Mekong River Delights

Saigon - Mekong River (Cruise) - Chau Doc

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£1,720 pp

Overview: Mekong River Delights

Discover the highlights of southern Vietnam on this fascinating 7-day journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc. Explore the vibrant streets of Saigon, uncover the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels and embark on a three-day cruise along the mighty Mekong River, discovering riverside towns, local villages and unique cultural communities.

Tour Highlights:

Explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Reunification Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market
Discover the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their role during the Vietnam War
Travel into the Mekong Delta and board a cruise vessel at Cai Be
Cruise along the mighty Mekong River through spectacular scenery and traditional riverside communities
Visit the charming town of Sa Dec and discover its connections with French author Marguerite Duras
See the former wartime base at Xeo Quyt and learn about its history
Explore the peaceful island of Cu Lao Gieng and visit its historic Catholic monastery
Enjoy spectacular Mekong River sunsets from the cruise vessel
Travel by sampan through the waterways around Chau Doc
Visit a floating village and discover how local communities farm fish beneath their homes
Explore a traditional Cham village with distinctive stilt houses and a mosque
Experience the unique culture and heritage of Vietnam’s Islamic Cham community
Choose how to continue your journey from Chau Doc, with options including Phnom Penh, Can Tho, Saigon or Phu Quoc Island

From the vibrant energy and fascinating history of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil waterways and communities of the Mekong Delta, this journey offers an unforgettable introduction to southern Vietnam and life along one of Asia’s great rivers.

Day 1 - UK Departure

We begin our private Vietnam adventure today with departure from London Heathrow for international economy flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Arrival in Saigon

Upon arrival at Saigon’s International Airport, we’ll be cordially welcomed and transferred to the hotel.

The rest of the day will be free time to relax after our journey, or to explore for the more adventurous!

Day 3 - Saigon / Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning we will leave the city to visit the amazing tunnel network of Cu Chi. This incredible system, covering almost 250 km in length, was shelter to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. Initially started in 1948 to provide shelter against the French air and ground sweeps, the network went on to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the wartime. We can even descend into the tunnels to learn more about the tunnel life.

In the afternoon, we’ll be on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of French Indochina, taking in the historic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and Ben Thanh Market.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Saigon / Mekong Delta / Cruise Embarkation

This morning we’ll be picked up from the hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 and transferred to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, a world that lives and works on the waters of the mighty Mekong River. Board the cruise vessel in between 11:00 and 11:30 and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink then check in.

As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising towards Sa Dec. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and exotic river life along the Mekong River. After lunch, we disembark for a guided walk through the charming town of Sa Dec where the French author of “The Lover”, Marguerite Duras, spent parts of her childhood. Both the school where Duras’ mother taught and the small house behind it where the family lived still stand. We’ll see the house of Marguerite’s Chinese Lover, now a small museum of “The Lover” in Sadec.

As the sun goes down, we get back to the boat and enjoy a drink at the bar. When the boat anchors for the night, we’ll savour another lavish Mekong meal. The vessel anchors near Xeo Quyt for the night.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 - Xeo Quy / Cu Lao Gieng

We wake up to the morning sounds of river life. After breakfast we land to visit Xeo Quyt, formerly a base of the northern army during the Vietnam War.

Following lunch, we land at the island of Cu Lao Gieng to visit the village as well as the secluded Catholic monastery built back in 1875 by French nuns of Saint Paul de Chartres, which now serves as a retreat for retired nuns.

In the late afternoon we return to the vessel and enjoy sunset views from the top deck whilst sitting back enjoying a drink.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 - Cu Lao Gieng / Chau Doc & Cruise Disembarkation

Early in the morning, the vessel departs Cu Lao Gieng and cruises toward Chau Doc. Once arrived, we’ll hop on a sampan to visit a floating village where people farm fish under their living quarters. We also visit a Cham village marked by stilt houses and a mosque and learn of this unique Islamic community.

Afterwards we head back to the vessel to check out and enjoy lunch.

Disembark around 12:00 where we will be transferred to the hotel in Chau Doc city. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the beautiful cajuput forest of Tra Su or the temples and pagodas on the Sam Mountain.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 7 - Departure from Chau Doc