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).