The Mekong Delta, a lush and vibrant region in southern Vietnam, is known for its waterways, verdant landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. While the main tourist hubs can feel crowded, the less-touristy town of Ben Tre offers a unique opportunity to take in the authentic local way of life. A full-day cruising tour through Ben Tre’s peaceful tributaries promises to unveil a side of the Mekong Delta that few visitors experience, from witnessing the intricate process of coconut candy making to savoring traditional delicacies while listening to enchanting folk music. For those seeking to delve deeper into the region’s cultural tapestry, this excursion presents a captivating prospect that may just surprise and delight.
Key Points
- Explore the lesser-known Ben Tre province of the Mekong Delta, known for its abundant coconut trees and traditional cottage industries.
- Experience a guided tour with an expert English-speaking guide, allowing for a personalized and intimate exploration of the local culture and activities.
- Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour boat cruise along the Mekong River tributaries, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people.
- Participate in traditional activities, such as visiting a coconut candy workshop, a brick kiln, and a mat weaving cooperative, for a deeper understanding of the region’s craftsmanship.
- Savor a local lunch featuring regional delicacies like deep-fried elephant ear fish and Vietnamese spring rolls, accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Details
- Experience Highlights
- Cultural and Culinary Exploration
- Inclusions and Recommendations
- Scenic Drive to Ben Tre
- Guided Tour and Boat Cruise
- Local Activities and Lunch
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Included Lunch?
- Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
- Do We Have the Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
- Is There a Way to Book Private Transportation Instead of Sharing a Vehicle?
- What Is the Cancellation Policy if We Need to Change the Tour Date?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Ho Chi Minh City
- More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
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Tour Overview and Pricing
For this Mekong Delta cruising tour in Ben Tre, travelers can expect a less-touristy experience priced at $140.53 per person.
The full-day tour lasts 9 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests will be picked up from their hotel in District 1 or the Opera House meeting point, then embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Ben Tre Province.
The itinerary includes a guided tour, boat cruise on the Mekong River, village visits, and lunch at a local restaurant, all led by an experienced English-speaking guide.
The small group setting ensures a personalized experience with unlimited time for activities and free-flowing mineral water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Itinerary Details
The Mekong Delta cruising tour in Ben Tre begins with a pickup from the hotel in District 1 or the meeting point at the Opera House.
Guests then embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Ben Tre Province via the Rach Mieu bridge.
During the tour, they’ll enjoy a guided tour, a 2-hour boat cruise on the Mekong River, and 3 hours of village visits.
Lunch at a local restaurant is also included.
The tour concludes with a return to District 1 around 6:30 PM.
Throughout the day, the group is accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide, and free flow mineral water is provided during transfers and lunch.
Experience Highlights
An expert English-speaking guide accompanies guests throughout the day, ensuring a personalized experience.
The small group setting allows for unlimited time to explore local activities without feeling rushed. Visitors can enjoy the rhythms of traditional music during a fruit tasting and witness the skilled craft of mat weaving.
Other highlights include:
- Sampan rowing experience with 4 guests per boat
- Unlimited complimentary bottled water during transfers and lunch
- Entrance fees to coconut candy workshops, brick kilns, and other cultural sites
- Tuk tuk transportation within the village for a unique local perspective
Cultural and Culinary Exploration
Ben Tre Province, known for its expansive 80,000 hectares of coconut trees, sets the stage for a cultural and culinary exploration.
Visitors learn about the intricate process of coconut candy production and traditional brick-making.
They’ll savor local delicacies, including the deep-fried Elephant Ear Fish and Vietnamese Spring Rolls, during a hearty lunch.
The experience is further enriched by the soothing sounds of "Don ca tai tu", a traditional form of South Vietnamese folk music, enjoyed while tasting fresh tropical fruits.
This immersive journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural and culinary heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Recommendations
Private transportation in an A/C vehicle is provided for the duration of the tour.
Guests will also enjoy a private boat cruise on the Mekong River with a sun-roof. A sampan rowing experience awaits, with 4 guests per sampan.
Entry fees are included for visiting the brick kiln, coconut candy workshop, and mat weaving lady. Tuk Tuk transportation within the village is also provided.
Recommended items to bring include:
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Camera
- Cash
- Personal medication
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old.
Scenic Drive to Ben Tre
The tour begins with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre Province, traversing the Rach Mieu bridge.
Along the way, travelers will witness the picturesque landscapes of the Mekong Delta region. The drive provides an opportunity to observe the daily life and activities of the local people, including farmers tending to their fields and fishermen casting their nets in the waterways.
The journey offers a glimpse into the rural charm of the area, setting the stage for the immersive cultural experience that awaits at the destination.
Upon arrival in Ben Tre, the group will embark on a guided tour, exploring the local coconut industry and traditional crafts.
Guided Tour and Boat Cruise
Upon arrival in Ben Tre, travelers embark on an engaging guided tour that showcases the region’s renowned coconut industry and traditional crafts.
The tour includes:
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Visits to a coconut candy workshop where locals demonstrate the time-honored process of making the sweet treat.
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A stop at a brick kiln to witness the meticulous handcrafting of bricks using centuries-old techniques.
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Exploration of a mat weaving cooperative, where skilled artisans create intricate woven mats from coconut leaves.
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A relaxing boat cruise along the Mekong River, offering a serene glimpse into the daily life and activities of the local riverine community.
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An opportunity to savor traditional Vietnamese delicacies, including the renowned deep-fried Elephant Ear Fish, during a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Local Activities and Lunch
Visitors enjoy the local culture and traditions during the Ben Tre portion of the tour.
They’ll visit a coconut candy workshop to learn about the production process and sample the sweet treats.
Next, they’ll explore a brick kiln, witnessing the intricate process of traditional brick-making.
The highlight of the day is the sampan rowing experience, where four guests per boat glide along the peaceful Mekong River tributaries.
Lunch at a local restaurant features delectable dishes like deep-fried elephant ear fish and Vietnamese spring rolls, complemented by the soothing sounds of don ca tai tu, the traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Included Lunch?
The tour includes a local lunch, but doesn’t specify any special dietary requirements. Travelers with dietary restrictions should inform the tour operator ahead of time so they can accommodate any needs during the meal.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
The tour allows customers to customize the itinerary to visit additional sites within the Mekong Delta region, subject to availability and guide’s recommendation. This provides a more personalized experience for travelers.
Do We Have the Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, the tour can be extended beyond the standard 9-hour duration. Travelers can discuss customizing the itinerary and tour length with the tour provider to accommodate their preferences and interests.
Is There a Way to Book Private Transportation Instead of Sharing a Vehicle?
Yes, the tour offers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle instead of a shared vehicle. This provides a more personalized experience with the ability to customize the itinerary to the traveler’s preferences.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if We Need to Change the Tour Date?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility to change the date if needed. Guests can easily modify their tour schedule by contacting the tour provider.
Less-touristy Mekong Delta Ben Tre Cruising Fullday
Recap
This Mekong Delta cruising tour offers a chance to take in the authentic local culture and natural beauty of Ben Tre. Visitors can explore coconut workshops, brick kilns, and village life while savoring delectable regional cuisine. The scenic drive, guided boat cruise, and engaging cultural activities provide an intimate, less-crowded experience of the Mekong Delta’s tranquil tributaries.
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