
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Stop to learn how coconut candy (a local favorite) and banana candy are made, which originated in Ben Tre.
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Visit the villages of Cai Sơn and Nhơn Thạnh creeks, famous for their long-standing sedge mat-making craft. These mats are widely used in Vietnam for sleeping.
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Afternoon:
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Experience local transportation by taking a bike or “xe lôi” (motorized cart) to cross rice fields and vegetable plantations.
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Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or homestay, featuring local specialties like elephant-ear fish and river shrimp.
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After lunch, enjoy a rowing boat ride along the water-coconut creek before transferring back to the larger boat to return to the starting point.
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Then, you’ll head to Can Tho, check in at Hau Giang Hotel, a 3-star hotel with a river view.
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Note: For a more luxurious option, you can opt for the Victoria Can Tho Resort, which is available for an additional cost.
Coconut Boat in Mekong Delta
DAY 2: FLOATING MARKETS – SAIGON (B/L/-)
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Early Morning:
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Rise early (5:30 AM) to visit Phong Dien district, where you’ll take an arrow-boat ride through the Phong Dien and Cai Rang floating markets. These markets are famous for their vibrant, centuries-old trading activities on boats.
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Enjoy coffee from a local coffee boat as you observe the daily exchanges between boat vendors.
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Midday:
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After visiting Phong Dien, continue through the Mekong’s beautiful green channels to Cai Rang floating market, which offers a picture-perfect scene of floating traders.
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Afterward, head back to the hotel for a late breakfast and check out.
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Afternoon:
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At 11:00 AM, begin your journey back to Saigon, stopping at Cai Lay town to visit a local Cao Dai Temple. If timed right, you’ll get to witness its colorful Noon Ceremony.
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Stop for lunch at a restaurant serving authentic local dishes before continuing the drive back to Saigon.
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Arrive at your hotel in Saigon around 4:30 PM, marking the end of your tour.
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TOUR NOTES
Note: we only run private and customizable tours
Support: +84 912345678
Email: info@detourasia.com
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TOUR REVIEWS
Customer reviews
Speak to a trip specialist on +84 912345678, Or, fill out the form and we reply within 12 hours.
Mekong Delta and floating markets
We had only limited time in Ho Chi Minh and wanted to see the floating markets. We came across Detoured Asia website and we couldn’t have found a more interesting tour. Joseph arranged everything, from pick-up to drop-off, nothing else to pay; the trip included private car, breakfast, boat to the floating markets, noodle factory, botanical fruit farm with tasting and lunch on the way back. It was absolutely enjoyable and on the way back we found out that Joseph organised everything from day tours, to cooking classes in Vietnamese homes and motorbike tours. This is their webpage Detoured Asia to book your Vietnam experiences.
Peter and Ashley (Australia and Germany)
Mekong Delta Rustic Experience
We travelled with Huy for a great two day trip to the Mekong area. The floating market was amazing. We enjoyed the village bike ride excursion as well and had lovely local kids join us for the whole ride which would not have happened if we had taken the scooter option. Huy has great English and a good grasp of history and politics in Vietnam. We had many questions and enjoyed chatting in what is a fair bit of driving along busy bumpy roads where the horn is used a lot to clear a path through the scooters. Average speed was about 50 km per hour so the trip times are longer than you might think just looking at the distances.
It is well worth two days rather than a day trip. We missed the tunnels to focus on Mekong and will do the DMZ in Hue. The hotel in Can Tho that Detoured Asia booked us in was more 3 star than 4 and our 14 year old slept on a very small collapsible cot. Otherwise it was clean and quiet. The highlight is rising with the sun and being on the Mekong to see the markets and feel the pulse of trading. Huy was able to give a good history of this and many other things and was a great guide and attentive host.