Private Day Trip to the Untouched Mekong in Go Cong

Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam

Private Day Trip to the Untouched Mekong in Go Cong

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the hidden Mekong — a private journey through Go Cong’s timeless charm, where history, craft, and local life unfold beyond the tourist trail.

Step away from the crowded tourist routes and uncover the authentic heart of the Mekong Delta. This full-day private journey to Go Cong, just 60km away from Saigon, offers a rare mix of history, craft, and countryside charm — a peaceful contrast to the usual My Tho and Ben Tre itineraries.

From royal tombs and French-era mansions to family-run craft villages and a delightful hands-on cacao and chocolate experience, every stop reveals the local stories that shape southern Vietnam’s cultural soul.

This isn’t just a sightseeing trip — it’s a day of connection, discovery, and warm Mekong hospitality.

Available options

Private Day Trip to the Untouched Mekong in Go Cong

What's included

2 bottles per person

Entrance fee

Air-conditioned vehicle

Vietnamese local food

Hands on chocolate making process

Service of an experienced English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

7:30 Meet your private Travelmates guide and driver at your hotel. As you leave the city behind, the scenery slowly transforms into quiet villages, lush fields, and winding canals — the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

Traditional Altar Village & Family Visit
Your first stop is at a 100 years-old handicraft village famous for traditional ancestral altars, where skilled artisans hand-carve intricate wooden designs. You’ll be invited into a local craftsman’s home -also their workshops - to learn about their work that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Visit the Royal Mausoleum of Go Cong
Continue on to the Go Cong Royal Mausoleum, a graceful 19th-century monument dedicated to the Nguyen dynasty’s southern lineage. Its architecture blends Hue imperial style with southern craftsmanship — elegant, serene, and steeped in history.

Doc Phu Hai Mansion
Next, step into the elegant Doc Phu Hai Mansion, a beautifully preserved French-Vietnamese home that once belonged to a high-ranking official. Walk through its timeworn corridors and carved wooden details — a living museum of Go Cong’s noble past.

Go Cong Market
Continue on to visit the Go Cong Central Market, where local people shop for fresh produce, spices, seafood, and daily essentials. Although the early afternoon is quieter compared to the bustling morning rush, it’s the perfect time to walk through the aisles at a relaxed pace and observe the local activities. Established decades ago as the main trading hub of Go Cong, this market has long been the heart of local commerce. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old shophouse streets, where Kinh and Chinese families live and work side by side, creating a vibrant blend of local business activities.

Experience Cocoa farm and chocolate workshop
After a local lunch, continue to a local cacao farm, where you’ll walk among cacao trees and learn how this tropical fruit is transformed into chocolate. From harvesting and fermenting to roasting and tasting, the workshop offers a hands-on experience led by passionate local chocolatiers.

Try making your own small chocolate bar — and enjoy the sweet reward right on-site!

Return Ho Chi Minh City
After the experience, sit back and relax as you travel through Cho Gao District, passing lush coconut groves, rice fields, and quiet waterways. This peaceful drive offers a window into rural life beyond the main tourist trail.

Relax on your drive back as the sunset fades behind the rice fields. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, carrying with you new stories, flavors, and memories of a truly authentic Mekong experience.

What's not included

tips for local guide and driver.

Other Food & drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Should you not locate your guide at the meeting point, please reach out to our emergency contact number.

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.

Top Attractions

War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Cu Chi Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Historical Half-day tour Moderate (tour prices vary)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Ben Thanh Market

One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.

Observation Deck 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels Boat tours in the Mekong Delta Beach relaxation in Vung Tau Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum Exploring local markets and temples

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Bargain for better prices at markets

Getting there

By air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Saigon Railway Station

By bus

Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District 1 District 3 District 5 (Chinatown) District 7 Phu Nhuan District

Day trips

Mekong Delta

130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cu Chi Tunnels

60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Vung Tau

120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat