5 days The Depth of South Vietnam 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Ben Tre, Cho Lach, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

The Mekong Delta, with its meandering waterways and flourishing daily life, is a place not to be missed. River banks are laden with coconut palms, rice fields, orchards and stilted houses. The water is teeming with boats of all shapes and sizes and the Mekong comes alive as you navigate past fishing boats, cargo vessels and even floating houses.

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Can Tho

Departing from your hotel between 7:45 am and 8:00 am, we embark on a picturesque drive to Vinh Long, where our Mekong Delta adventure begins. Upon arrival, we'll board our boats to float along Mekong River past coconut palms, rice fields, orchards, and stilted houses paint a picturesque scenery.

As we navigate along the Mekong, we'll witness the river life, pass by fishing boats, cargo vessels, and charming floating houses. Our journey includes visits to various cottage industries, and fragrant fruit orchards. At day's end, we'll retire to a comfortable hotel in Can Tho for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 2 Can Tho - The Floating Market of Cai Rang - Ben Tre

This morning, our journey continues with a scenic boat ride to explore the verdant tributaries of the Mekong River, leading us to the floating village of Cai Rang. Here, we'll gain insights into the unique way of life in the delta. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a drive to Ben Tre province, renowned for its lush fruit orchards, lush rivers, and historical significance as a former Viet Cong stronghold during the Vietnam War. This evening, we'll be welcomed by a hospitable local family, where we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night, experiencing the authentic river life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 3 Ben Tre - Cho Lach - Ben Tre 
 

Our exploration of the delta's waterways and thriving farms entails a serene boat journey along the Hau River, followed by a leisurely cycling excursion along its picturesque banks. As we pedal through mango groves and fruit orchards, we'll have the opportunity to pause at our leisure, indulging in the delectable crops of the delta and engaging with local communities. Tonight, we'll have the privilege of spending the night with the same welcoming local family, further immersing ourselves in their way of life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 4 Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City

We start our day with an early morning stroll through a local market, capture the sights and sounds before making our way back  to Ho Chi Minh City, where we'll arrive around 5 pm. Tonight, we'll rest and relax in a comfortable hotel. (Breakfast and lunch are included)

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing - Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning, we venture to Chinatown, experiencing the bustling backstreets near Cho Lon. This vibrant area, one of Ho Chi Minh City's busiest commercial districts, teems with fascinating sites. We delve deeper into Chinatown, exploring the captivating Cholon and Binh Tay Markets, which pulsate with energy and offer a dazzling array of goods.

Afterward, we set out to discover the major landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, including the iconic Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the grand Opera House. Following a satisfying lunch, our journey continues to the Cu Chi tunnels. These remarkable tunnels, constructed by local fighters during the Indochina conflict, served as a strategic base for the Viet Cong near the Southern Vietnamese capital.

Strategically located at the end of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, the tunnels played a crucial role in the conflict. Initially built in 1948 to provide shelter from French air attacks, the tunnel complex expanded to approximately 200 km by 1965, featuring hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens, and sleeping quarters. Life in the tunnels was arduous, and intricate booby traps were laid throughout the complex for protection.

Today, the Vietnamese government has preserved about 75 km of the Cu Chi tunnels as a memorial park, offering visitors a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived there. Led by our knowledgeable local guide, we embark on a fascinating tour of the tunnels, gaining insights into the harsh living conditions and remarkable survival strategies employed by the inhabitants.

As we walk past massive bomb craters and hidden entrances, we learn about the hardships endured during the conflict. We also have the opportunity to sample some of the simple cuisine that sustained the local fighters and even venture into the tunnels to explore their intricate network. Finally, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night, concluding our enriching journey in this vibrant metropolis. (Breakfast and lunch are included)

The facts…

Physical activities: Our itinerary includes an easy bicycle ride on gentle terrain with:
 

• A 2-3 km walk on Day 1
• A 3-5 km walk on Day 2
• A 12-15 bicycle ride on Day 3 
• A 1-3 km walk on Day 5

Meals: 
 

• 4 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
• 4 dinners
   

A wide variety of food is commonly available in local restaurants, markets and family homes, using fresh local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking

Transport: 
 

• Air-conditioned vehicle (Car or Bus)
• Bicycle
• Boat
   

Tour Guide: Our experienced, friendly and professional tour guide speaks good English. He is knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment

Accommodation: 
 

• Hotel (3 nights)
• Local homestay (2 nights)

Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Trip cost: 
 

• $395USD per person for a group from 2 to 5 people
• $326USD per person for a group from 6 to 8 people
• $275USD per person for a group from 9 to 10 people.

The cost of the trip includes: 
 

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Meals listed on the itinerary
• Purified drinking water
   
•  Tour guide
•  Entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

The cost of the trip does not include: 
 

• Travel insurance
• Drinks (soft drinks, alcohol)
• Tips and gratuities.
• Other personal expenses such as shopping, telephone, laundry and bar bills etc...

What to Bring:

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, small day pack for cycling, walking and hiking. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat

Have a great journey!!!