Vietnam’s Mighty Mekong River Cruise in 9 Days

Glide down the mighty Mekong Delta on this nine-day trip through Southern Vietnam, experiencing local villages, artisan traditions, and floating markets along the way.

Country
Vietnam
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
From
$2,853 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Watching a dazzling show at Saigon’s historic Opera House

Biking around Bến Tre and riding a traditional sampan, where canals crisscross with local villages

Sampling street food and fresh fruit from the floating markets of Can Tho

Sleeping aboard a luxury cruise ship on a four-night journey to Phnom Penh

Visiting Tiger Island, a local village with a rich and fabled folklore

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Preview:

Meeting the Mekong Delta, By Way of Bến Tre

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Overview

Wake up to a delicious breakfast of European- and Vietnamese-inspired baked goods and warm plates before heading south into the heart of the Mekong Delta — the next chapter of your venture into Vietnam. After a private transfer of roughly three hours, you’ll arrive in the stunning province of Bến Tre, where you’ll be immersed in Southern Vietnam’s version of island life. The Mekong River has nine different branches, earning the nickname of Cửu Long, or Nine Dragons, from the Vietnamese. It's in one of these dragons where you'll make your first acquaintance with this incredible river by way of a small boat tour. During this morning's scenic river cruise helmed by a local expert guide, you’ll experience the Mekong Delta at water level, entering its narrow canals aboard a traditional boat, known as a “sampan.” Later in the tour, you’ll stop at an artisan workshop, and tuck into lunch with a local farming family. The boat will stop at your evening’s accommodation, Jardin du Mékong (or similar): a farm lodge surrounded by orchards. Check into your bungalow and relax in the on-site garden before heading to the kitchen. Tonight, you’ll tie up your own apron, cooking alongside local chefs in an immersive and fun hands-on cooking workshop. There's no better end to your first day on the Mekong Delta than a mind-blowingly delicious dinner, prepared by your own two hands. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Highlights

Bến Tre Island-Hopping Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting Mekong Delta, where each bend of the river reveals a new story. During today's boat ride, you'll island hop down the delta, gliding along the canals aboard a traditional sampan. Witness local skilled artisans at work in charming craft cottages, and pick up some freshly made coconut candy, savoring the flavors of the delta.

Mekong Delta Life in Bến Tre

Saigon’s breakneck pace gives way to a totally different cadence once you enter the Bến Tre Province in the Mekong Delta, a fascinating region where self-sufficient locals have learned to live in harmony with the river’s natural bounty. As you visit local communities today, you’ll learn about their traditions and livelihoods.

Accommodations

Le Jardin du Mekong Lodge (or similar)

Your lodging tonight is a comfortable, rural farmstay set amongst the fruit orchards and natural surroundings of Bến Tre. Rooms in the thatched-roof cabins are rustic but cozy, with mosquito nets covering the beds and lush gardens to explore all around. At this homestay, you'll experience a welcoming family atmosphere while participating in the local culture.

Location:

Song Doc River - Hoa Nghia - Cho Lach, Hoà Nghĩa, Chợ Lách, Bến Tre

Phone:

+84903149696

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Transportation

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by private car roughly three hours to Bến Tre. Afterward, travel roughly one hour onward by private car to Jardin Du Mekong.

by car
Depart:
Saigon
Arrive:
Bến Tre, Jardin Du Mekong

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

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What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • COVID entry and exit information and assistance
  • Eight nights of accommodation, with daily breakfast included
  • All meals, activities, and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • All guides and guided experience mentioned in the itinerary
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything listed as optional or not included in the itinerary
  • Vietnam and Cambodia tourist visa fees
  • Drinks, tips, and meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Welcome to Vietnam!
Day 2:
Snapshots of Saigon and Its Historic Opera House
Day 3:
Meeting the Mekong Delta, By Way of Bến Tre
Day 4:
Biking Bến Tre and Kien An Cung’s Preserved Pagoda
Day 5:
Floating Markets, Fruit Gardens, and Local Livelihoods in Cần Thơ’
Day 6:
Your Floating Hotel and Long Xuyen Floating Market En Route to Tiger Island
Day 7:
Artisan Traditions and the Floating Village of Tan Chau
Day 8:
Into Cambodia’s Capital: Phnom Penh Detour
Day 9:
Until the Next Time!