The Art of Slow Cruising in Mekong (2 Days)
- Embark on a private sampan cruise through the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, passing charming villages and vibrant river life, all while enjoying tea and seasonal fruits served on board.
- Visit local artisans, including a tofu skin maker and a traditional clay pot factory, offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s everyday livelihoods.
- Discover spiritual and cultural landmarks, with a meaningful stop at a colorful Cao Dai temple nestled along the riverbanks.
- Wake up to a serene river morning, then explore riverside villages by rowboat or on foot, visiting families who craft hammocks and handbags from water hyacinths.
- End your journey in style with lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant, a colonial-era riverside villa surrounded by tropical gardens and fruit plantations.
- 05h00: Wake up early. Our English-speaking guide (ESG) and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Can Tho and transfer to Ninh Kieu Wharf. Begin your morning with a scenic boat ride along the Can Tho River, heading to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market — one of the most vibrant and iconic floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
- Experience the lively trading scene as local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties directly from their boats. This is a perfect opportunity to witness the authentic river life and capture unique photos of the bustling market in the soft morning light.
(Image: Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho – Vietnam)
- Continue your journey to visit a traditional vermicelli village – a noodle-making workshop along the river. Watch how the chewy rice noodles — a beloved dish across Vietnam — are made by hand and learn about the craft passed down through generations in this riverside village.
- 08h00 – 09:00: Enjoy a local breakfast en route.
- 10:00: Transfer to the Victoria Can Tho Resort jetty to begin your private Song Xanh Sampan cruise (2 Days 1 Night) tour.
(Image: Song Xanh Sampan cruise – Can Tho – Vietnam)
- The crew will warmly welcome you on board with cool towels and a refreshing drink. Settle in as you begin cruising along the picturesque waterways of the Mekong Delta, where life unfolds along the riverbanks — boats glide past, locals work in riverside homes, and vibrant tropical scenery surrounds you. While cruising, enjoy Vietnamese tea and fresh seasonal fruits served by your attentive crew.
- Cross the Hau River, passing charming villages, and stop to visit a local family that produces tofu skin — a delicate food made from boiling soy milk, traditionally dried and used in many local dishes.
- Continue your journey through the ever-moving mosaic of boats and quiet riverside life. Along the way, enjoy shore excursions to explore local crafts and customs, including a visit to a Cao Dai temple, offering a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s syncretic religion.
- Lunch is served on board as your sampan glides along narrow canals en route to Vinh Long, teeming with life and lush greenery. Stop at a traditional clay pot workshop, where artisans shape everyday cooking vessels by hand using age-old techniques.
- As the day winds down, relax on deck during a peaceful sunset cruise, crossing the Co Chien River toward the Tien River, where your sampan will anchor for the night.
- Enjoy dinner and overnight stay on board.
(Image: Clay pot making factory)
- After breakfast on board, begin the morning with a peaceful rowboat ride along narrow canals or take a short walk into a nearby village, where you’ll see how locals craft everyday items such as hammocks and handbags made from water hyacinths — a sustainable and time-honored tradition.
- Return to your sampan and continue cruising toward Dong Hoa Hiep, where you’ll stop to visit a charming century-old house, rich in history and architectural detail. The journey continues to Phu An Village, with stops along the way to observe local cottage industries that make the most of the Delta’s natural abundance — from rice and coconut used to create delicious regional treats like puffed rice cakes and coconut candy.
(Image: Dong Hoa Hiep – Cai Be – Vietnam)
- Your cruise concludes at the elegant Le Longanier Restaurant, a beautiful colonial-style villa set on the riverbank amidst lush tropical gardens and fruit orchards. Enjoy a memorable lunch surrounded by Indochinese-era charm, reminiscent of a more refined and leisurely time.
- After lunch, disembark at Cai Be, where our driver will be waiting to pick you up. Sit back and relax as you travel by private car (no guide) to your next destination in Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. End of the tour.
Note: Itinerary may vary slightly depending on river tides, weather, or timing.
Thank you for joining us, and have a nice trip!
Inclusion:
- Good air-conditioned private 7-seat car (for 2-3 pax)/ 16-seat minivan (for 4-6 pax) as the above itinerary mentioned.
- Water in the car: 1 bottles of 500ml per pax/visiting day.
- English-speaking local guides (02 days) as mentioned in the above itinerary.
- Boat to explore Cai Rang Floating market in Can Tho.
- 1 breakfast on day 1 after floating market in Can Tho.
- Private 2-day cruise with overnight abroad Song Xanh Sampan.
- Crew assistance.
- All entrace fees for sightseeing in above initerary.
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch served on board.
- 1 dinner including a bottle of wine for 2 persons.
- 1 lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant.
- Cold towels, seasonal fruit and hot tea.
