Mekong Delta Immersion 8 Days: Authentic Vietnam Rice Bowl Tour, Craftsmanship & Khmer Culture

Emotion & Experience: A vibrant sense of discovery exploring historical milestones and cultural hubs.

9:00 AM: Today, we explore Saigon’s essential history and its bustling markets. We begin at the Independence Palace, where the controversial Vietnam War officially ended. Step inside this preserved five-story structure to see the late 1960s style and the famous bunker basement—a truly striking historical moment.

Next, enjoy a leisurely walking tour past French colonial masterpieces: the picturesque Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

In the afternoon, we dive into the sensory overload of Chinatown (Chợ Lớn). We navigate the bustling aisles of Binh Tay Market, a true hub of Saigon life, before finding a moment of spiritual tranquility at the ancient Quan Am Pagoda. We finish with a fascinating visit to the FITO Museum of Traditional Medicine, where ancient herbal recipes and antique tools unveil centuries of Vietnamese healing secrets. You'll return to your hotel with a profound appreciation for Saigon's layered identity.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: A profound sense of respect for historical resilience mixed with the awe of spiritual harmony.

8:00 AM: Today is an essential journey into Vietnam's wartime history and unique spiritual landscape. We drive to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, the most striking historical site in the region.

Explore this massive underground city, a 250km network where Vietnamese troops lived and fought. You will have the unique opportunity to enter a safe section of the tunnels—a truly humbling experience that showcases the incredible ingenuity and determination of the people. (Optional: Enhance your experience at the Cu Chi shooting range to try real gun firing under supervision—a thrilling, optional adventure paid locally.)

In the afternoon, prepare for a kaleidoscope of color at the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. You will witness the mesmerising midday mass, observing Caodaism—a uniquely Vietnamese religion harmonizing elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism. The architecture and ritual evoke a powerful sense of spiritual awe. After a local lunch, we transfer back to Saigon.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: Feel the gentle peace of the river and a warm connection to local life during your first homestay night.

Your Mekong Delta immersion officially begins! Your guide and driver will take you to Ben Tre, the "Coconut Kingdom." Upon arrival at the pier, your adventure starts immediately with a traditional boat trip down the Ben Tre River, observing the tranquil rhythm of daily life.

We navigate by boat to Nhon Thanh Village. Here, you will step ashore to taste fresh, seasonal fruits and get moving! We’ll enjoy a bike ride (or Tuk-Tuk ride) along narrow village paths, passing endless coconut groves, rice fields, and vegetable gardens.

A special local lunch featuring the famous "elephant ear fish" will be served in the village. Later, a short walk and a peaceful ride in a small rowboat shaded by wild palm trees deepen your sense of serenity. We transfer to your homestay, where you will join your host in preparing dinner—a truly hands-on, authentic experience. Dinner is served, followed by your peaceful overnight stay.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Boat Trips, Private Transportation, Bike/Tuk-Tuk rental, Mineral Water, Homestay Experience.

• Accommodation: Duyen Que Homestay (Double / Twin Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A sense of crossing boundaries and discovering the unique richness of Khmer culture.

After a homemade breakfast, we leave Ben Tre and travel deeper into the Delta, crossing the vast Mekong River by ferry, a moment that emphasizes the magnitude of this river system. Our destination is Tra Vinh, the heartland of the Khmer community.

We check into your new homestay in the Khmer people’s Cau Ke village. After lunch, we embrace the local pace with a bike ride through the peaceful Ba Mi village. This is a rare opportunity to meet local farmers in their vegetable and fruit gardens, witnessing their generous hospitality and genuine smiles.

We continue to visit a Khmer pagoda—notice the distinct, stunning architecture and colors—before returning to the homestay for a relaxing evening and traditional dinner. This day is a profound exploration of the multicultural fabric of the Delta.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private Transportation, Bike Rental (Tra Vinh), Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Suon Sia Homestay (Standard Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A feeling of literary nostalgia combined with cultural exploration.

We start the day with an invigorating bike ride through the nursery fields and remote Khmer villages (including Canh Dai, Tra Khao, and Giong Lon), observing daily life.

Then we travel to Sa Dec, the town made famous by the French author Marguerite Duras in her novel, The Lover. We visit the beautiful Kien An Cung Pagoda and, most importantly, the Huynh Thuy Le's Ancient House, the setting of the famous cross-cultural romance—a moment of true literary charm. We explore the bustling Sa Dec market, a vibrant display of the region's produce.

Continuing towards Long Xuyen, we pause to see a local Cao Dai Temple and an unusual crocodile farm. We check into our hotel in Long Xuyen, ready for a big day on the water tomorrow.

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

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

Emotion & Experience: Witness the early morning energy of the floating market before finding peaceful tranquility on a river island.

An early start ensures we catch the Long Xuyen Floating Market at its most animated and authentic hour. Unlike the bigger, more touristy markets, this market on a small tributary offers a vivid and intimate view of people living and trading entirely on the river.

Next, we take a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho (Tiger Island), a beautiful, tranquil island that is home to a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang. We then enjoy a relaxing bike ride across the island, absorbing the peaceful landscapes of orchards and fields.

Following a final, hearty Delta lunch, we begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel, refreshed from your eight-day immersion into the heart of the Mekong.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip (Long Xuyen), Private Transportation, Bike Rental (Long Xuyen), Mineral Water.

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

Emotion & Experience: Depart with a deep sense of fulfillment and lasting memories of the Mekong.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk through the city center. At the appropriate time, your private driver will seamlessly transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your onward flight, concluding your journey through Vietnam's authentic Rice Bowl.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Private Transportation, Mineral Water.