Cái Bè Floating Market, Local Crafts & Homestay Experience

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Pick-up at hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Depart from District 1 via air-conditioned coach to Cái Bè, Tiền Giang Province (approx. 2-hour drive via Trung Lương Expressway).
• The tour guide provides an introduction to the Mekong Delta’s culture, history, and way of life.

9:00 AM: Arrive in Cái Bè - Explore Cái Bè Floating Market

• Board a motorboat to visit the Cái Bè Floating Market, a vibrant hub where locals trade fruits, vegetables, and goods on the Tiền River.
• Cruise through scenic canals lined with water coconut groves and riverside homes, soaking in the tranquil riverine atmosphere.

10:30 AM: Visit Traditional Craft Villages

• Stop at local workshops to observe the making of coconut candy, rice paper, and popped rice. Sample fresh products and purchase souvenirs.
• Enjoy a live performance of đờn ca tài tử, UNESCO-recognized traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music, at a local home.

11:30 AM: Rowing Sampan through Canals

• Transfer to a hand-rowed sampan to glide through narrow, tree-lined canals, experiencing the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta’s waterways.

12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Orchard

• Savor a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties, including fried elephant ear fish, bánh xèo (crispy pancakes), sour fish soup, and seasonal fruits at a local orchard. Vegetarian options available upon request.
• Relax with honey tea and fresh fruits in the lush orchard setting.

2:00 PM: Cycling on Tân Phong Island

• Ride bicycles through Tân Phong Island, exploring quiet village paths, fruit orchards, and traditional homes.
• Visit the Ba Kiết House, a well-preserved example of traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture with intricate wooden designs.

3:30 PM: Check-in at Homestay (An Bình or Tân Phong Island)

• Arrive at a local homestay on An Bình or Tân Phong Island (based on availability). The homestay offers a cozy, authentic experience with basic but comfortable amenities, often in a traditional wooden house surrounded by gardens.
• Participate in a local life activity: Help the host family prepare dinner, learning to cook dishes like bánh xèo or fish hotpot, or join in gardening/fishing activities.

6:00 PM: Dinner & Cultural Exchange

• Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with the host family, featuring fresh, local ingredients and Mekong Delta flavors.
• Engage in conversations with the hosts to learn about their daily life, traditions, and stories of the Mekong Delta. Optional evening activities include stargazing or a short walk around the village.

Overnight: Stay at the homestay, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the island.

Cái Răng Floating Market & Trà Sư Cajuput Forest

5:00 AM: Early Departure to Cần Thơ

• Wake up early and enjoy a light breakfast at the homestay (coffee/tea, bread, or local pastries).
• Travel by coach to Cần Thơ (approx. 2.5-hour drive) to catch the morning activities at the Cái Răng Floating Market.

7:30 AM: Explore Cái Răng Floating Market

• Board a motorboat to visit the Cái Răng Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. Observe locals trading goods, from fresh produce to breakfast noodles, on colorful boats.
• Enjoy a bowl of hủ tiếu (Southern Vietnamese noodle soup) or coffee served directly from a boat vendor for an authentic experience.

9:00 AM: Visit a Local Rice Noodle Workshop

• Stop at a traditional rice noodle workshop in Cần Thơ to see how hủ tiếu noodles are handmade, a specialty of the region. Sample fresh noodles or snacks.

10:00 AM: Travel to Trà Sư Cajuput Forest

• Depart by coach to Trà Sư Cajuput Forest in An Giang Province (approx. 1.5-hour drive). Enjoy the scenic drive through rice fields and rural landscapes.

11:30 AM: Explore Trà Sư Cajuput Forest

• Take a motorboat and hand-rowed sampan through the Trà Sư Cajuput Forest, a stunning wetland ecosystem with lush cajuput trees, lotus ponds, and abundant birdlife.
• Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the forest and spot birds like herons, egrets, and kingfishers (best during the early morning or late afternoon).
• Learn about the forest’s biodiversity and conservation efforts from a local guide.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant

• Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant with dishes like grilled snakehead fish, lotus stem salad, and seasonal fruits, reflecting the region’s fresh produce.

2:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

• Board the coach for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 3.5-hour drive, depending on traffic).

6:00 PM: Tour Ends

• Arrive back at your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the tour. Timing may vary due to traffic or weather conditions.