Floating market of the Mekong Delta

Double tropical

This is a doubly relaxing trip, combining the exotic Mekong Delta with the tropical island of Phu Quoc. The Delta is one of the most breathtaking areas in the south of Vietnam- a traveller must-see. During this module, you'll sail lazily through the emerald delta before rounding off your journey with a few days on idyllic Phu Quoc Island.

The locals will give you a friendly wave as you drift through the narrow waterways on your way to the sun bleached beach of Phu Quoc. You'll visit lively floating markets with huge assortments of colourful produce, and you'll anchor alongside an orchard for a short musical performance from the villagers. All the while, you'll weave slowly towards Phu Quoc, an amazing island certain to give you a taste of truly tropical Vietnam.


Duration

5 days/ 4 nights
Departs daily from Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation

2 nights in a simple but comfortable hotel in the Mekong Delta (Comfort Level 2-3) and 2 nights in a wooden bungalow on Phu Quoc Island (Comfort Level 3-4). See accommodation for comfort levels

Price

£99 per person - based on 2 people

Includes

Transport, accommodation with breakfast, guided excursions as described in text

Transport

Air-conditioned minibus and boat

Excludes

All other meals and drinks, breakfast in the Mekong Delta, internal flight back to HCMC (although this can be added)

 

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta - Cantho

Your laid back journey to Phu Quoc will begin in Ho Chi Minh. You'll be collected from your hotel by comfortable coach. As you leave the city behind, you'll quickly see the pace of life begin to slow down. When you arrive in Cai Be you'll transfer to your boat and take your first glimpses of the magical Mekong Delta. You'll pass women washing clothes on the banks, men fishing for their lunch, and cheerful children splashing about in the water. A little further on, you'll switch to a small rowing boat to visit the floating market bursting with colourful sights, dizzying aromas, and raucous cries from salesmen.

After this eye-opener, you'll pass along the narrow channels of the Mekong Delta, some only 1.5 metres wide. You'll anchor alongside a delta island with a local orchard to try the fruits of the delta. While you munch, a small group of locals will entertain you with a musical performance. You can also cycle around the island if you like, getting a close-up peek into daily delta life.

At the end of the afternoon you'll head for the little village of Cai Von, where you'll board another boat and sail into Cantho at sunset. Your simple, comfortable hotel in Cantho lies right on the riverbank, with wonderful views of the dazzling delta.     

Day 2: Cantho - Cai Rang - Rach Gia

You'll grab breakfast at around 8am this morning, giving you some energy for the day ahead. Small rowing boats will then arrive, and take you to the floating market of Cai Rang. Here, the floating tradesmen dangle their goods from long poles stuck high into the air. Boats skim past each other looking for the products that they need, loudly haggling for good prices. Take a good look and try to pick up some bargaining tips...

After the market, you'll visit a small rice noodle factory. Here, you can watch the workers making, quite literally, oodles of noodles. An air-conditioned bus will then take you on to Rach Gia, where you'll spend the night in a lovely hotel.

Day 3: Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Island

After breakfast this morning in Rach Gia, you'll take the 3hr ferry journey across to Phu Quoc Island, nicknamed the Emerald Island for its tropical green treasures. It also has magnificent beaches, some of the very best in Vietnam. Whilst on the island, you'll stay in a beach resort on peaceful Ong Lang Beach. This is a spectacular stretch of ivory beach on the west side of the island, fringed by palm trees providing some welcome shade. The owners of the resort are very friendly, and you can certainly expect a very warm welcome. There is an excellent restaurant with a magical seaview for romantic sunset meals and tasty fresh fish is regularly on the menu.

During the dry season, from December to June, the temperatures can soar so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. With clear blue skies and calm seas, this is a fantastic place to get away from it all. Feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes as you sip on a cold beer. Perfect.     

Phu Quoc Island
Waterfall on Phu Quoc Island

Day 4: Phu Quoc Island

Today, you can just stretch out on the white sandy beach or rock gently in a hammock under the palm trees with your nose in a book. If you're feeling lively, you can swim in the azure waters, snorkel, or even take a dive to explore the underwater world. There is a diving school on the island, and it's very easy to arrange lessons. If you'd like to try diving on Phu Quoc, just let us know and we'll organise everything for you.

More restless travellers can explore the tropical wilderness of interior Phu Quoc Island. In 2001, almost 70% of the island was declared to be a national park, so the ecosystems on the island have been completely preserved. It is also mountainous and almost completely covered in rainforest, with a number of natural springs for a quick refreshing dip. The best known and most accessible spring is called the Suoi Da Ban (also called Stony Surface Stream).

Day 5: Phu Quoc Island

The module finishes after breakfast this morning. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island by a few more days. Just let us know if you would like to do this, and our experienced travel specialists will make the bookings on your behalf.

If you are leaving the island, you'll check out of your resort and make your own way back to Ho Chi Minh. We can arrange a flight back to the mainland for you. Prices begin at around £45. 

If this is the end of your Vietnam trip, we would strongly recommend that you spend a final night in Ho Chi Minh City before catching your international flight home. This will eliminate any chance of missing your flight. Alternatively, if you're planning to head north, we would suggest that you spend a few days in the classic town of Hoi An, with its eager tailors and charming streets. Click here for a description of  our Classic Hoi An module.

WARNING: You must not dive within 24 hours of flying.

Hammock time on Phu Quoc Island

A peek at your accommodation

        

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