Discover Vietnam’s Southern Charm: 6-Day Mekong Delta Expedition

07:30 am: Your adventure begins with a warm pick-up from your hotel in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). As the city's morning bustle fades into the distance, you’ll head toward one of Vietnam’s most secretive and legendary sites – the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels stretch over 121 km underground and are a testament to Vietnam’s resilience during the war. Did you know these tunnels are so intricate they housed hospitals, kitchens, and even cinemas during the war?

• Delve deep into the tunnels, where you’ll crawl through narrow, dark passageways used by the Viet Cong. Imagine living in this underground world as you explore the tunnels' booby traps, secret rooms, and escape routes. Did you know some sections of the tunnels are so small you have to crouch or crawl through them? Get a true sense of life during this intense period of history.
• Try your hand at firing an AK-47 or M16 rifle at the shooting range. Feel the thrill of holding a piece of history as you shoot at a target. It's a chance for you to experience the intensity of the Vietnam War firsthand!

12:30 pm: Time for a delicious Vietnamese lunch, where you’ll savor local delicacies like pho (noodle soup) and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork).

02:00 pm: After lunch, we head towards Dong Xoai, a charming, lesser-known town that offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Southeast. As you pass through lush landscapes and rural villages, keep your eyes open for picturesque views of rural Vietnam.

05:30 pm: Arrive in Dong Xoai, where you'll be greeted by a local family. After checking into your cozy homestay, enjoy a friendly conversation with your hosts. Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in rural Vietnam? This is your chance to find out! You’ll hear fascinating stories of the village and daily life in the countryside.

07:00 pm: Share a home-cooked dinner with your hosts, featuring local specialties. Picture yourself sitting in a traditional wooden house, surrounded by the warmth of local hospitality. Then, rest for the night, ready for tomorrow’s exciting adventures.

07:00 am: Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, often featuring banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and freshly picked fruits. Are you ready to dive into the Mekong Delta? The magic of the south awaits you!

08:00 am: Hit the road and travel along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a historic route with stunning scenery and captivating stories of the war. But it’s not all history – the trail takes you through lush forests and colorful local markets.

10:30 am: Stop for a refreshing visit to a tropical fruit farm, where you’ll taste exotic fruits like the rare mangosteen and rambutan. Did you know Vietnam is home to some of the world’s most delicious, little-known fruits? Be ready for a tasting experience that will surprise your taste buds.

Noon: Continue to Dong Thap, a tranquil region that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The heart of the Mekong Delta is known for its endless fields of lotus flowers—a symbol of peace and purity in Vietnamese culture.

02:00 pm: Wander through a lotus village and see the flowers in full bloom. Did you know that the lotus flower has deep cultural significance in Vietnam, symbolizing purity and resilience? This serene spot is perfect for photos or simply to relax and take in the beauty.

04:00 pm: Arrive in Cao Lanh, the capital of Dong Thap, where you’ll check into a local hotel. Take a moment to wander the peaceful streets of this sleepy town, known for its quiet beauty.

07:00 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring dishes like canh chua (sour fish soup), a favorite in the Mekong Delta. As you dine, you'll feel the warmth and simplicity of the region's food culture.

07:00 am: After breakfast, get ready for a day of discovery! We’ll drive towards Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its floating markets and lush river landscapes.

09:30 am: En route, we’ll visit the Seo Quyt Historical Relic, a hidden gem. Once a revolutionary base during the wars, this 20-hectare cajeput forest is a quiet reminder of Vietnam’s wartime resilience. You’ll take a boat ride through the mangrove forest, where the silence is broken only by the rustling of the trees and the calls of local birds. Can you feel the history in the air?

Noon: After a scenic boat ride, we’ll head to Can Tho, where you'll have lunch and enjoy the Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in all of Southeast Asia.

04:00 pm: Ever wondered what it's like to shop on the water? At Cai Rang, you can buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade goods. Watch as traders barter and navigate their boats through the winding canals, selling their wares from colorful wooden boats. Cai Rang is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells—truly an experience you won't find anywhere else.

