ITA Travel - Vietnam 12D/11N : SOUTH VIETNAM – DOWN THE MYTHICAL MEKONG

The Mekong River is one of the world’s great rivers. Covering a distance of nearly 5,000 km from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China to the Mekong Delta, the river flows through six countries, passing through Southern  Vietnam before exiting to  the South China sea.

The Mekong crosses the border at Đồng Tháp province, where it is known as Tiền Giang. It flows through Long Xuyên, Sa Đéc and Vinh Long and then splits into four distributaries before exiting to the South China Sea. The Bassac, which flows south, enters Vietnam at Châu Đốc, where it becomes known as the Sông Hậu or Hậu Giang and passes through the major delta city of Cần Thơ. It disperses into three distributaries before exiting to the sea in Sóc Trăng. In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is known as the ‘Nine Dragon River Delta’; the name is derived from the nine major channels.

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Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam (D)

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon your arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by your own personal tour guide. They'll assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Take this time to relax and recover from your journey or venture out to explore the vibrant city at your own pace.

O/N in Ha Noi – hotel boutique Apricot 5* or similar

Day 2: Hanoi | Explore the City & Enjoy a Water Puppet Show (B, L)

Today marks the beginning of your exciting journey through Vietnam. We'll introduce you to the captivating history and culture of the country. Our first stops include the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, we'll immerse you in the daily life of Hanoians with a visit to the bustling Old Quarter. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you savor local cuisine, including Vietnamese sandwiches, egg coffee, rice cakes, and the famous pho!

In the late afternoon, relax and enjoy a traditional water puppet show—a unique and delightful Vietnamese art form.

O/N in Ha Noi – hotel boutique Apricot 5* or similar

Day 3: Halong Bay | Overnight Cruise Adventure (B, L, D)

After a refreshing breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, onboard services, and opportunities for activities like kayaking, swimming, and diving.

While cruising, you'll likely visit Cua Van Fishing Village, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Me Cung Caves, Virgin Cave,

Surprise Cave, and pass by charming islets like Flight Cock Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet. Some cruises even offer a cooking class at night and a morning taichi lesson.

Relax and soak in the beauty of Halong Bay as you make unforgettable memories.

O/N in Halong  – La Regina Grand cruise 5* or similar

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (B, L)

Your enchanting cruise comes to a close, and a shuttle transfer will take you back to Hanoi. Reunite with your tour guide and head to the airport for your onward flight to Danang. In just a 40-minute car ride, you'll arrive in the enchanting town of Hoi An.

O/N in Hoi An – La siesta resort & spa 5* or similar

Day 5: Hoi An | Stroll through Ancient Town & Discover Pottery Village (B, L)

Today, you'll dive into the rich culture of Hoi An's ancient town. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to iconic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Old House of Tan Ky.

Following that, you'll embark on a scenic 40-minute boat ride along the Thu Bon River to a charming pottery village. Here, you'll explore its charming alleyways, engage with locals, and even create your own handicraft.

O/N in Hoi An – La siesta resort & spa 5* or similar

Day 6: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, it's time to transfer to Danang for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Private transfers with your tour guide are included in both cities. Upon arrival, check-in at your leisure and enjoy the city as you wish.

O/N in Saigon  – The Myst  5* or similar

Day 7: Half-Day Tour of Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Despite its modernity, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) exudes nostalgic charm with its colonial-era buildings, quaint street-side cafés, and leafy boulevards. Take a leisurely stroll downtown to discover landmarks such as the General Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the former Presidential Palace.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective on the war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Please note that this part of history can be emotionally impactful due to its sensitive nature.

Experience Saigon's famous coffee street culture, and enjoy a brief language lesson from your guide. Gain insights into the daily life of the locals before returning to your hotel.

O/N in Saigon  – The Myst   5* or similar

Day 8: Hochiminh -  Vinh Long | Explore THE MEKONG RIVER  (B, L, D)

Embark on a morning drive to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta. Here, you'll visit the vibrant Vinh Long Market, where you can witness the abundance of river fish, rice fields, and produce from local farmers.

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There are 2 options for exploring the Mekong river by private overnight sampan :

* LIFE ON THE RIVER  2 DAYS/1 NIGHT (PRIVATE SAMPAN VICTORIA)

Admire the rustic riverscapes and enjoy unique sightseeing experiences cruising among ...

Highlights Include

• Explore how life is lived along the river.
• Visit a Coconut candy & puffed rice factory.
• Visit a clay pot factory and Cao Dai temple.
• Boat around a bustling floating market.
• Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities.

