For anyone with a thirst for adventure with Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda is not for the faint-hearted. Designed in Vietnam’s cultural capital Can Tho, the bespoke Mekong Tours explore the spiritual beating heart of the country, where gilded stupas, chanting monks, and vibrant floating markets deliver lasting memories. Led by impassioned experts at Impress Travel, this experience is not just a tour; it’s a soulful adventure.
About Quang Duc Pagoda – A Spiritual Sanctuary in the Heart of Can Tho
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 146 Mau Than Street, An Phu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Quang Duc Pagoda lies hidden away in a calm oasis merely 2 kilometers north of the city center. If you Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda (which we highly recommend) arriving is easy: By private car, taxi, or short transfer on your Mekong Tours itinerary. Its position rendered it indispensable for anyone looking for spiritual nourishment in southern Vietnam.
Historical Background
Quang Duc pagoda was established by Most Venerable Thich Buu Lai in 1958. What started as a small temple would soon grow to be a leading light of Buddhist life in the Mekong Delta. A major remodeling in 2006 made the pagoda into the majestic sanctuary we see today, capable of accommodating thousands of people during special ceremonies.
Many travelers who join our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda to experience lively Vietnamese celebrations throughout the year, including Vu Lan (Ullambana), Vesak, and lantern festivals, as well as solemn ceremonies such as animal liberation (phong sinh) at Quang Duc Pagoda. These events, which the temple is involved in, reflect commitments to both traditional practice and wider community engagement.
Architectural Highlights
The architecture at Quang Duc Pagoda evokes new ideas the moment you step in. The ornate main entrance gate, with its golden lacquered wood carvings and Sino-Vietnamese inscription, foreshadows what awaits inside.
Within the temple compound, visitors are greeted by three godly figures: the cheerful Maitreya Buddha, the benevolent Goddess of Mercy (Avalokiteshvara), and the prodigious metaphysician with many arms, the universal Quan Am. “I don’t want them to just be decorative, I want them to reinforce the Vietnamese Buddhist belief system that serves as an anchor,” he said.
Go further to the temple’s interior to find the three-storeyed stupa, a feat of architecture, decorated with dragon motifs, arched roof tiles, and Buddhist verses carved on its walls. Just beyond, a serene courtyard lies, full of Bodhi trees manicured bonsai, and golden art panels that catch the afternoon sun. This is one of the reasons that many people traveling on our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda to be a particularly calming and inspiring stop.
Cultural Etiquette and Dress Code
As with any sacred site, respect here is key. Always pray before visiting temples on our Mekong Tours, providing guests with details about etiquette at each destination for a fulfilling experience. Visitors must wear long pants or skirts and covered shoulders and should avoid loud colors or patterns.
Inside the main hall, silence is golden. For better and worse. Refrain from flash photography unless invited, and be careful not to stand in the way of active rituals or sacred chanting. Whether you’re lighting the incense or merely watching the process, joining in with mindful attention makes it a collective experience for all parties.
Anyone who joins our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda isn’t simply seeing the sights, they’re entering a spiritual living, breathing tradition that has pervaded hearts for generations. And for many that’s when the journey becomes meaningful.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Quang Duc Pagoda – Ninh Kieu Riverside Nightlife
06:30 – Departure from Ho Chi Minh City Your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda adventure begins with an early morning pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City. As the city gradually rises up from its slumber, we ride along the Trung Luong – My Thuan Expressway, making our way south to Can Tho. Your guide will tell you fascinating stories about the Mekong Delta’s culture, history, and spiritual background, setting the stage for a memorable journey.
11:30 – Lunch at Sao Hom Restaurant In Can Tho, we go directly to lunch at the iconic Sao Hom Restaurant on the banks of the Ninh Kieu Wharf. Here, you’ll feast on Mekong classics like lau mam, ca loc nuong trui , and other beloved dishes that define the region’s culinary soul. This dish establishes the theme of authenticity and taste that awaits you throughout our Mekong Tours.
13:00 – Check-in at Nam Bo Boutique Hotel 4★ After lunch, we check in to the elegant Nam Bo Boutique Hotel 4★, a delightful colonial-era riverside property. Its tranquil setting provides an ideal escape for a midafternoon snooze before plunging into the core of Can Tho’s spiritual universe.
14:30 – Visit to Quang Duc Pagoda The spiritual highlight of your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda. Just a few minutes from your hotel, Quang Duc Pagoda greets you with its golden gates, serene courtyards, and a sense of calm. As you walk through the temple, your guide will tell you the story of its founder, Most Venerable Thich Buu Lai, and help you navigate the beautiful halls lined with gilded statues and sacred symbols. This is not a sightseeing stop, this is a soul-soothing encounter with Vietnamese Buddhism.
