Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City

Your Independent Experience starts today in Ho Chi Minh City with an arrival transfer. Meet your guide at your accommodation and get some tips on how to spend your first day exploring – as well as some recommendations for where to go for dinner.

Day 2 - Starting: Mekong Delta Homestay & Finishing: Mekong Delta Homestay

Travel south to the Mekong Delta today. Along the way you will stop to see the various local industries at work. A highlight of the day is cruising in a boat around the small canals in the Mytho region. This gives you a close-up look at local life. Then you will change boats and be paddled into a traditional wooden sampan through the small canals. In the afternoon, return to the motorboat for a visit to a bonsai garden, a nursery and a pottery workshop. Arrive on an island near Vinh Long, where you will stay overnight in a local homestay – a small house situated on the waterways that's surrounded by fruit gardens. The facilities here are basic, and you will sleep in a large communal room, but the experience is unique in that it allows you to live, for one night, the way the local people do. All bedding is provided, including mosquito nets. While you're here, you'll have the chance to ride a bicycle around the island to take in some local spots. Alternatively, relax in a hammock and bask in the local way of life. Dinner tonight will be prepared by a local family – watch out for the rice wine! Notes: The pottery workshop is closed on weekends.

Day 3 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City

There are several interesting walks to enjoy in the villages surrounding your villa. A trip to Vinh Long enables you to explore the lively floating markets at Cai Be, which is also a base for the local boat-building industry. Afterwards, make your way back to Ho Chi Minh City by boat and by road via Cai Be.

Day 4 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City

Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City as your trip comes to an end. A transfer to the airport or train station is included. For those staying longer, additional accommodation is available.

More Information

From milk apples and mangoes to durians and rambutans, the exotic fruits of the Mekong Delta are many. Some 60,000 hectares of the delta’s lush farmlands are dedicated to a dozen or so specialty fruits, and, under a recent plan, this area is set to expand to 185,000 hectares by 2020. 

Highlights

• Cai Be floating market and the longtail boats of the Mekong
• The bustling streets and cyclos of Saigon

Included

– The services of expert English-speaking local guide.- Return transport: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta (with a stop to see local industries).- Boat cruise around small canals in the Mytho region.- Overnight villa homestay on an island on the Mekong Delta. Accommodation in a large communal room with beds (all bedding provided including mosquito nets). Dinner cooked by a local family and opportunities for a bike ride and a walk in the surrounding village.- Trip to floating markets at Cai Be.- Arrival & departure transfer.

Additional Accommodation

Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation – ask us or your travel agent.

Day 1 Accommodation

Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 nights)

Day 2 Included Activities

• Mekong Delta - Guided tour

Day 2 Accommodation

Local island village homestay or similar (1 nights)

Day 3 Accommodation

Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 nights)

Included Meals

Breakfast: 3

Lunch: 1

Dinner: 1