Four days biking Mekong delta

04 days / 03 nights

Overview

The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets (the other being the Red River Delta in the North). This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away. From its source, the river makes its way through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea. The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea.
The people of south Vietnam are often very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fields in this area, they often say, "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that the cranes can stretch their wings as they fly. Today, the region is one of Vietnam's highest producer of rice crops, vegetables and fruits.

Itinerary

Day 1: Saigon - Cai Be - An Binh islet (20km)
After driving out of the bustling city, we begin cycling into the heart of rural Mekong along dirt track and trails. Upon arrival in Cai Be, board a local ferry to An Binh islet, and cycle through tiny orchards and witness colorful life along the riverside. Pedal past picturesque delta homes, pause to chat with friendly villagers and have a delicious lunch of Mekong Delta specialties at a family run eatery. Stroll around the orchard. Head to the home where you will be spending the night. The quickest way to understand the locals is by being a local. After freshening up and if the sky is still bright, take a stroll to find out more about the neighborhood. Prepare dinner with your host family and guide, learning about their daily lives. After dinner, a rustic local boat will bring you back to the Mekong River for a local custom – lowering flower garlands and colored lanterns down the river while enjoying the tranquil surroundings and peaceful scenery. The local custom is usually conducted to pray for blessings, good weather or fruitful crop. The Mekong Delta sleeps early, so you will be back in your bunk in no time. The bed may be not luxurious and the mosquito net may be uncomfortable at first, but this is a great way to get in tune with nature and surroundings, amidst the sounds of crickets, lizards, frogs doing their utmost to outdo each other. Home stay in Cai Be (L, D)
Day 2: Cai Be - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (40km)
After simple breakfast prepared by the family, drive to Ben Tre. Stroll through the vibrant market before taking the ferry to the province on a quiet and picturesque road. After 20km, the route dives off the main road and there is an exciting chance to cycle on gravel and clay tracks through tiny villages. Cross a narrow canal on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for a relaxing boat trip across the expansive Co Chien River. Ride a final few kilometers to the very pretty Khmer town of Tra Vinh and learn how to prepare banana cake under the guidance of a local family. Taste this traditional cake with a sip of hot tea after dinner. Home stay in Tra Vinh (B, L, D)
Day 3: Tra Vinh - Can Tho (80km)
Get up when the rooster wakes you up for an early breakfast with the family. We can cycle as much or as little as desired through an area populated by Khmer people. Enjoy the cool air and breeze along the road and there are many photo opportunities, from the friendly Mekong locals and the farmers working at the velvet green rice fields and fruit gardens, to the peaceful scenery of the rivers and villages. Pedal to Ba Om Pond and continue to the ancient Khmer Ang Pagoda, a historic national and cultural relic, to learn more about the Khmer culture. We continue Can Tho with a stop at a local Buddhist Temple School en route to learn about the life of the students. Check-in at your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Victoria Can Tho (B, L)
Day 4: Can Tho - Saigon (27km)
After an early breakfast, we cycle on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market where you can absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, and small docks loading and unloading rice. Hire a local sampan to get closer to the floating market before driving back to Saigon. It would be a long drive and your guide will make suitable stops along the way for lunch and a break. End of services (hotel today is not included). (B, L)

Cost

Tour cost is upon your request !
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at booking@asianatravel.com.vn or info@asianatravel.com.vn. One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
 
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note

* Tour code: VNAD-14

 

* Included:

• Home-stay and accommodation with breakfast as indicated

• Bike and maintenance

• Meals as specified (meals only)

• Entrance fees, boat trips as per program

• Mineral water for biking trip

• English speaking guide

• Shuttle for transfers and transportation

 

* Excluded:

• Vietnam visa

• Other meals

• Drinks

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Early check-in and late check-out

• All flights

• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Destination Info

The Mekong River travels over 3,000 miles on its way to the sea, where its journey terminates at Cuu Long, the famous Mekong Delta. The name means ‘nine dragons’ - the nine mouths that wend their way of canals, channels, silt islets and mangrove swamps thatacross the 62,160km comprise the delta. Believed to have formed over 6,000 years ago, it is one of the most productive rice-growing regions in the world.
The entire culture of the delta’s inhabitants revolves around the behaviour of the river. The myriad drainage channels wend their way around a vast patchwork of tiny islands, and dominate transport throughout the region: boats and barges crisscross the river in every direction. The annual floods inundate the delta with up to three metres of water for several months. Floating markets, colourful and vibrant, sustain the many riverside hamlets. Everything is connected to the mighty Mekong.
The Mekong Delta buzzes with life, both human and natural: only in the remotest densely-packed mangrove areas are the narrow tributaries eerily quiet.
The main routes to the Mekong are by road or water. Fast boats travel between Ho Chi Minh City and the towns of Vinh Long, My Tho, and Can Tho: one of the hotels in Can Tho has a private service for its clients.
Most visitors travel by road. The first part of the journey is a long and tedious escape from the sprawling suburbs of Viet Nam's largest city, but becomes more interesting as the road passes My Tho and begins to cross the delta.

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Ha Noi

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