Day 8: Vinh Long | Explore THE MEKONG RIVER  (B, L)

Embark on a morning drive to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta. Here, you'll visit the vibrant Vinh Long Market, where you can witness the abundance of river fish, rice fields, and produce from local farmers.

 Enjoy  a bicycle ride to better explore this wonderfully rural area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.

Overnight at Vinhlong – Mekong resort 5* or similar

Day 9 . Cai Be – Binh Minh – Tan Quoi (B, L, D)

Meet us at your hotel at 8:00 am and transfer to Cai Be by road. Begin cruising from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am.

From the sampan, observe life as it plays out on shore – people going about their daily activities set against mesmerising backdrops. En route to Binh Minh, we will stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including the making of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn) including a visit to an ancient house in Dong Hoa Hiep village.

Continue by sampan and observe the life on the shore, the people, and the stunning landscapes from your boat. We will then cross the Co Chien River passing by quaint villages to visit a clay pot factory. Lunch is served on board while cruising towards Binh Minh along a narrow canal teeming with life. Observe the endless boat traffic and the quiet but constant activity along the banks. Enjoy shore excursions to gain insight into how the local people make a living, and stop for a visit to a Cao Dai temple.

Back to your sampan and enjoy the sunset boat while the sampan continues its way towards the Hau River. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 10 . Tan Quoi – Cai Rang – Can Tho (B, L)

Wake up early at 6:00 am for a visit to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the hustle and bustle of the morning market as traders offer their wares on the waterway vying for attention from potential punters. Breakfast is served on board while the sampan  navigates towards the market among local barges loaded down with fruits and vegetables from the Delta, making for some stunning photos.

Continue cruising towards shore and disembark at the hotel’s private jetty.

Ovenight in Cantho - Muong Thanh Luxury resort  5* or similar.

THROUGH THE DELTA TO THE SEA 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS ( PRIVATE SAMPAN VICTORIA) :  CAI BE – RACH GIA

Cruise through mesmerizing riverscapes, visiting lush river islets and the historic town of Sa Dec, featuring Chinese, Khmer and French-Indochina influences.

Highlights Include

• Travel through the Delta by river to Rach Gia, gateway to Phu Quoc
• Discover historic Sa Dec
• Explore areas rarely visited by tourists
• Unique photo opportunities

Day 8  Vinh long - Cai Be – Sa Dec (B, L, D)

Arrive Vinh Long. Your trip starts from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am. Start with a bicycle ride to better explore this wonderfully rural area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.

After lunch, board the sampan for a leisurely boat on the busy waterways of the Mekong Delta, with stops along the way to visit local cottage industries that utilize products from the Delta like rice and coconuts.

Before arriving in Sa Dec, stop to visit a traditional brick factory where everything is made by hand. Arriving in Sa Dec, step ashore and take a stroll to a lively outdoor market. Visit the Kien An Cung, ancient Chinese architecture has played an important part in the Chinese community in Dong Thap for nearly a hundred years.

Dinner is served onboard. Enjoy your night on board your sampan as it moors on the Mekong River.

Day 9 . Sa Dec – Long Xuyen – Rach Gia (B, L, D)

Breakfast is served on board as you boat towards Long Xuyen along narrow canals past several rustic monkey bridges and pristine countryside scenes.

After enjoying lunch on board, arrive at Long Xuyen to visit Tiger Island, birthplace of Vietnam’s second president. Return to the sampan for dinner and resume your boat towards Rach Gia. Enjoy your second night on board.

Day 10 . Rach Gia – Cantho (B, L)

Arrive in Rach Gia at around 7:00 am, the capital of Kien Giang Province, located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Breakfast is served on board before disembarkation.

Hop on a local boat and cruise to a home restaurant on An Binh Island for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you'll explore a local pottery kiln, where clay is used for both pottery and bricks.

Experience the narrow waterways of the Delta by rowboat, passing traditional wooden houses with thatched palm roofs. Witness how locals have been farming and fishing for centuries.

Afternoon dissembark the sampan. Transfer you to Can tho .

Ovenight in Cantho - Muong Thanh Luxury resort  5* or similar.

*Note: Actual itinerary may vary depending upon river tides, arrival time or other

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Day 11 : Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City | Floating Market & City Tour of Can Tho (B,L)

Morning city tour of Can Tho, beginning with a visit to the Can Tho Museum, which showcases the agriculture and river life of the Mekong Delta, as well as the peaceful co-existence of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups.

Next, head to the Binh Thuy Ancient House, originally a place of worship for ancestors.

Afternoon transfer back to Hochiminh city.

O/N in Saigon  – The Myst   5* or similar

Day 12 : Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to enjoy at your leisure. Your private tour guide will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe and pleasant flight home, and we hope to welcome you back soon