Beyond the streets of Ho Chi Minh City lies a completely different side of Southern Vietnam - where floating markets awaken at sunrise, lush waterways weave through peaceful villages, and centuries-old traditions remain beautifully preserved. This 3-day Ho Chi Minh City Tour invites travelers to experience the authentic charm of the Mekong Delta through an unforgettable journey across Cai Be, Can Tho, and Chau Doc, with the flexibility to continue to Phnom Penh or return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Designed for travelers seeking more than typical Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh, this immersive adventure combines scenic boat cruises, hand-rowed sampan rides, countryside cycling, vibrant floating markets, local handicraft workshops, and cultural encounters with Khmer and Cham communities. Guests will also explore the enchanting Tra Su Cajuput Forest, one of the Mekong Delta's most spectacular natural reserves, while enjoying regional cuisine and warm Southern hospitality throughout the trip.
Contact Halong Bay Cruises today to reserve your Mekong Delta Tour and discover the authentic beauty of Southern Vietnam.
07:00-07:30: Your Ho Chi Minh City Tour begins with a convenient pick-up from District 1 hotels or the designated meeting point. The journey heads south toward the Mekong Delta, offering picturesque views of rice fields, rivers, and charming countryside landscapes along the way.
The tour arrives in Cai Be, where travelers board a traditional wooden boat to explore the famous Cai Be Floating Market. The Mekong Delta excursion continues with visits to a centuries-old house and a local coconut candy workshop.
Travelers enjoy a tasting of fresh tropical fruits while listening to live Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local artists. This authentic cultural experience offers a wonderful introduction to the traditions of the Mekong Delta.
A hand-rowed sampan takes travelers through peaceful canals shaded by coconut palms. This relaxing cruise showcases the tranquil beauty of the waterways and offers a memorable experience beyond ordinary Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh.
Lunch is served at a charming riverside garden house featuring authentic Southern Vietnamese specialties. A local chef then demonstrates how to prepare one of the region's signature dishes during an interactive cooking class.
The afternoon excursion continues with a leisurely cycling tour through quiet villages surrounded by fruit orchards and local farms. The guide also introduces Ba Kiet Ancient House, where travelers discover the architecture and lifestyle of a traditional Mekong family.
The journey continues to Can Tho, the cultural and economic center of the Mekong Delta. Travelers check into the hotel before enjoying a relaxing evening at leisure.
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Breakfast is served at the hotel before another exciting day of exploration begins.
The morning excursion starts with a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Visitors witness hundreds of boats trading fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties while experiencing one of Vietnam's most iconic riverside traditions.
The tour continues to a traditional rice noodle factory, where travelers learn about the production of one of Vietnam's most famous culinary staples. The itinerary then includes a visit to the beautiful Munir Ansay Khmer Pagoda, showcasing the region's rich Khmer heritage.
The guide leads the group to Con Son Tourist Area, where lush fruit orchards, peaceful gardens, and welcoming local families offer an authentic glimpse into everyday life in the Mekong Delta.
A local restaurant serves a delicious Vietnamese lunch before the journey continues toward Chau Doc.
The tour reaches the spectacular Tra Su Cajuput Forest, one of Southern Vietnam's most impressive ecological reserves. A traditional rowing boat glides through emerald waterways surrounded by towering cajuput trees and diverse birdlife, creating one of the highlights of this Ho Chi Minh City Tour.
Dinner is served at a local restaurant before travelers check into their hotel in Chau Doc for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc
Option 1: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B)
06:30: Breakfast is served at the hotel before check-out procedures are completed.
07:00: The transfer takes travelers to the pier, where a high-speed boat departs for Phnom Penh. The scenic cruise along the Mekong River includes immigration procedures before crossing into Cambodia.
The speedboat arrives in Phnom Penh, where the tour officially concludes.
Option 2: Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
06:30: Breakfast is served at the hotel before the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City begins.
The morning sightseeing program includes visits to the floating village and the traditional Cham village. Travelers discover the unique culture, craftsmanship, and riverside lifestyle that have shaped these communities for generations.
The itinerary continues to Chau Doc Market before visiting Hang Pagoda and the famous Ba Chua Xu Temple, one of Southern Vietnam's most important spiritual destinations and pilgrimage sites.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant while the journey continues back toward Ho Chi Minh City.
17:30-18:00: The tour arrives back in Ho Chi Minh City, concluding an unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City Tour through the Mekong Delta.
Meals: Breakfast
Halong Bay Cruises
Vietnam travel experts · Est. 2013 · Based in Hanoi
Our team of local specialists has guided travellers from 50+ countries across northern Vietnam. Every itinerary is personally researched and led by passionate, professional guides who call this region home.
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A lot of people told me to do another Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, but I wanted to see a different side of southern Vietnam. Best decision ever. Floating markets, tiny canals, fruit orchards, villages, and endless rivers... it was exactly what I was hoping to experience. The guide kept the group entertained the whole time, the bus was comfortable, and everything was really well coordinated. If you're deciding between another city excursion and this 3-day tour, I'd 100% pick the Mekong. Special thanks to Robert from Halong Bay Cruises for recommending this tour and answering all my questions before I booked. Definitely the right choice!
My partner and I chose the Phnom Penh option because we planned to continue travelling through Cambodia afterwards. It couldn't have worked out better. Instead of wasting a travel day, we actually explored the Mekong Delta before taking the speedboat across the border. The organization was excellent from start to finish. I especially enjoyed Tra Su Forest, probably one of the most peaceful places I've visited in Southeast Asia. Border procedures were straightforward thanks to our guide. Great value for money considering everything that's included.
Honestly, I booked this tour because I had a few spare days before flying home... didn't expect much. Turns out it became one of my favorite experiences in Vietnam. The floating markets felt so authentic, everyone was welcoming, and the sampan ride through the coconut canals was sooo relaxing. The guide even taught us a few Vietnamese phrases which was fun lol. Food was delicious every single meal (seriously, I ate way too much). Everything ran on time, transportation was comfortable, and I never felt rushed despite seeing so many places.
I'd already done a Cu Chi Tour from Ho Chi Minh the day before, so I wanted something less crowded and more relaxing. This tour was exactly that. The Mekong Delta has such a different vibe compared to the city. I loved visiting the floating markets and learning how locals still trade directly from their boats. The coconut candy workshop was surprisingly interesting, and I bought waaay too much candy. If you have 3 days available, I'd choose this over multiple separate day tours.
I almost booked one of those Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh, but sooo glad I changed my mind. Three days Mekong Delta from Halong Bay Cruises gave us enough time to actually slow down instead of rushing from place to place. Cai Rang Floating Market was already buzzing before sunrise, the sampan ride was incredibly peaceful, and Tra Su Forest honestly looked unreal. Our guide was funny, patient, and knew literally everyone :)). The cycling through the villages was another highlight because it felt like real Vietnam instead of a tourist attraction. Hotels were simple but clean, meals were generous, and the whole tour was super well organized. I'd definitely recommend this if you've already done the city and want something completely different.
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Chloe Anderson,
AustraliaI kept seeing videos on TikTok of people gliding through these tiny green canals surrounded by massive cajuput trees, and honestly... the FOMO was real. That's exactly why I booked this tour, and it looked even better in person. Tra Su Forest was absolutely stunning, and the whole Mekong Delta felt so peaceful. The floating markets were fascinating, the food was delicious, and our guide made everything easy to follow. Huge thanks to Robert from Halong Bay Cruises for suggesting this itinerary instead of just another day tour. Sooo worth it!