 |
Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon is free at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (B)
This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh. Transfer by vehicle 4 hours into the Mekong delta. Stop along the way for a quick café sua da (local coffee), before arriving in Can Tho.
Can Tho is a university town on the confluence of three rivers in the heart of the delta. The Mekong Delta was once part of the Khmer Kingdom, and today many ethnic Khmers still live here.
In the afternoon visit the Muniwangsyaram Pagoda, a typical Khmer Buddhist pagoda where the resident monks are friendly, and the local museum which is well laid out and informatively provides a review of the Mekong"s history as well as a 100-year old Vietnamese/French style house in Binh Thuy. This house was chosen as one of recording sites for the French film the ‘The Lover’ which is based on the Marguerite Duras novel.
The rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Can Tho City.
Day 3 - Can Tho - Cai Rang - Can Tho (B,L)
Make an early start this morning to visit the lively and colorful floating market of Cai Rang which is in full swing by 0700am (recommended early start for this day). You’ll take a small boat and explore the waterways where hundreds of vessels congregate with a piece of fruit or a vegetable attached to a pole at the bow signifying what is for sale on each. During the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple and other types of produce. After the market return to Can Tho by boat through the back canals and waterways where you’ll get a view of everyday life of the locals who live along the delta’s watery arteries. Look for the "monkey bridges": narrow, flimsy bamboo bridges that span the canals.
Return to land and have lunch in Can Tho.
This afternoon, spend time cycling around the quiet lanes and dirt paths of Can Tho. Biking is the perfect way to discover the countryside. The roads are flat and the sites are amazing: cottage industries, small farms harvesting or planting rice, hidden temples and friendly locals who will come out to greet you.
Then, transfer to your hotel for overnight. Dinner is free for your own discovery.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 4 - Can Tho - Phu Quoc (B)
In the late morning, depart for your flight to Phu Quoc. On arrival, the resort shuttle bus will welcome and transfer you to resort.
The island of Phu Quoc is one of Asia’s least developed beach destinations. The island’s clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape. In general, dining and entertainment is confined to the resorts and while the lack of infrastructure may frustrate some travelers for most visitors this is one of Phu Quoc’s attractions.
Activities in the area (optional extras): Phu Quoc is a snorkeling and diving paradise. Outlying islands and reefs make for fascinating exploration for either a half or full day trips. In the centre of the island are tropical forests, perfect for day hikes. Vietnam’s favorite ingredient Nuoc Nam (Fish Sauce, can be found here in abundance and a visit to a local factory is a must.
The rest of day is free to relax by the pool or on the beach.
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 5 - 6 : Phu Quoc (B)
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 7 - Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (B)
The morning is at leisure before checking out. The resort shuttle bus will transfer you to airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
 |
