3-Day Adventure in HCMC - Mekong Delta

3-Day Adventure in HCMC - Mekong Delta

While Ho Chi Minh City certainly dominates Southern Vietnam, there is so much more to see and do besides the exciting metropolis. On this 3 day tour of the region we’ll take you to all the “must see’s” and introduce you to the stunning variety and diversity of the country. From walking the streets of Saigon, to crawling through the claustrophobic tunnels of Cu Chi and relaxing on the peaceful waters of the Mekong Delta, this tour will appeal to travellers of any inclination.

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1: Cu Chi Tunnels – HCM city tour (L)

Stop At: Cu Chi Tunnels, Phu Hiep TL15 Phu Hiep, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
After breakfast at hotel, we’ll start our journey in Vietnam by heading over to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This amazing network of underground tunnels was used by the Viet Cong and Viet Minh during the Vietnam War, and makes up a veritable underground city, running for a total length of more than 250 kilometres. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels, as well as fire several guns used during the conflict at the firing range (not included as part of this tour, participate at own risk). There will also be a guided tour of the ingenious yet macabre traps used to great effect during the war.

Lunch at local restaurant in Cu Chi consisting of rice tapioca and hot tea, the staple of the diet in the tunnels, before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 13:00.

This afternoon, our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. We’ll start with the Reunification Palace, a beautifully preserved structure which served as the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, and on April 30th, 1975, was the site of the official end of the American War. Next is the War Remnants Museum. In this amazing yet heart-wrenching museum you’ll get to see various exhibits relating to the American period of the Vietnam War.

Afterwards its time for more colonial architecture, with a visit to The Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1880 and resembling its bigger brother in Paris, and the Old Post Office, completed in 1891, which serves as one of the best examples of French colonial architecture. For something more ancient, we pay a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, built in a Chinese style and decorated with bright motifs.

Our last stop will be at Ben Thanh Market (occasionally replaced with Tan Dinh Market) where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Spend some time discover local life and culture and you’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, and most convivial people in the city here.

We’ll return your hotel around 18:00 and the rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel in HCMC

Day 2: Day 2: Mekong Delta – Mekong Eyes Cruise (B/L/D)

Stop At: Cai Be Floating Market, Cai Be Vietnam
Our activities on the second day depends on the precise date, with tours starting in Cai Be on even dates and in Can Tho on odd dates. The only difference in the options is starting an hour earlier for your drive to Can Tho compared to Cai Be, and the direction that you travel in.

Option 1: Can Tho – Cai Be (odd dates)

You’ll be picked up at the hotel (district 1 and parts of district 3) between 07:00 and 07:30 (only included for those pax using the shuttle service) and drive to the cruise vessel where we’ll board and check in at 11:30.

We’ll enjoy a panoramic cruise along the peaceful river, enjoying lunch on-board around 13:00 and then set out on a guided land excursion at 16:00 where we walk among orchards and small villages. At 17:30 we return to the boat for refreshments and sunset-gazing on the top deck, before having dinner at 19:00 and overnighting on-board.

Option 2: Cai Be – Can Tho (even dates)

You’ll be picked up at the hotel (district 1 and parts of district 3) between 08:00 and 08:30 (only included for those pax using the shuttle service) and drive to the cruise vessel where we’ll board and check in at 11:30.

We’ll enjoy a panoramic cruise along the peaceful river, enjoying lunch on-board around 13:00 and then set out on a guided land excursion at 16:00 where we walk among orchards and small villages. At 17:30 we return to the boat for refreshments and sunset-gazing on the top deck, before having dinner at 19:00 and overnighting on-board.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: On cruise in Mekong Delta

Day 3: Day 3: Mekong Delta – Mekong Eyes cruise - HCMC (B/L)

Stop At: Cai Rang Floating Market, 46 Hai Ba Trung Near Cai Rang Bridge, Can Tho 900000 Vietnam
Like on the previous day, tours start in Cai Be on even dates and in Can Tho on odd dates.

Option 1: Can Tho – Cai Be (odd dates)

Rise early (06:30) to enjoy the sunrise and early morning views from the cruise, with morning tea served as you float on the mighty river. At 8am you’ll check out of your cabin and go on an excursion in a small sampan boat, exploring the small canals of Tan Phong Islet and visiting a coconut candy producing family.

At 10am we get on our bicycles (or walk for those who don’t want a bicycle) and ride on back roads in a small village situated amongst the Mekong Canals, before transfer back to Saigon at 11am. On the way back to the city we’ll stop for lunch at a rest stop around noon, and we’ll you off at your hotel in the city around 15:30. As this is the end of our journey it’s time to say your farewells and continue with your onward travel plans.

06.30: Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board

08.00: Check-out of cabin. Excursion on rowing sampan, exploring small canals of Tan Phong islet, coconut candy producing family.

10.00: Bicycle ride on back roads or walk in a small village along the Mekong Canals

11.00: Departure of shuttle to Saigon / end of tour

12.00: Lunch in Mekong Rest Stop (only included for those pax using the shuttle service).

~ 15.30: Arrival in Saigon

Option 2: Cai Be – Can Tho (even dates)

Rise early (06:30) to enjoy the sunrise and early morning views from the cruise, with morning tea served as you float on the mighty river. At 8am you’ll check out of your cabin and go on an excursion in a small sampan boat, visiting the local floating market of Cai Rang and a workshop for noodle production run by a local family.

At 11:30 we transfer back to Saigon, stopping n the way back for lunch in Vinh Long City (only included for those pax using the shuttle service) around 12:30, and we’ll you off at your hotel in the city around 16:30. As this is the end of our journey it’s time to say your farewells and continue with your onward travel plans.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.