7-Day Vibrant South Vietnam: Saigon Pulse, Cao Đài Culture & Authentic Mekong Delta

Emotional Tone: Historical Reflection, Architectural Awe, and Cultural Discovery.

9:00 AM: The City’s Story. Our full-day exploration begins at the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace). Walk through this powerful landmark, seeing the preserved 1960s-era rooms and the bunker basement, culminating in a poignant moment of reflection beside the North Vietnamese tank that symbolized the end of the Vietnam War.

Colonial Grandeur. We continue with a leisurely walking tour through the heart of the French Quarter, admiring the stately architecture of the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent, Gustave Eiffel-designed Saigon Central Post Office—a working piece of history!

Local Life Immersion. In the afternoon, we drive to the vibrant Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) district to dive into the organized chaos of Bình Tây Market. This is where you feel the true local hustle, sampling street food and observing the central hub of Saigon’s commerce. We also visit the serene Quan Am Pagoda, a beautiful contrast to the market's activity.

Our final stop is the FITO Traditional Medicine Museum, where you’ll be amazed by the ancient tools and herb recipes that highlight Vietnam's deep roots in traditional healing.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotional Tone: Profound Respect, Thrilling Exploration, and Spiritual Wonder.

8:00 AM: The Underground City. Today, we venture outside the city to the legendary Củ Chi Tunnels. This experience is one of conquest and deep respect. You will be guided through a section of this vast, 250km network of tunnels, dug over two decades, which served as a command center and living space during the war. Crawl through a safe section to truly grasp the incredible ingenuity and human resilience of the Việt Cộng soldiers and villagers.

• Optional Thrill: At the Củ Chi shooting range, you have the option to try real gun firing (paid locally), adding an adventurous layer to your historical visit.

Midday Mass. We continue to Tây Ninh to witness the extraordinary Cao Đài Holy See. This is a uniquely Vietnamese religion, blending elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. Attending the vibrant midday mass is a truly spiritual and visual spectacle, leaving you with a sense of wonder at its multi-colored architecture and ritual.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation, Entrance Fees.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotional Tone: Tranquility, Closeness to Nature, and Warmth of Hospitality.

8:00 AM: Hello, Mekong. We leave the city behind and transfer to Bến Tre, the enchanting "Kingdom of Coconut."

River Life & Eco-Tours. At Hùng Vương Pier, we board a local boat for a cruise on the Bến Tre River. We then transfer to smaller canals and witness daily life—a true feeling of peaceful isolation. We’ll stop at local workshops to see how coconut candy is traditionally made and sample fresh tropical fruits at Nhơn Thạnh Village.

Cycling and Cooking. Take a bike ride (or Tuktuk) along shaded village paths, passing rice fields and coconut groves. After a delicious lunch featuring the regional specialty Elephant Ear Fish, we experience a serene sampan ride through small, wild palm-shaded canals.

Homestay Experience. We then transfer to Cai Lậy to be warmly welcomed at your homestay. The evening culminates in a hands-on cooking class with your host, learning to prepare the famous Bánh Xèo Nam Bộ (Southern Vietnamese crispy pancake). Enjoy a genuine dinner and a tranquil night in the heart of the delta.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Boat Trip, Transportation, Bike/Tuktuk, Cooking Class.

• Accommodation: Hai My's Homestay (Standard Room) or similar.

Emotional Tone: Idyllic Beauty, Literary Romance, and Simple Village Joy.

Morning Bike Ride. After a fresh local breakfast, enjoy an immersive 1.5-hour bike ride through the lush trails of Đông Hòa to Tam Bình. You’ll pedal past fragrant durian, sapota, and longan gardens, meeting locals and visiting a lively village market—an experience of pure, unspoiled village joy. (For non-cyclists, a pillion ride on a motorbike is available.)

The French Lover’s Tale. We check out and transfer to Long Xuyên, making a crucial stop in Sa Đéc. Here, we visit Huỳnh Thủy Lê’s House, the setting immortalized in Marguerite Duras’s romantic novel, L’Amant (The Lover). This visit provides a beautiful contrast between local history and literary romance. We also visit the richly decorated Kiến An Cung Pagoda.

Delta Discoveries. En route to Long Xuyên, we visit another Cao Đài Temple and, surprisingly, a crocodile farm, adding a touch of wild exploration to the day.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental.

• Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel (Standard Room) or similar.

Emotional Tone: Authentic Discovery, Visual Excitement, and Fulfillment.

Morning Awakening. Today is the highlight for delta enthusiasts! Before dawn, we transfer to a small tributary of the Mekong for a boat trip to the Long Xuyên Floating Market. This is one of the Delta's most authentic and animated markets, operating away from the large tourist crowds. Witness the vivid scene of trading boats—a sensory explosion that defines life on the Mekong.

Island Biking. We continue by boat to Cù Lao Ông Hổ Island, home to a museum dedicated to former President Tôn Đức Thắng. We then take a bike ride across the peaceful island, enjoying the sublime, pastoral landscapes and feeling truly fulfilled by the peace of the Delta.

Return to Saigon. In the afternoon, we begin our comfortable 4-hour transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, checking into your hotel in the late afternoon.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip, Transportation, Bike Rental.

• Accommodation: Elios Hotel (Senior Superior Room) or similar.

Emotional Tone: Fond Memories, Gratitude, and Planning the Next Adventure.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Saigon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street.

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN) for your onward journey, carrying with you the vibrant memories of the South and the tranquil soul of the Mekong.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation.