Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Half Day Tour, evening AO Show
Start the tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet halland the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received.
Then, continue to the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by the renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, and take a moment to send a postcard! Just behind the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Saigon landmark built in neo-Romanesque style by the French between 1863 and 1880. Today it’s a favored backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs. Next, stroll down Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, as Rue Catinat.
At around 5 pm, you will be picked up and transferred to the magnificent Saigon Opera House to see the A O Show which is a spectacular showcase of Vietnamese culture and performance art, and combines in beautiful precision elements of both old and new. Featuring Vietnam’s most talented performance artists, traditional musicians and circus-like choreography, A O Show explores the lives of Vietnamese people through its ensemble creations. Using props made of little more than bamboo and wood, performers recreate the peaceful serenity of the Vietnamese countryside, the ebb and flow of the coastal waves or the frenetic traffic in Hanoi and Saigon.
With a cast made up of the most talented local circus performers,dancers, athletes and artists, A O Show is one of the most memorable experiences to be had in the city. After the hour long show, take a short walkthrough the wide Boulevards of central Saigon to Hoa Tuc Restaurant - a real culinary and architectural gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of District 1. Renowned for its combination of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine and authentic French colonial architecture, Hoa Tuc is the perfect end to a memorable night in Saigon.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre
Leave the bustle Ho Chi Minh City behindfor Ben Tre - the coconut kingdom. Arrive at a charming homestay, hidden under hundreds of coconut palm trees, by the Mekong river. Enjoy a fresh coconut before checking in your room. Relax then join a family member foran introduction to local fishing. Return to the restaurant at the end of the afternoon and join in a cooking class of “Bánh xèo” – a southern Vietnamese delicacy. For dinner you will enjoy many local dishes that are typical of the Mekong region.A lemongrass and ginger foot bath will be prepared in the evening so you can truly relax before bed.
Day 4: Ben Tre Half Day Cycling Tour - Can Tho
After breakfast, start cycling to the island of Oc on a concrete track, lined with fruit & coconut trees On the way, pass by a local market which will give you a glimpse of the local life. You will also visit a coconut basket factory and join the owner to learn about different braiding techniques (this activity is subject to availability)
Take a local ferry to reach a small island. Continue your ride along small paths and lush surroundings. Stop at a fish farm and learn of two of Vietnam’s most popular species of catfish: Ca Tra & CaBa Sa. Tour ends with a boat ride back to your homestay. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Can Tho.
Day 5: Morning Cai Rang floating market, afternoon transfer to Chau Doc
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The Cai Rang floating market is one of the most unique and colorful markets in Southern Vietnam. Learn about the history and culture of the market and buy fresh fruits from one of the charming local vendors. Then, visit a traditional family owned“noodle house” where colorful noodles are made using traditional techniques.See the fascinating process of making noodles and sample some of the delicacies.Make your way along the idyllic canals in search of a traditional cocoa farm,where you will learn a lot of interesting facts and stories about chocolate! Find out how organic cocoa is used to make everything from wine to cosmetics,while enjoying a glass of cocoa milk or cocoa wine! Delicious!
In the afternoon you will be transferred to Chau Doc Nestled on picturesque Sam Mountain, just outside of Chau Doc, Victoria Nui Sam Lodge is the ideal base to explore this fascinating area. Hop on one of the lodge’s mountain bikes to discover the many nearby ethnic pagodas and temples, and as a bonus, be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views extending deep into neighbouring Cambodia.
Day 6: Chau Doc, Cham Culture and Tra Su Mangrove Forest Tour
One of the most enchanting stops along the journey is a visit to a renowned floating fishing village in the Mekong River Delta. Here, amidst the gentle sway of floating houses, you'll experience the genuine warmth of the locals as they share their unique way of life. Witnessing the lively fish feeding rituals under these homes, surrounded by nets teeming with Pangasius and Tilapia, offers a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between community and river.Continuing on, your adventure leads you to the hidden treasures of Chau Doc, where the rich cultural tapestry of the Cham minority unfolds. Stepping into their village feels like stepping back in time as you're enveloped in the traditions and values that have sustained their community through generations.
As you navigate the tranquil waters of the Chau Doc Vinh Te small canal, passing by stilt houses that stand as silent sentinels to a bygone era, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the beauty and resilience of this region.In the afternoon, visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary for an out-of-this-world experience. You will travel by sampan through endless waterways flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. Here, amidst the seasonal bird sightings and the captivating beauty of Vietnam's most stunning flooded forest, you'll find yourself immersed in the serenity of Southeast Asia's wilderness.
Day 7: Chau Doc - Can Tho - fly to Phu Quoc
Today you will be transferred to Can Tho airport where you’ll board an hour flight to Phu Quoc
Upon arrival check in your hotel and relax.
Day 8: Phu Quoc - Day at leisure
Picture above: Con Dao beach.
Free day at leisure.
Day 9: Phu Quoc - Day at leisure
Day at leisure in Phu Quoc
Day 10: Phu Quoc Departure
Fly home via Ho Chi Minh city today.
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