Mekong Delta "Slow Life": River Fishing & Rustic Cooking
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience real fishing in Mekong canals – learn traditional techniques from local fishermen.
Visit an authentic local market where people buy fresh fish, vegetables, and daily supplies.
Cruise peaceful waterways by private motorboat through scenic countryside.
Try traditional riverbank fishing – a skill locals have used for generations.
Learn the traditional "duck herding" technique used by Mekong farmers.
Practice traditional water scooping to irrigate gardens – feel how hard farmers work.
Hands-on cooking class – prepare three authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch in a coconut garden with dishes you made.
Relax in hammocks surrounded by coconut palms and rice fields.
Take a peaceful hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow nipa palm canals.
Support local families through community-based sustainable tourism.
Small group size (maximum 12) ensures personal attention and authentic experience.
Available options
Mekong Delta "Slow Life": River Fishing & Rustic Cooking
What's included
Travel insurance
Hands-on cooking class with local family (learn 3 dishes)
Delicious home-cooked lunch with multiple dishes (vegetarian options available)
Traditional hand-rowed sampan boat ride
Fresh bait purchased at local market
Air-conditioned 16-seat minivan (hotel pick-up and drop-off in District 1 exclude Tan Dinh Ward, Sai Gon Ward)
Complete fishing equipment (1 rod per person, bait, seating area)
Professional, friendly English-speaking guide for the entire day
Private motorboat for fishing and canal cruising
Bottled water throughout the day
Detailed itinerary
1
Pick-up from your hotel in District 1 (exclude Tan Dinh Ward, Sai Gon Ward) or meeting point
2
Comfortable drive to Ben Luc (approximately 1 hour)
• Watch the landscape change from city to countryside
• Learn about Mekong Delta life from your guide
3
Visit Ben Luc local market:
• Explore a real market where local people shop
• See fresh fish, vegetables, and regional products
• Buy fresh bait for your fishing adventure
• Learn what local families eat and how they cook
• Optional: practice Vietnamese with friendly vendors
09:45 AM: Arrive at Go Dung Pier and board your private motorboat
4
Fishing adventure:
• Cruise to your fishing spot under a peaceful rural bridge
• Learn traditional fishing techniques from your guide
• Each guest gets a proper fishing rod and fresh bait
• Try to catch local fish species (tilapia, catfish, snakehead)
• Experience the patience and skill fishing requires
• Enjoy fresh fruits, snacks, and cold drinks while fishing
• Learn why fishing is so important to Mekong life
• Relax and enjoy the peaceful river atmosphere
• Take photos of beautiful rural scenery
5
Scenic boat journey:
• Cruise through narrow, shaded canals
• Take a short countryside walk to stretch your legs
• See local houses, gardens, and daily life along the waterways
• Feel the peaceful rhythm of rural living
Arrive at a beautiful local coconut garden
6
Hands-on farming and cooking experience:
• Duck herding activity – guide ducks like local farmers do
• Practice traditional water scooping to irrigate the garden
• Pick fresh vegetables and herbs for your cooking class
• Hands-on cooking class – learn to make:
- Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancakes)
- Chả Giò (crispy fried spring rolls)
- Thịt Nướng Lá Lốt (grilled pork in betel leaves)
• Cook with your host family in their outdoor kitchen
• Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring:
- The three dishes you prepared
- Lemongrass chicken, fried eggs, pork soup
- Steamed rice and seasonal fresh fruits
• Share stories and learn about daily life from your hosts
• Relax in comfortable hammocks under coconut trees
• Enjoy the peaceful garden atmosphere
7
Traditional sampan rowboat ride:
• Glide through narrow canals covered by nipa palms
• Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature
• See rural life along the small waterways
• Perfect time for photos and reflection
8
Motorboat ride back to Go Dung Pier
• Say goodbye to your local hosts
Begin drive back to Ho Chi Minh City
9
: Arrive at your hotel
• Tour ends with wonderful memories of Mekong life
What's not included
Personal expenses (additional food or drinks beyond what is provided)
Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, and local hosts
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.9
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
If guests are staying outside District 1, please come to the meeting point: 112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City at 07:45 AM
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