04:30 pm: Visit Cai Son Fruit Garden, where you’ll be able to pick fresh tropical fruits and enjoy a sweet, juicy treat straight from the tree.

07:00 pm: Enjoy dinner with a local family. Get a taste of home-cooked Mekong Delta delicacies, and engage in lively conversation about local customs and traditions. Your night ends in a cozy homestay, where you’ll rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

07:00 am: After breakfast, you’ll travel further into the Mekong Delta to explore Soc Trang.

09:30 am: Explore the Khmer Museum in Soc Trang. Did you know that Soc Trang is home to a large population of Khmer people, and their culture plays an important role in the region? You’ll learn about their rich history and customs, and see their incredible art and artifacts.

11:30 am: Visit the Bat Pagoda, an ancient Khmer Buddhist pagoda famous for its sacred atmosphere and giant, golden Buddha statues. As you walk through, you might feel a sense of calm—this pagoda has been a place of peace and reflection for centuries.

12:30 pm: Lunch with local Khmer specialties like coconut rice and fish curry.

02:00 pm: Visit the Clay Pagoda – a quirky and fascinating structure built entirely from clay, known for its intricate statues. The 4 giant candles that have burned continuously for over 80 years are especially remarkable!

04:30 pm: Arrive in Tra Vinh, where you’ll spend the night. Unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this lesser-known destination.

07:00 pm: Dinner with more Mekong-style dishes and relaxing conversation with locals. Tomorrow, we venture deeper into the heart of the Delta!

07:00 am: After breakfast, travel to Ben Tre, the “Coconut Capital” of Vietnam. Did you know this area is home to over 200,000 hectares of coconut palms? It’s the perfect place to learn about coconut-based industries and tropical farming.

10:00 am: Visit the Cho Lach fruit garden, where you’ll have the chance to explore orchards filled with exotic fruits. You might even get to pick fruit from the trees yourself!

Noon: Enjoy a traditional riverside lunch, where fresh seafood and local fruits take center stage.

02:00 pm: Hop aboard a traditional boat for a scenic ride through Con Phung Island. You’ll visit local workshops that produce coconut candies, handmade crafts, and traditional Vietnamese coconut products.

05:30 pm: Check into a guesthouse on Con Phung Island, a peaceful, tranquil setting surrounded by water. Relax in this idyllic environment before joining your hosts for a cooking class and homemade dinner.

07:00 am: After enjoying breakfast at the guesthouse, we’ll start our journey back to Saigon from the peaceful Con Phung Peninsula. The drive is around 150 kilometers, and we’ll pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Mekong Delta.

09:30 am: Our first stop is Ben Tre, famous for its coconut candy production. Here, we’ll visit a local coconut candy workshop, where you’ll see the traditional methods used to create these sweet treats. You’ll have time to sample the candies and purchase some to take home as souvenirs for friends and family.

11:00 am: Next, we’ll visit Dong Tam Snake Farm, a unique experience for those who are daring. You’ll get the chance to interact with various snakes and reptiles, including holding a giant snake! This thrilling adventure will give you a chance to learn more about the diverse wildlife of the Mekong Delta.

12:30 pm: After our snake farm visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring delicious Mekong Delta specialties. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor the regional flavors before continuing our journey.

02:00 pm: We’ll head to Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest and most historic pagodas in southern Vietnam. We’ll take a peaceful stroll around the grounds, exploring its impressive architecture and serene gardens. The peaceful atmosphere offers a perfect contrast to the excitement of the morning.

03:30 pm: Our next stop is a traditional incense-making village, where you’ll learn about the intricate process of crafting incense by hand. You'll have the chance to see artisans at work and perhaps even try making your own incense stick to take home.

04:30 pm: We’ll begin the final leg of our journey back to Saigon, arriving around 06:00 pm. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, and your unforgettable tour through southern Vietnam will come to an end.

This day gives you a last chance to enjoy the culture, history, and unique crafts of the Mekong Delta, and it will leave you with memories of the warm hospitality and incredible experiences you’ve had throughout the region.