Mekong delta river life

02 days / 01 night

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

Mekong Delta river life: 2 days/1 night
Day 1: Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho
After breakfast, set out on an excursion to My Tho, a charming city in the Mekong Delta close to Saigon. A 2-hour drive brings you through urbanized areas until you reach the river tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Stop over at Vinh Trang pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem. Built in 1849, the structure is a mixture of Asian and European architecture including elements from the Renaissance period, Romanesque style, French decorative flowers and Japanese enameled tile. On arrival in My Tho, board a private but rustic local motorized boat to cruise along the upper Mekong and observe the abundant agricultural life. Visit a fish-rearing village before entering Vam Xep canal and its beautiful water palm scenery. Disembark and stroll around Quoi An fruit orchard, visiting fruit-drying kilns and a workshop for coconut craftwares. Take a short horse-drawn cart ride along the village road. Upon arrival at Ben Truc – Phong Phu garden, sample delicious fruits from the Mekong delta and enjoy traditional local music. This is also an opportunity to interact with local people who make their livelihoods on the river. End your journey with a rowing boat trip to explore the water palm canals. After the main boat has transferred you to My Tho, enjoy your lunch at Ngoc Gia Trang restaurant - a simple eatery offering tasty Mekong specialties. Another 2-hour drive and a local ferry will bring you to Can Tho (You may encounter large crowds and a long queue at the ferry station, especially on the weekends) Overnight in Can Tho. (L)
Day 2: Can Tho - Saigon
If you are an early riser (about 0530am), you can catch the bustling atmosphere of the unique floating market of Mekong Delta and then back to you hotel for a leisurely breakfast later on. Otherwise, get on a local boat around 8:00 a.m. to explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market, where a number of boats laden with fruit, vegetables and fish jostle for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters or tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from a distance. Cruise back to your hotel to freshen up and check-out. Return to Saigon with a lunch stop at Mekong Rest Stop restaurant.
End of services (hotel accommodation 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: VNCL-02

 

* Included:

• Accommodation with breakfast as indicated

• Private transportation

• Private boat trips (local basic standard)

• Lunches as specified (meals only)

• Entrance fees on tour

• English speaking guide

• Mineral water and cold towel on car/van/bus

 

 

* Excluded:

• Vietnam visa

• All flights and airport taxes

• Drinks & Other personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Early check-in and late check-out

• Tipping/gratuities

• Others 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.

Maps & Photos

Rope brigde

Delta river life

Coconut palms

River life

River life

Mekong river

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