Itinerary

7:30 AM – Pickup from Ho Chi Minh City

• Departure: Pick-up from your hotel in District 1 or meet at 123 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1. Enjoy a scenic 1.5–2-hour drive through lush rice paddies and rural landscapes to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
• Note: For hotels outside District 1, confirm pickup availability or head to the meeting point by 7:40 AM.

9:30 AM – Vinh Trang Pagoda

• Activity: Visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, a stunning 1849 temple blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architectural styles. Explore its lush gardens, intricate carvings, and towering Buddha statues. Your guide will share insights into its cultural and historical significance.
• Duration: ~45 minutes
• Highlight: Perfect for photography and a serene introduction to the Delta’s cultural heritage.

10:30 AM – Mekong River Boat Cruise

• Activity: Board a motorized boat to cruise along the Tien River, passing stilted houses, fish cages, and the iconic Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Unicorn Islets. Enjoy the tranquil scenery of the Mekong Delta’s waterways.
• Highlight: Observe local life along the river, with boats and floating houses showcasing the Delta’s water-based culture.

11:30 AM – Unicorn Island Exploration

• Activity: Disembark at Unicorn Island (Ky Lan) for a cultural immersion. Visit a local family home to enjoy:
• Traditional Music: Listen to Đờn Ca Tài Tử, UNESCO-recognized Southern Vietnamese folk music, performed by locals.
• Tastings: Sample fresh tropical fruits (mangoes, rambutans, or longans, depending on the season), honey tea, and honey wine.
• Coconut Candy Workshop: Watch artisans craft coconut candy, a Ben Tre specialty, and taste it fresh off the press.
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Highlight: Engaging with locals and tasting regional delicacies provide an authentic glimpse into Delta life.

12:30 PM – Sampan Ride Through Canals

• Activity: Board a hand-rowed sampan for a peaceful glide through narrow, coconut tree-lined canals in Ben Tre. This serene experience lets you duck under low bridges and immerse in the lush, green surroundings.
• Duration: ~30 minutes
• Highlight: The quiet, intimate sampan ride is a favorite for its postcard-worthy views and tranquil atmosphere.

1:30 PM – Local Lunch

• Activity: Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a riverside restaurant, featuring Delta specialties like elephant ear fish, spring rolls, and braised pork in coconut juice. Vegan and vegetarian options are available (notify in advance).
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Highlight: Savor fresh, regional cuisine while relaxing in a scenic setting.

2:30 PM – Village Exploration by Bicycle or Tuk-Tuk

• Activity: Choose to cycle or take a tuk-tuk ride through Ben Tre’s rural villages. Pedal or ride past rice fields, fruit orchards, and stilted houses, observing daily life and interacting with locals.
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Highlight: Cycling offers an eco-friendly way to connect with the Delta’s flat, scenic terrain, while tuk-tuks provide a fun, traditional vibe.

3:30 PM – Coconut Farm Visit

• Activity: Tour a coconut farm in Ben Tre, the “Kingdom of Coconuts.” Learn about coconut-based products like rice paper, woven mats, and handicrafts. Sample fresh coconut water and see how locals sustain their livelihoods.
• Duration: ~45 minutes
• Highlight: Gain insight into the Delta’s coconut-centric economy and take home handmade souvenirs.

4:30 PM – Return to My Tho and Ho Chi Minh City

• Activity: Cruise back to My Tho by motorboat, then board the air-conditioned bus for the return trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Drop-off at your hotel or the original meeting point.
• Arrival: Approximately 5:30–6:00 PM, depending on traffic.