Tour Name: Exploring Cái Bè Floating Market & Mekong River Charm
Duration: 1 day (7:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
Start/End Point: Ho Chi Minh City
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach, motorboat, sampan, bicycle
Group Size: Small group (up to 12 people) for an intimate experience, or private tour upon request
Reference Price: $47–70 per person (depending on group size and additional services)
Tour Highlights
- Cái Bè Floating Market: Experience the unique river-based trading culture.
- Local Culture: Visit historic homes, craft villages, and enjoy đờn ca tài tử music.
- Diverse Activities: Combine motorboat rides, sampan rowing, cycling, and an optional cooking class for a varied experience.
- Mekong Cuisine: Savor authentic dishes and fresh fruits.
- Sustainable Tourism: Support local communities through direct interaction and economic contributions.
Notes for Participants
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) is ideal for pleasant weather. The rainy season (May to October) is still suitable, as rains are typically short and do not significantly affect the tour.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers suitable for cycling. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Booking: Reserve at least 24 hours in advance for free cancellation.
- Special Requests: Inform in advance for vegetarian meals or other specific needs.
- Family-Friendly: Children under 5 years old join free, ages 5–10 pay 75% of the tour price, and those 11 and above are charged as adults.
LỊCH
TRÌNH
Detailed Itinerary
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM: Pick-up at hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Depart from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, via the Trung Lương Expressway to Cái Bè, Tiền Giang Province (approximately 2-hour drive).
- During the journey, the tour guide will share insights about the culture, history, and daily life of the Mekong Delta.
9:30 AM: Arrive in Cái Bè - Visit Cái Bè Floating Market
- Board a motorboat to explore the Cái Bè Floating Market, one of the iconic floating markets of the Mekong Delta, where locals trade fruits, vegetables, and goods on the river. Though smaller than in the past, the vibrant riverside scene remains a unique experience.
- Cruise through narrow canals, admiring the serene river scenery, riverside homes, and lush water coconut groves.
10:30 AM: Visit Traditional Craft Villages
- Stop at local workshops to observe the production of coconut candy, rice paper, popped rice, and honey. Sample fresh products and shop for souvenirs.
- Enjoy a performance of đờn ca tài tử, a traditional South Vietnamese folk music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
11:30 AM: Rowing Sampan through Canals
- Switch to a hand-rowed sampan, navigated by locals, to glide through small canals lined with greenery. Experience the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta’s waterways.
12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Orchard
- Enjoy lunch at a local orchard with authentic Mekong Delta dishes such as fried elephant ear fish, bánh xèo (crispy pancakes), sour fish soup, and seasonal fruits. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
- Savor honey tea and fresh fruits in the peaceful orchard setting.
1:30 PM: Cycling around Tân Phong Island
- Ride bicycles to explore Tân Phong Island, a lush island in Cái Bè. Cycle through small village paths, passing fruit orchards, traditional homes, and glimpses of local life.
- Visit the Ba Kiết House or Bá Đức House, historic homes showcasing traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture with intricate wooden designs.
3:00 PM: Cooking Class (Optional)
- Join a short cooking class with locals to learn how to prepare Mekong Delta specialties like bánh xèo or spring rolls. Enjoy the dishes you prepare afterward.
3:30 PM: Return to the Pier and Depart for Ho Chi Minh City
- Take the boat back to Cái Bè pier, then board the air-conditioned coach to return to Ho Chi Minh City.
5:30 PM: Tour Ends
- Arrive back at your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the tour. Timing may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Những
thông tin cần lưu ý
- Air-conditioned coach for round-trip transport from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Motorboat and sampan rides in Cái Bè.
- Bicycles for exploring Tân Phong Island.
- Lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties, drinks (1 bottled water and 1 fresh coconut per person).
- English- or Vietnamese-speaking tour guide (based on request).
- Entrance fees for all attractions and activities.
- Travel insurance (maximum coverage of 10,000,000 VND per person per incident).
- Personal expenses, additional drinks, and tips.
- Surcharge for pick-up at the airport or areas outside District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Optional activities outside the itinerary (e.g., cooking class).
Reserve at least 24 hours in advance for free cancellation.