16:30 – Mindful Walk and Temple Reflection After the tour, you are welcome to spend quiet time in the pagoda’s courtyard. Taking a moment to reflect, whether it’s listening to temple bells, offering incense, or simply standing still beneath the Bodhi trees, is one of the most treasured highlights of our Mekong Tours.
18:00 – Dinner at Lua Nep Restaurant As dusk falls, we meet at Lua Nep Restaurant, famous for its homespun, rustic cooking, and warm, welcoming hospitality. From goi cuon tom thit and canh chua bong sung ca linh, each dish is a tribute to the Mekong’s natural bounty and culinary heritage.
19:30 – Free Evening: Night Market or Hau River Cruise (Optional) The night is yours after dinner. You might visit the vibrant Can Tho Night Market, teeming with local crafts and street food, or take a restorative Hau River dinner cruise (optional), with traditional music and the river breezes providing a poetic conclusion to the day. We head back to the hotel for a restful night in the heart of the Delta.
Nam Bo Boutique Hotel 4★ (Sours: booking)
Day 2: Floating Market & Orchard Exploration – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
05:30 – Cai Rang Floating Market Excursion Get up early for a magical water experience! Our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda today followed by a sunrise boat trip to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. See the river light up as merchants sell produce, flowers, and breakfast right from their boats. It’s a colorful, true-to-life portrait of local life that you’ll not see anywhere else.
07:00 – Onboard Breakfast As you cruise through the market, we treat you to a classic Vietnamese banh mi with iced coffee, a great, calming way to kick off your day the Mekong way.
08:30 – Sau Hoai Fruit Garden Visit Now we’re off to the lush Sau Hoai Fruit Garden, where you’ll walk beneath green canopies and pick fresh fruits, including rambutan, longan, and mango, tasting the fruits straight from the tree. It is how you connect to the land and people that make the Mekong so special.”
10:30 – Return to Hotel & Check-out Back to Nam Bo Boutique Hotel for a little freshen-up and check out. Your guide will see to it that all belongings are collected, and you are prepared for the last meal before your trip home.
11:30 – Lunch at Mekong Rustic Restaurant Have a last lunch in Mekong Rustic Restaurant, which is in a peaceful corner beside the orchards. With both vegetarian and local meat options offered, this is the perfect final note on a trip full of flavor, culture, and substance.
13:00 – Return Journey to Ho Chi Minh City Returning to Ho Chi Minh City, lend a glance back on the memories built over the two days. From temple bells to river markets, your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda have opened your eyes to Vietnam’s spiritual heritage and Delta life.
17:00 – Arrival and Tour Ends We hope to return to the city by late afternoon. Your guide will help with drop-off and any onward travel. Our gratitude for journeying through the Mekong with you, heart and soul, until we meet again.
Cai Rang Floating Market (Sours: wikipedia)
Optional Extension: 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary for In-Depth Experience
If you want to learn more about the colorful life and the tranquil spirituality of the Mekong Delta, this optional third: day is a golden ticket there. Adding a Quang Duc Pagoda visit is one of the most impressive actions in the extended version of our Mekong tours, offering countryside charm, craft, meditation, and flavor for one of the most complete Mekong Tours.
07:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel After a good night in Can Tho, enjoy a light buffet breakfast at Nam Bo Boutique Hotel. It’s the ideal way to recharge for a day of cultural discovery and local connection.
08:00 – Discover My Khanh Tourist Village The first stop will be the wonderful My Khanh Tourist Village, an open-air cultural park that brings traditional Mekong life to life. In this guided outing, you’ll explore a wooden house or two, watch rural spectacles like pig racing and acrobatic monkey shows, and even take a local cooking class on how to make the famous banh xeo (best described as a Vietnamese omelet). This activity is a real crowd magnet and is an ingenious part of the experiential angle of our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda.
11:00 – Lunch at Hoa Su Restaurant We’ll then proceed through the peaceful riverbank landscape to Hoa Su Restaurant, notable for its charming architecture and signature dishes. Here, you’ll partake in local specialties such as lotus stem salad and sour fish soup with wild herbs, each mouthful a taste of the Delta’s natural abundance and culinary wisdom. The unpretentious environment and elevated flavors are a highlight of the lengthier Mekong Tours experience.
13:30 – Afternoon Visit to Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery After lunch, we venture to one of the Mekong Delta’s most sacred and tranquil landmarks—Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery. Featuring stunning limewood architecture, tranquil gardens, and soaring prayer halls, this monastery is a site for deep contemplation and inner stillness. As you wander through its serene courtyards and listen to your guide recount stories of Zen practice, you will appreciate the reason for its status as a spiritual sanctuary, and also a must-see on our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda extension.
15:30 – Leisure Time at Vincom Plaza Can Tho (Optional) We also have a short stop to allow you to collect local gifts or relax in a modern way at Vincom Plaza Can Tho. From souvenirs to cafés, this is your opportunity to relax or shop before you break bread for the last time of the day.
