Ultimate Southern Vietnam

Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) retains a charm all its own through its carefully choreographed chaos, tree-lined boulevards, and pale yellow colonial-era buildings next to modern skyscrapers. See some of the highlights of this metropolis once known as the “Pearl of the Far East” on a full-day tour.

In the morning, visit some of the city’s downtown sights by private car, including: the graceful Central Post Office and the Opera House, both reflecting French-Vietnamese architectural elements from the late 19th century; Ben Thanh Market with its iconic clock tower; the Reunification Palace with its stately meeting rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens; and the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look into the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese people.

After a cooking demonstration and lunch at the elegant Mandarine Restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine with touches of French influence, swap car for cyclo, a traditional pedal-powered form of transportation that’s ideal for exploring the alleyways of Saigon’s Chinatown, also known as Cho Lon.

Originally a separate city established by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, Chinatown provides a fascinating look back in time with its incense-filled pagodas, traditional herbal medicine shops and colourful neighbourhoods.

In the late afternoon, head up to one of Saigon’s highest buildings, the 68-storey Bitexco Tower, for sweeping views of the Saigon skyline including the Saigon River as it winds its way past skyscrapers and rice fields.

Enjoy a leisurely cocktail at Café EON on the 50th floor as the sun begins to set over Saigon. Transfer by car back to your hotel with the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, escape the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and hop aboard a speedboat bound for the Cu Chi Tunnels, taking in scenes of rural Vietnamese life while enjoying a selection of tropical Vietnamese fruits.

Explore the infamous underground city central to the Viet Cong’s strategic war operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. The extensive tunnel network includes a hospital, kitchen, and schools. Look out for “mantraps”, large camouflaged holes dug deep into the ground that ensnared enemy soldiers with bamboo spikes. While the Cu Chi experience can be emotionally draining for some visitors, it does offer a fascinating look into the hardship and trauma of war.

Next, head through the countryside to a cricket farm. Considered a delicacy by many, local lore says that hungry soldiers ate them to beef up their nutrient-poor diets. After observing the insects at various stages of their lifecycle, sample them wrapped up in tasty spring rolls!

After, enjoy a delicious lunch break at a local Vietnamese restaurant before making your way back to your hotel, arriving mid-afternoon.

Please note:
•Estimated pick-up time: 7:00-7:30 am
•Tour duration: 5 hours
•Pick-up and drop-off point at Saigon hotels in District 1, 3, 5
•Blackout dates: Lunar New Year period (exact dates updated on yearly basis)

Depart from your hotel at 8:00 am and drive 2 hours southwest to Cai Be where the friendly crew of the Cai Be Princess welcomes you on board the luxury sampan with a chilled towel and refreshing drink. Cruise the local waterways and observe as life unfolds on the river banks, an ever-changing kaleidoscope of peaceful landscapes and industrious river folk, as cargo barges loaded with fruit and vegetables glide on by. Enjoy a cup of hot tea and fresh fruit from the Delta, Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl”.

The morning’s shore excursions include a row boat trip at Tan Phong Islet to explore its narrow canals and hidden mangroves, a visit to a 19th-century home to admire Indochinese architecture and stops at local workshops turning out treats like coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn).

Step ashore at Le Longanier Restaurant for lunch in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river, giving you a sense of privileged life during Indochinese times.

After lunch, stroll along a small canal towards the Ba Bon Bridge where your personal vehicle awaits to drive you to Victoria Can Tho Resort.

Please note that actual itinerary may vary depending upon river tides, arrival time and other conditions.

Begin the day with a scenic early morning breakfast cruise to the famed Cai Rang Floating Market. Arriving at the market’s peak, you will see dozens of colourful boats laden with fresh produce from all over the Delta. Note the long poles with produce hung on top advertising the products on offer.

After some time to view the market from several different vantage points, slowly cruise back to the resort taking in scenes of stilt homes, women doing laundry in the river and children playing on its banks.

Go ashore for a closer view of rural life, including stops at a small noodle workshop, a rice processing plant, and a fruit orchard where you’ll sample some of the region’s tropical fruits. Return to the hotel late-morning.

In the evening, go on a guided exploration of Can Tho’s culinary scene, making stops at local eateries for some of the city’s most loved dishes, including savoury deep-fried prawn cakes and grilled pork spring rolls wrapped with star fruit, cucumber, green mango and lemongrass. End the evening on a rooftop patio, taking in lovely views of Can Tho, drink in hand.

Please note:
•Departure for floating market tour: 6:30 am (tour duration: 3.5 hours)
•Pick-up for evening food tour, led by a local guide from our supplier: 6:00 pm (tour duration: 3.5 hours)
•Walking distance on evening tour: ~ 2km on paved roads
•Option for vegetarian itinerary (surcharge applies)

After a hearty buffet breakfast, transfer by private car back to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan San Nhat International Airport for your onward travels.

Please note: Approximate distance 180km; ~ Estimated driving time: 4 hours