Exploring the authentic rural charm of the Mekong Delta offers a delightful escape from the usual tourist hotspots. Embarking on a journey through tranquil paths, travelers can enjoy the vibrant local communities, lush organic gardens, and serene waterways lined with Nipa palm trees. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the region’s sustainable practices and rich cultural heritage. For those seeking to experience the Mekong Delta beyond the beaten track, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- Explore the lesser-known rural areas of the Mekong Delta through a boat ride and biking excursion, away from the typical tourist hotspots.
- Immerse in the daily lives of locals by visiting a traditional home, sampling homemade tea, fruits, and sponge cake.
- Witness the eco-friendly charcoal-making process in Ben Tre, learning about sustainable livelihoods in the Mekong Delta region.
- Enjoy a tranquil sampan rowing trip amidst the Nipa palm trees, providing a serene and authentic experience.
- Discover the organic longan gardens and local cuisine at the Ut Trinh Homestay, offering a deeper connection to the region’s agricultural heritage.
Overview of the Tour
This one-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a chance to explore the non-touristy side of the Mekong Delta region.
Starting at 8 AM, guests will be picked up from their hotel and taken by boat along the Mekong River. They’ll visit a local home for tea, fruits, and cake, then try their hand at sampan rowing.
Guests are picked up at 8 AM, taken by boat along the Mekong River, and visit a local home for tea, fruits, and cake, then try sampan rowing.
A biking tour through villages teaches about ginseng leaves and rural life before lunch at a homestay.
The tour returns to Ho Chi Minh City around 5:30 PM, providing an immersive experience away from the typical tourist trail.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ben Tre.
Itinerary and Activities
The tour begins with a hotel pickup at 8:00 AM from Ho Chi Minh City.
Travelers will take a boat ride along the Mekong River to Vam Ho Bridge in Tam Hiep, where they’ll visit a local home for honey tea, tropical fruits, and sponge cake.
Next, they’ll enjoy a sampan rowing trip amidst Nipa palm trees.
The biking tour allows them to learn about ginseng leaves and local village life.
Lunch is served at Ut Trinh Homestay before the group returns to the hotel around 5:30 PM.
Discovering Mekong Delta From Ho Chi Minh City
Travelers looking to discover the non-touristy side of the Mekong Delta can opt for this 1-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City.
The tour starts with a hotel pickup at 8:00 AM and a boat ride along the Mekong River to Vam Ho Bridge in Tam Hiep.
The tour begins with a hotel pickup at 8:00 AM and a boat ride along the Mekong River to Vam Ho Bridge in Tam Hiep.
Visitors can then experience rural life, visiting a local home for honey tea, tropical fruits, and sponge cake.
A sampan rowing trip amidst Nipa palm trees and a biking tour to learn about ginseng leaves and village life follow.
The tour includes lunch at a homestay and returns to the hotel around 5:30 PM.
Experiencing Rural Life and Organic Longan Gardens
After being picked up from their hotel, visitors embark on a boat ride along the Mekong River to Vam Ho Bridge in Tam Hiep. Upon arrival, they visit a local home to sample honey tea, tropical fruits, and sponge cake. Next, they board sampans for a tranquil rowing trip amidst Nipa palm trees. The tour then transitions to a biking excursion, where travelers learn about ginseng leaves and observe daily village life. This rural immersion culminates with a lunch at Ut Trinh Homestay, allowing guests to fully appreciate the region’s organic longan gardens.
| Activity | Description |
| — | — |
| Honey Tea | Savor refreshing honey tea in a local home. |
| Tropical Fruits | Delight in an array of fresh, regional fruits. |
| Sponge Cake | Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese sponge cake. |
| Sampan Rowing | Glide peacefully through Nipa palm-lined waterways. |
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCapturing Photos at Coconut Shell Charcoal in Ben Tre
Next, the tour moves to BenTre, where visitors can capture photos of the unique coconut shell charcoal-making process.
Here, small-scale artisans transform discarded coconut shells into valuable charcoal. Guests watch the intricate steps, from drying the shells to carefully stoking the smoldering fires.
The charcoal is then packaged and sold, providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community.
This hands-on experience offers travelers a glimpse into the resourceful, eco-friendly practices of the Mekong Delta region.
It’s a chance to document the ingenuity of these hardworking artisans and their centuries-old traditions.
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Learning About Coconut Handicrafts
The tour then takes visitors to explore the intricate world of coconut handicrafts.
Guests witness skilled artisans crafting an array of products from coconut husks and shells. They learn about the painstaking process of transforming these natural materials into intricate baskets, bowls, and even decorative items.
The guide explains the cultural significance of these handicrafts and how they’ve been passed down through generations.
Visitors gain an appreciation for the creativity and dexterity required to create these unique, sustainable souvenirs.
This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the Mekong Delta’s rich artisanal heritage.
Inclusions and What’s Covered
The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. This includes air-conditioned transportation, a boat trip, and a biking excursion, all led by an English-speaking guide.
Lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine is provided, and travelers can expect complimentary cool tissues and mineral water throughout the day. Travel insurance is also included.
However, additional food, drinks, and tips for the local guide aren’t covered. It’s important to note that there are some restrictions, such as the tour not being suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old, and the prohibition of alcohol and drugs.
Important Restrictions and Information
Although the tour is designed for a range of travelers, there are some important restrictions and information to consider.
The activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.
Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Optional guided tours and visits are available.
A holiday surcharge may apply for bookings during Lunar New Year, Christmas, or New Year.
These guidelines help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the non-touristy side of the Mekong Delta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour includes lunch, cool tissues, and mineral water. Additional food and drinks can be brought, but any alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Tips and gratuities for the local guide are not included in the tour price.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. The price is fixed at $162.30 per person, regardless of age. There are no special rates available.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended, and the itinerary can be customized. Customers should contact the tour operator to discuss any desired changes and associated costs. Flexibility is available to accommodate individual preferences.
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Activity?
The minimum group size is 2 people, while the maximum is 12 people. This allows for a more personalized experience while ensuring an efficient tour. Larger groups can be accommodated upon request, subject to availability.
How Physically Demanding Is the Biking and Rowing Portion of the Tour?
The biking and rowing portions are moderately physically demanding. Travelers should have a basic level of fitness to navigate the countryside and board the sampan boats. However, the pace is relaxed and allows time to rest and enjoy the rural scenery.
The Sum Up
Exploring the non-touristy side of the Mekong Delta by biking and rowing provides a unique opportunity to take in authentic rural life. Engaging with local communities, learning about sustainable practices, and witnessing the serene beauty of the region offers a deeper understanding of the Mekong Delta’s culture and charm, away from the usual tourist paths.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Ben Tre
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