Exclusion:
- Bank transfer fees
- Surcharge for peak seasons and mandatory dinners at hotels (if applicable)
- Surcharge for cruise with air-conditioner (if needed): VND 2,000,000/boat/night
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and beverages during meals
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, crews and drivers (Suggested amount: $3-5 per person per day). Tipping is optional and should reflect the quality of service received
Children Policy:
- For infants (<05 years old): free of charge
- 05 – 11 years old: 50% of the adult rate.
Payment & Deposit Terms:
To ensure that all parties meet their respective obligations, we outline our standard payment terms below:
Deposit: A confirmation and invoice will be sent to the customer within 24 hours of receiving the booking. A deposit of 50% of the total tour cost or full payment is required, depending on the specific tour arrangements and the terms outlined in the invoice. Payment can be made through any of our online payment methods.
Final Payment: The deadline for the remaining balance will depend on the services booked and will be communicated by our travel consultant and via the invoice during the booking process.
Cancellations & Refund Policy:
Each local supplier and partner have its own specific cancellation terms, which will determine the applicable cancellation fees. Detailed information about these policies can be found on the individual service pages, particularly under the Rate & Availability section. If a customer decides to discontinue the tour midway, no refund or exchange will be issued. Additionally, no compensation will be provided for any services that remain unused during the tour.
Short Tours (1 – 3 days)
- More than 4 days prior: 50% of the total rate.
- From 1 to 4 days prior: 70% of the total rate.
- Less than 1 day prior or no-show: 100% of the total rate.
Important notes:
Weather:
Vietnam’s unique geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones. The best weather nationwide is from March to May, so if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, consider visiting during this time for the most enjoyable weather.
📍 Regional Weather Guide
Southern Vietnam: This region experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round (typically between 25–35°C), but humidity and rainfall levels vary significantly.
Ho Chi Minh City:
- May – November: Rainy season; hot and humid with regular afternoon showers. Rainfall is short but heavy, especially from June to September.
- December – April: Dry season; warm to hot, sunny, and less humid. Pleasant for city tours and day trips.
Mekong Delta:
- May – November: Wet season; frequent rain, high humidity, and occasional flooding in lowland areas. The landscape is lush and green.
- December – April: Dry season; warm, sunny, and ideal for boat tours, cycling, and exploring local life.
📍 Pack Accordingly: Pack lightweight clothing for hot weather and a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling in Vietnam?
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Vietnam Lovely Travel are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your tour guide on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
Money matters:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while traveling.
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency of Vietnam.
- ATMs: Check if your card is compatible with local ATMs before traveling to Vietnam. Using an ATM card will help ensure safety during your travel. However, you should also bring a small amount of cash for services, shopping, meals, etc., when needed.
- Scam alert: Be careful of street vendors and local markets using similar colors of 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND bills to scam visitors.
- Counterfeit money: There are some counterfeit banknotes in circulation in Vietnam, particularly for the 500,000 VND, the biggest Vietnam currency note, so you should only exchange money at reputable places or consult your tour guide for advice.
- Keep small bills on hand: Many vendors and small businesses may not have change for larger denominations, so it’s helpful to keep smaller bills on hand.
- Notify your bank: If you plan to use your credit or debit card in Vietnam, notify your bank beforehand to avoid any issues with your account being flagged for suspicious activity.
- USD to VND current exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 25,000 – 26,000 VND (change cash in jewelry shops, the exchange rates are often better than in a bank or at the airport).
- QR code payment: widely accepted in many urban areas in Vietnam.
- Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?
USD and Major credit cards are widely accepted at large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, smaller vendors, family-run eateries, markets, and rural areas may only accept cash. Carry enough cash for as a backup, especially outside cities.
Dining: Please inform your operator or guide in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Phone and internet access:
- With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets or smartphones for the children to document their adventure – there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge (just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available in most of the hotels/restaurants on the tour, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won’t be available everywhere.
- E-sim can be a good option for you (less than 10 USD/sim card)
Electricity and adapter: 220V – 50Hz. If you are using different ones, our local guide can help you buy an adapter for not more than 1 USD.
Shopping: At local markets, bargaining is common and expected. You can often negotiate 10–30% off the initial price for local goods.
Safety: To protect your belongings, always keep your bag or purse in front of you, especially in crowded areas.
Business Hours:
- Offices: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday). Most are closed on Saturdays.
- Shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues: Typically, open from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
Is tipping compulsory in Vietnam?
Tipping is not mandatory or a common custom in Vietnam. However, it is greatly appreciated by service staff—such as waiters, hotel porters, drivers, and tour guides—especially when they provide exceptional service. Even a small tip can make a big difference and is considered a gesture of kindness and respect.