Shore Excursion: Discover Mekong Local Life

Mekong Delta , Vietnam

Shore Excursion: Discover Mekong Local Life

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About this experience

• Infant (0-6) is complimentary
• 100% personalized experience to your wishes
• Private tour: only you & your local host!
• Explore truly local neighborhoods
• Flexible time
• Learn about Vietnam fascinating history

Available options

Group 2

Pickup included

Group 7

Pickup included

Group 3

Pickup included

Group 8

Pickup included

Group 4

Pickup included

Group 6

Pickup included

Group 5

Pickup included

Group 1

Pickup included

What's included

- Tropical fruits and honey tea

Private transportation

Bottled water

- Lunch at local restaurant

- Pick up and drop off at the port gate

- Private car, rowing boat, boat

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This tour is for pick up and drop off at Phu My Port only. The distance between Phu My port and Mekong Delta is about 140 km (about 2 hour 50 minute drive).

After around 2-hour driving from Saigon, we will reach the port to take leisurely cruise on the Tien River

You’ll be passing through unpolished creeks, enchanting fisherman's port, stilt houses (half on land, half on water)

From there, we’ll continue to take you to a farm where you have a chance to taste a charming cup of unsophisticated honey tea. After that we walk around peaceful villages and watch the life of rustic people in Mekong Delta

Moreover, you enjoy the fresh atmosphere. With this 15 minutes trip, you’ll see all kind of interesting transportation modes that local people use to move around, while enjoying the fresh air along the canal and wonderful water coconut tree landscape. Get away from the city, that is it all about!

You'll explore some orchards along 2 long sides of a canal

Go to a village where the sweat smell coconut candies are in the air. To satisfy your curiosity, we'll get to a village that has many small shops that make coconut candy and hand-made items from coconut trees of Mekong Delta. You might learn that those people can wonderfully make dozens of useful products out of coconut trees. It is actually attached from the villagers' daily life

Stop at a seasonable fruits garden where you can enjoy many different types of tasty tropical fruits while checking out “Don Ca Tai Tu”, a genre of traditional folk music which recognized by UNESCO

What's not included

- For personal expenses, extra foods and drinks, souvenirs

- Money for tip

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a vast, fertile region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River splits into smaller tributaries before emptying into the South China Sea. Known for its lush landscapes, vibrant floating markets, and rich cultural heritage, it's a unique blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences.

Top Attractions

Cai Rang Floating Market

One of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta, where vendors sell goods from boats. It's a vibrant and colorful experience, best visited early in the morning.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, but budget for food and boat rentals

Ben Tre Coconut Village

A traditional village known for its coconut products. Visitors can learn about the coconut industry, sample coconut-based foods, and enjoy a peaceful rural atmosphere.

Cultural Half day to full day Budget to moderate

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

A vast wetland area home to a diverse range of bird species, including rare and endangered ones. Visitors can explore the sanctuary by boat and enjoy the serene natural environment.

Nature Full day Moderate (entry fees and boat rentals)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crispy Pancake)

A savory crispy pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It's often served with fresh herbs and rice paper for wrapping.

Main Dish Contains seafood and pork, can be made vegetarian

Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)

A traditional Mekong Delta dish featuring fish cooked in a clay pot with a sweet and savory caramel sauce, often served with rice and pickled vegetables.

Main Dish Contains fish, can be made with different types of fish

Hu Tieu (Pork and Seafood Noodle Soup)

A flavorful noodle soup made with pork, seafood, and a rich broth, often topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.

Soup Contains pork and seafood, can be made with different proteins

Popular Activities

Boat tours Cycling Hiking Spa and wellness treatments Riverside dining Sunset cruises Floating markets Cooking classes

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Mekong Delta is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Keep your belongings secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Getting there

By air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 170 km from the Mekong Delta

By train

Ho Chi Minh City Railway Station

By bus

Ho Chi Minh City Eastern Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and widely used, but schedules can be irregular and routes may not be well-signed.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Can Tho City My Tho Chau Doc

Day trips

Chau Doc

230 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

Chau Doc is a historic and multicultural town known for its floating villages, Sam Mountain, and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. Visitors can explore the town's rich cultural heritage and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding wetlands.

Ben Tre Coconut Village

80 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day to full day

A traditional village known for its coconut products, including candy, wine, and oil. Visitors can learn about the coconut industry, sample coconut-based foods, and enjoy a peaceful rural atmosphere.

Vinh Long

130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

Vinh Long is a charming town known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and local crafts. Visitors can explore the town's rich cultural heritage and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Festivals

Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) • January or February (varies by year) Ooc Om Boc Festival • September or October (varies by year) Long Tien Festival • February or March (varies by year)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide or join a tour for a more authentic and immersive experience, as they can provide valuable insights and access to hidden gems and local experiences
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, as English is not widely spoken in the Mekong Delta. This can help you connect with locals and enhance your travel experience
Try local specialties and dishes, as the Mekong Delta is known for its unique and delicious cuisine. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or try something new
Dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting religious sites and cultural attractions, as it is an important aspect of Vietnamese culture and tradition
Be flexible and open-minded, as travel in the Mekong Delta can be unpredictable and spontaneous. Embrace the unexpected and enjoy the journey