Discover the Mekong in a houseboat

Around 8 AM, you will be picked up by your private driver in Saigon and driven to Cai Be. (Drive approx. 2h, without tour guide).

Here in Cai Be, your private houseboat is moored at the jetty and the friendly boat crew is already waiting for you. After boarding the Sampan hotel boat, you will be welcomed on board by the crew. After a short introduction, the cruise begins with a visit to a local factory where you will learn about the traditional production of rice paste, coconut sweets, and other specialities.

Next, you will visit the bustling floating market of Cai Be. Your boat will pass many vendors selling vegetables or fruit. The sampan continues to Vinh Long. On the Dong Phu Canal, we will pass the almost unknown island group of An Binh, where you will find many dense orchards.

We will cross the Cho Chien River before passing the impressive My Thuan Bridge. Continue along a very narrow but beautiful canal. You will transfer to a small rowing boat for a ride along the narrow canals.

A dark smoke on the shore will lead you to one of the largest brick and tile factories in South Vietnam where you will learn about the local handicraft.

Continue on to Sa Dec for a guided tour of the town and discover the charm of this city, which is somewhat reminiscent of Venice with its numerous narrow canals. Admire beautiful old French-style houses and Chinese temples from the last century. Lunch will be served on board.

Back aboard the Sampan, continue your journey through the beautiful narrow canals towards Can Tho, passing several wooden "monkey bridges" and tiny villages. Stops on the shore to interact with the local people are always possible. A short visit to the Cao Daist Temple is also on the programme.

Before sunset, you will make a final stop on the shore to visit the glamorous ancient house, Nha Co. The house dates back to the 19th century. After a short welcome by the owner, an unforgettable candlelight dinner in a unique setting awaits you.

After dinner, you will drive for about another hour until you reach Can Tho, where you will anchor overnight in a quiet spot.

1 night stay aboard the Song Xanh Sampan.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Around 6 AM, the sampan will slowly depart. Your breakfast will be served on board around 7 AM as you approach the floating market of Cai Rang. Along the way, you will pass countless boats carrying sand, rice, fruits, fish, and flowers.

The cruise ends around 10 AM at the Ninh Kieu jetty. Afterwards, you can visit the local market in Can Tho and then return to Saigon. In Can Tho, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Saigon. (Approx. 280km/6-7h, without guide).

Meals: Breakfast

Including

• 2 days / 1 night on the "Song Xanh" Sampan hotel boat
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Supervision by English-speaking on-board staff
• Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles from/to Saigon (without tour guide)
• Sightseeing as per programme incl. entrance fees
• Boat trip as per programme.

Excluding

• Meals and services not mentioned in the scope of services
• Visa fees, tips, drinks during meals, personal expenses
• Flights, taxes, and hotels before and after the houseboat tour

Services & Notes

• Optional extension in Vietnam possible, e.g. beach stay in Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, etc.