MeKong Discoverer

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motorbikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. (If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. Stay overnight at hotel.

The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale! We drive out this afternoon to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200 km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Stay overnight at hotel.

Heading out of town we travel by road to Cai Be in Vinh Long Province. On arrival we embark on a boat for a leisurely trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. Our first stop is the vibrant floating market of Cai Be where each boat usually sells one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples, sugar canes, …. and in order that the customer knows where to shop, they hang that item from the highest part of the boat. Along the way we also visit the many fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, sweet factory, bonsai nurseries. After a huge lunch at an orchard we weave our way through the intricate network of canals which are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta, to Vinh Long. At this small town we meet up with our vehicle for a short drive to Can Tho, our final destination. Stay overnight at hotel in Cantho.

Today we continue venturing into the Mekong Delta, passing through the many rice fields fringed with palm trees, fruit orchards and canals crammed with boats and rice barges to Chau Doc. This border town is less affected by the flash and glitz of Ho Chi Minh City's fashionable young people although it is a major hub of trade along the Mekong. A highlight of our visit to this region is an interesting boat trip on the Hau River to a fishing breeding farm and a small Muslin community at Cham village. Upon disembarking we drive to explore the sacred Ba Chua Temple and the nearby sanctuary of Tay An. We complete our day with a walk to the Sam Mountain for a beautiful view of the sunset over the mighty Mekong River. Stay overnight in Chau Doc.

The return trip begins as we depart this border town. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. On arrival we board a boat for an exploration of the Xeo Quit Forest which was once a stronghold of the communist troop during the American wartime. This boundless cajeput forests are dissevered by numerous narrow canals surrounded by aquatic grass and plants, tall trees and vines. The cool and humid air mixing with the fragrance of flowers as well as the beautiful song of bird in the quiet environment make for an unforgettable excursion. After the boat trip we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through the charming countryside. Stay overnight at hotel Ho Chi Minh City.