Ho Chi Minh to Cai Be to Chau Doc: 3-Day Vietnam Travel by River

Highlights of the Trip 

Experience the heart and soul of South Vietnam on this extraordinary 3-day journey. While holidaying in Vietnam, you can unveil the region’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

Departing from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, your Vietnam travel adventure begins with a mesmerising Mekong River Cruise from Cai Be. Explore fruit orchards, cottage industries, and the ancient village of Dong Hoa Hiep. Witness the lively Cai Be floating market and encounter the remarkable Hai Yen bee farm on Tan Phong Islet. As you pick fruit at Ms. Hang’s orchard, immerse yourself in Vietnamese folk music and savour the tranquillity of the Mekong Ecolodge. The following day board a boat to visit the historic Rung Tram Forest and witness the white storks in local gardens. Continue to reach Chau Doc and explore this area at your heart’s content, staying overnight. On your final day, board a boat to visit floating houses, villages, and mosques, and climb Sam Mountain for spectacular views, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

This tour is perfect for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences while holidaying in Vietnam. With opportunities to pick fruit, try scooping ditch fishing, cook, walk up a mountain, listen to traditional music and more, it’s a varied journey that lures those with a passion for nature, local traditions, and a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

• Temple of Lady Chua Su: Many visitors come here to admire the intricate details of the architecture and to learn about the history and cultural significance of the temple while holidaying in Vietnam.
• Sam Mountain: The mountain’s peak offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the winding Mekong River and the neighbouring country of Cambodia.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Cai Be floating market. The market is a crucial part of the local economy, where farmers from surrounding villages come to sell their fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices.

Learn about traditional life with visits to fruit orchards, a traditional family-run brick kiln, and longstanding cottage industries. Try homemade honey tea, observe the life of bees, pull fish hooves, cross monkey bridges and listen to Vietnamese folk music. Participate in scooping ditch fishing and picking vegetables at the Mekong Ecolodge Resort and cook and share a meal there. Admire the gardens of local homes and the world of floating houses farming Basa fish. Engage with locals while visiting the Cham ethnic minority village and mosque.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your Vietnam travel, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Pho, a traditional noodle soup, is perhaps the most well-known dish in Vietnam. Made with a savoury broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken, pho is a staple in Vietnamese households and street food stalls. Seafood also plays a significant role in Vietnamese cuisine, thanks to its long coastline. From the famous fish sauce, nuoc mam, to dishes like grilled fish with turmeric and dill, seafood is an essential part of many Vietnamese meals.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Mekong River cruise: Stop to visit fruit orchards, a family-run brick kiln, and cottage industries. Try honey tea, observe bee life and visit a local orchid.

Boat from Cao Lanh to Chau Doc: Explore the hidden Viet Cong base of Rung Tram Forest.

Accommodation of this Tour

Mekong Ecolodge Resort (Standard bungalow).

Nui Sam mountain Lodge (Superior room).

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Ho Chi Minh City, travel to Cai Be, floating markets, bee farm, & Mekong Ecolodge Resort

After leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll embark on a Mekong River cruise, stopping to visit fruit orchards, a traditional family-run brick kiln, and some longstanding cottage industries. The journey will take you to Dong Hoa Hiep commune, Cai Be floating market, Tan Phong islet, Hai Yen Bee Farm, Linhzhi mushroom area, and the orchard of Ms. Hang. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to try honey tea, observe bee life, pull fish hooves, cross monkey bridges, and listen to Vietnamese folk music. After a row in a small canal, you’ll arrive at the Mekong Ecolodge Resort, where you can check in, enjoy a rest, and participate in scooping ditch fishing and picking vegetables in the restaurant’s garden. Later, you’ll cook and share a meal with Ecolodge members, before spending the night in the resort.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Cai Be, Cao Lanh, boat to historic Rung Tram Forest, ferry rides to Chau Doc

We will depart Cai Be in the morning and make our way to Cao Lanh. There, you’ll board a boat to explore the hidden Viet Cong base of Rung Tram Forest. After lunch, you’ll take a cruise to admire the gardens of local homes, where you will see large flocks of white storks in the trees. From there, we will continue our journey to Chau Doc, travelling through the depths of the Mekong region and taking a few ferries along the way. You will arrive in Chau Doc by late afternoon and will have the evening to relax.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Chau Doc, boat journey, climb up Sam Mountain, back to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey to explore the world of floating houses farming Basa fish, visit a small Cham ethnic minority village and a mosque. Afterwards, you’ll take a drive to Sam Mountain, where at the foot of the mountain lies the Temple of Lady Chua Su, a popular religious centre. It’s an easy climb to the summit of Sam Mountain, and it is well worth the effort as the views of the pancake-flat Mekong and the plain across the Cambodian border are spectacular. After lunch in town, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving by evening. Tour ends! We hope you enjoyed your Vietnam travel!

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Price

£411

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Cai Be, exploring fruit orchards, floating markets, bee farm, and Mekong Ecolodge Resort activities.

Day 2: Cruise from Cai Be to Cao Lanh, visit Rung Tram Forest and local gardens, then journey to Chau Doc via ferry rides.

Day 3: Explore Chau Doc with visits to floating houses, Cham village, and Sam Mountain, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening to conclude your Vietnam journey.

FAQs

1. What activities are included during the Mekong River cruise on Day 1?
   • The cruise includes visits to fruit orchards, Cai Be floating market, Tan Phong islet, Hai Yen Bee Farm, Linhzhi mushroom area, and the orchard of Ms. Hang. Activities range from trying honey tea to observing bee life, and even scooping ditch fishing.
2. What accommodation options are available at the Mekong Ecolodge Resort?
   • The Mekong Ecolodge Resort offers comfortable lodging options with opportunities to participate in activities such as picking vegetables in the garden and cooking meals with lodge members.
3. What transportation methods are used during the tour?
   • Transportation includes a Mekong River cruise, boat rides to explore Rung Tram Forest on Day 2, and ferry rides to Chau Doc.
4. Can you describe the attractions visited in Chau Doc on Day 3?
   • In Chau Doc, you’ll explore floating houses farming Basa fish, visit a Cham ethnic minority village, and climb Sam Mountain to visit the Temple of Lady Chua Su, offering spectacular views of the Mekong and Cambodian border.
5. What meals are included during the tour?
   • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 1, while breakfast and lunch are provided on Days 2 and 3. Meals typically feature local cuisine and may include specialties like honey tea and fresh seafood.

Tour Map