DAY 1: CAI BE - SA DEC - CAN THO
07:30: Pick up at your hotel in Saigon City and drive to Vinh Long. The excursion starts at around 10.am from our pier in Phu An hamlet located next to Cai Be town, approximately 2 hours drive south from Saigon.
Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed by our crew. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of some local home factories where you will be able to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will then proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables.
Your sampan will take direction of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruising upstream on the Tien Giang River, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people.
We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… You will disembark to take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations.
Further on the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit.
Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark at the local market place for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous.
Your lunch will await you at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, the “Lover” of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (see her novel and adapted movie “The Lover”)
Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages.
Some stops on the banks will be possible to establish contacts with the local population. A visit will be done at a Cao Daist temple.
Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere.
After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place. Your bed will be ready for your night on the Mekong river.
DAY 2: CAI RANG - CAN THO
At around 06am, your sampan will slowly start cruising.
Your breakfast will be served on board at 07am while approaching Cai Rang floating market actually still the largest in the whole Mekong delta.
We will pass by countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river.
Your cruise journey will end at around 10.am at Ninh Kieu pier after a visit at Can Tho local market. End of the cruise and services. Driving back to Saigon City.
***** Please note you will leave the Song Xanh Sampan Cruise for good at the time you embark for the last visit.
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