18:00 – Riverside Dinner at Canh Buom Restaurant After the sun sets on the Mekong horizon, we meet for a riverside farewell dinner at Canh Buom Restaurant. This needs-a-map location has stunning water views and local specialties in a tranquil, breezy setting. It’s a fitting ending to a day that assimilated excitement with tranquility, a thread woven into every moment of our Mekong Tours.
The third day not only means more of your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda bucking a stream, but it also translates to a new layer of experience. And exiting the Mekong Delta, you won’t just have photos and knickknacks, but a real feeling of connection to its people, its customs, and its ageless vibe.
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery (Sours: canthotourism)
What’s Included & Not Included
What’s Included in Your Mekong Tours Visit Quang Duc Pagoda
When traveling with Impress Travel, everything is prepared in detail so that your journey goes smoothly, enriches your mind, and does not give you any trouble. Included in your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda:
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
Stay at Nam Bo Boutique Hotel 4★ (or similar), with breakfast daily
Entrance tickets to Quang Duc Pagoda, Cai Rang Floating Market, Sau Hoai Fruit Garden, and other places as above
Welcome drink, all meals as per itinerary (5–6 main meals including local specialties and vegetarian options), complimentary water
Heart-Deep Cultural and Spiritual Experience.
Boat Trip to the Floating Market
Water system during transfers and excursions
Insurance cover for the full duration of the tour
What’s Not Included in the Tour Price
To increase the completeness of the experience, however, the following personal expenses are not included in the Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda:
Suggestions for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Optional: Hau River dinner cruise or shopping at Vincom Plaza
Water with meals (unless otherwise noted)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
International flights, pre/post extensions not mentioned, etc.
Sau Hoai Fruit Garden (Sours: roostermekong)
What Makes Impress Travel the Best Choice for Spiritual & Cultural Tours?
You have the most trusted friend in travel because when it comes to travel, choosing the right travel partner can make all of the difference, and that’s exactly why travelers across the globe continue to choose Impress Travel. With years of experience crafting bespoke experiences across Vietnam and Asia, we know how to combine cultural richness with spiritual authenticity. We build our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda to be about more than sightseeing, they are about deepened exploration, heartfelt connection, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Our multilingual guides have lived and breathed the Mekong Delta, it’s what makes us special. From temple courtyards to riverside kitchens, on every step of your Mekong Tours, they make sure you aren’t just a visitor, you’re part of it. We also advocate responsible tourism by creating partnerships with local communities, promoting family-owned enterprises, and being respectful of heritage sites like Quang Duc Pagoda that are by now, contributing to sustainable development.
Impress Travel is a fully licensed and insured travel agency boasting thousands of happy and satisfied guests ranked on TripAdvisor as 1 on the keys and that has earned, trust, reliability, and passion. Therefore, when deciding to have Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda with us, you are always confident in professionalism, safety, and authenticity.
Best Time to Join the Mekong Tours Visit Quang Duc Pagoda Experience
It’s getting better every year but you will still need to time your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda perfectly to make the most of it. From December to April, during the dry season, the weather is most enjoyable in Can Tho. The temperatures are cooler, the skies are clear and the landscapes are alive during these months. This is also a good time to visit if you want to learn a bit about local culture, as many spiritual festivals and temple activities happen during this period, making it perfect for travelers who want to pack some culture into their Mekong Tours.
What to Pack for Your Mekong Tours Visit Quang Duc Pagoda Journey
Your Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda, which is a sacred space, that requires appropriate clothing. Long pants or skirts, covered shoulders, and neutral, calm colors show respect and invite you to completely embrace the spiritual setting. And don’t neglect the practical stuff, like sunscreen, bug repellent, and a hat, particularly if you’re heading into the orchards or on a sunrise boat trip.
Why Waking Up Early Enhances Your Mekong Tours Visit Quang Duc Pagoda
Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market is a must if there’s any rule we all live by on our Mekong Tours, it’s this. Set that alarm, pack your camera, and get ready to be wowed. The Mekong’s early morning is when the river exhales its life, with colorful boats, bubbling breakfasts, and misty light playing on the water.
Cultural Etiquette During Your Mekong Tours Visit Quang Duc Pagoda
At sacred places like Quang Duc Pagoda, a respectful attitude enhances your travel. Quiet in the main hall, no flash photography unless given the go-ahead, and a quiet, open-minded approach get you pretty far. Want a truly immersive touch? Inquire with your guide about any phap thoai (Dharma talks) or Buddhist ceremonies taking place during your tour. Many guests said the most spiritual moment on Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda.
Conclusion
So are you ready to awaken your soul and stimulate your senses? Our Mekong tours visit Quang Duc Pagoda are designed for those who yearn for real stories, and spiritual and cultural journeys. This is more than a tour, it’s a meaningful journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta. Let the skillful team at Impress Travel guide you into the beauty and peace of the regions with passion and love, book your next adventure with Impress Travel.
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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