Designed for individuals looking for an authentic private cruise experience in the Mekong Delta, Song Xanh sampan will definitely give you a unique experience...
Day 1: SAIGON – CAI BE – SA DEC (L, D)
The private vehicle and driver of Binhtours will pick up you from your
hotel this morning to leave Saigon for Cai Be.
It will take you roughly 2.5-3 hours driving there with stop en route for your
refreshment and photo opportunities.
The excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.30 am. Upon
embarkation on your sampan-hotel, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton
towels.
After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be
colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and
vegetables. Visits will be made at an ancient mandarin house dating from 1890
where you will we welcomed by the owner. Another stop at some local home
factories will allow you to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other
specialties are traditionally made.
We will proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting
some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer.
A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier" restaurant,
a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded
by fruit plantations. After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Sa Dec via Vinh
Long, cruising along Dong Phu canal and An Binh islet famous for its fruits
orchards.
These evergreen islands among the Mekong River
bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless
arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people.
Crossing the large Co Chien River we will pass under the spectacular My
Thuan Bridge. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of
the biggest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an
interesting visit. Sa Dec town appears like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals…
You will disembark for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful
town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and
Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous…
You will also visit the local market and the Trung Vuong primary school
where well known writer Marguerite Duras spent her childhood (see her famous
novel turned into the famous movie “The Lover”).
Back on board, your sampan will proceed to Long Xuyen. While you will
enjoy a romantic dinner served on the deck during the sunset, the crew will
prepare your bed for the night…
Day 2: LONG XUYEN – CHO MOI – CHAU DOC (B, L, D)
The breakfast will be served on board at 07am. Long Xuyen is a peaceful
provincial town located on the Mekong’s banks.
Your second day cruise will begin with the visit of Long Xuyen floating
market, one of the most attractive in the delta… You will then have an excursion
to “Cu Lao Ong Ho” (The Tiger Island) for a visit at Ton Duc Thang museum,
second president of Vietnam…
We will proceed upstream on the Mekong
river to Chau Doc. While approaching of Cho Moi, a delicious lunch will be
served on board. We will pass by Cu Lao Gieng, a charming little town famous
for its numerous traditional boat factories as well as for its catholic church
dating from 1806 where the French friars established one of the first catholic
mission in the Mekong delta. We will have a
short walking tour in town before proceeding the cruise to Chau Doc.
In the evening, we will organize for you an exciting experience in a
village located in the suburbs of Chau Doc, and where your dinner will be
arranged at some local inhabitant’s house. You will be able to share
experiences with family members and learn about traditional Mekong delta
lifestyle, one of the highlights of your journey on the Mekong
which should not be forgotten! Back on board your private sampan for your
second night on the river.
Day 3: CHAU DOC – SAIGON (B)
Early morning, your breakfast will be served on board while we will be
cruising the Bassac
River. Chau Doc is famous
for its floating fish farming villages, floating markets and Cham villages, an
ancient Muslim ethnic population with their kingdom covering Cambodia and south Vietnam during the 10th
century.
Deep in the Mekong Delta, Chau Doc town is 280 km (174 miles) south-west
of Ho Chi Minh City
close to the Cambodian border. With such proximity to Cambodia, the
local population is an eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese,
sharing different cultures with historical richness. Your cruise journey with Song Xanh sampan will end at around 10am in
Chau Doc.
Your private vehicle is waiting for you at the pier to bring you back to
Saigon with stop en route for your own lunch.
Arrive your hotel in Saigon in the afternoon.
End of services.
Optional: Should you
want to end your tour in Chau Doc so as to continue to Cambodia, our driver will bring you
to hotel in Chau Doc. Further services in Chau Doc and Cambodia can be provided at your
request.
INCLUDE:
+ English or French speaking guide on boat (Other languages available
upon request)
+ Package 3-day private trip on Song Xanh sampan with full board.
+ All transfer and transportation by A/C vehicle as per program.
+ Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees
+ Mineral water and wet tissue (Bottle of
500ml/person/day)
EXCLUDE:
+ Accommodation in Saigon or Chau Doc
+ Travel insurance
+ Visa
+ Tips
+ Personal expenses
What to bring
Sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, sleeping bag
(optional), rain coat, toiletries, original passport.