Explorient Travel

FROM SAIGON CITY TO THE MEKONG DELTA

Option Tours - Tours from Saigon

Trip code: VET.OPSG-04
Type of trip: Private
Trip Duration: 3 Days
Starting: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city), Vietnam
Finishing: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city), Vietnam
Trip Grading: Regular itinerary, moderate walking, boat trip
Destinations: Saigon - Mekong Delta

Description: In this trip you will enjoy a boat trip to explore the vast waterways and Mekong delta and modern Saigon - the largest city of Vietnam.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon arrival

Arrive at Saigon airport, our guide and driver will pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Meal: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 2: Saigon - My Tho boat trip - Saigon (L)

The Mekong Delta or Cuu Long in Vietnamese, with it riche agricultural soil, is one of the nation's rice baskets. The surrounding area is comprised of low lying rice paddies and the rivers are bordered by dense mangroves and palms.

The tributaries of Mekong River provide a comprehensive network of canals and channels. Travel by river is the best way to explore the region at a leisurely pace as it offers opportunities to experience the truly unique Mekong River lifestyle. Cruising on the roof of a boat as the sun sets over distant coconut trees is truly remarkable experience.

8:00 am Our guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby to depart to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Guests will take time to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with mixture structure of many styles.

Then take a boat trip round 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix , and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life.

Stops on the way can be made upon request for particular visits or photos making. Visit traditional house at Quoi An village (all make from coconut). See coconut collection set and how locals make handicrafts from trunk and shell, guests can see that they waste nothing, coconut even useful from wedding to funeral.

Enjoy seasonal fruit and listening to traditional music. Take horse cart on village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard, taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky. Take rowing-boat on water palm creek. Take boat to visit coconut candy factory. Enjoy a special lunch at local restaurant before coming back to Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 3: Saigon city tour

AM: The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

At approximately 1pm we shall take lunch at the renowned Pho 2000 near the Ben Thanh Market.

PM: Giac Lam Pagoda: This is Saigon’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam. Inside 98 pillars and 113 statues and a myriad of mini-Buddhas vie for your attention. Don’t miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.

Cholon & Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. The district is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.

Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Pricing & Inclusion:

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel. An indication of the cost for this itinerary is from 82 USD per person based in a group of 2 people.

Please enquire for availabilities & the most updated price.

Price Inclusion:

• All land transportation by private air conditioned vehicles
  
• Tour arrival and departure airport transfers
  
• Hotel accommodation on a double or twin-share basic
  
• Boat trip in Mekong.
  
• Meals as mention in the program (3 meals)
  
• Local English speaking guides
  
• All entrance and sightseeing fees
  
• Mineral water

Price Exclusions:

• International airfare and airport tax in & out Vietnam
  
• Drinks and other meals do not indicate in the program
  
• Visa to Vietnam, if any
  
• Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)
  
• Tipping/ Gratuities
  
• Additional expenses in case of force majeure