Ho Chi Minh City – Tra Su Forest – Chau Doc Escape: 4 Days

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s energetic southern metropolis. You will meet our local guide and begin the journey with an introduction to the city’s history, architecture, and contemporary lifestyle.

Firstly, you will visit the Reunification Palace, an important historical landmark associated with the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Then, you continue traveling to the city’s colonial quarter to admire the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. Subject to restoration and access conditions and visit the historic Central Post Office.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, you will explore the War Remnants Museum, whose exhibitions present different perspectives on Vietnam’s modern conflicts. The tour then continues through some of the city’s most atmospheric streets and markets, offering glimpses of everyday urban life.

Concluding the afternoon at Ben Thanh Market, where stalls display spices, coffee, handicrafts, textiles, and local snacks. The evening is free for independent exploration.

Meals: Lunch

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After enjoying breakfast, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City and travel through the countryside towards Ben Tre, a province renowned for its coconut plantations and peaceful river scenery.

Next, you will board a motorboat for a leisurely cruise along the Mekong’s waterways. From here, you can observe riverside houses, fishing boats, orchards, and small workshops situated along the banks. Then, you will transfer to a traditional hand-rowed sampan and navigate narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms.

Afterward, you will visit a family-run workshop to learn how coconut candy and other local products are prepared. Depending on local arrangements, you may also visit a tropical fruit garden, taste seasonal produce, or enjoy a short walk through a rural village.

You will have lunch at a local restaurant featuring Mekong Delta specialities. Afterwards, you continue traveling by road to Can Tho, the principal city of the delta.

Checking in at the hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening, you may independently explore Ninh Kieu Wharf and Can Tho’s riverside area.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight in Can Tho.

In the morning, you will wake up early and travel to the pier for a boat journey along the Hau River. Here, you will explore Cai Rang Floating Market, traditionally one of the Mekong Delta’s best-known wholesale river markets. Trading activity varies according to the day, season, and continuing changes in local commerce, but the excursion still provides a fascinating view of life along the river.

Then, you continue cruising through nearby waterways and visit a traditional rice-noodle workshop. Where local families demonstrate the stages involved in producing the region’s familiar noodles.

Afterwar, you will return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Traveling towards Chau Doc through a landscape of canals, rice fields, villages, and fruit-growing areas. Stop for lunch along the way.

In the afternoon, you will explore a Cham community near Chau Doc. Here, you can learn about the traditions and daily life of the local Muslim population, see distinctive stilt houses. Or visiting a mosque where access is permitted and discover traditional weaving practices.

Next, you will continue to visit the Sam Mountain area, an important spiritual centre containing numerous temples and pagodas. Visiting selected religious sites and, if time and weather allow, enjoy views across the surrounding rice fields.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight in Chau Doc.

In the morning, you will have breakfast at hotel, then traveling to Tra Su Cajuput Forest, one of An Giang Province’s most distinctive wetland environments.

Firstly, you will begin the exploration by motorboat before transferring, when operating conditions permit, to a smaller rowing boat. Gliding quietly beneath the cajuput trees and through narrow waterways surrounded by aquatic plants. Here, you can keep watching for waterbirds and other wildlife inhabiting the forest. The landscape changes throughout the year, with water levels, vegetation, and bird sightings depending on seasonal conditions.

Next, you will walk along designated forest paths and visit the observation area for broader views over the wetlands. Afterwards, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes.

You will depart for Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, with rest stops arranged during the journey. Arriving in the evening and transfer to the original meeting point or a centrally located hotel, concluding the four-day escape.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

End of services.