Mekong Life and Local Secrets Experience Full Day
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the authentic Mekong Delta on this full-day eco-tour, designed to immerse you in local culture and sustainable practices. Escape the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and travel along a more rural, less-visited route—away from the crowded, standard tourist stops. Enjoy a genuine countryside experience with no shopping stops, focusing instead on local life, community-based tourism, and nature.
Visit a lively countryside market, explore a rice mill, and learn how sticky-rice wine is traditionally made. Cruise the Mekong River by private long-tail boat, then row quietly through nipa-palm canals. Finish with a hands-on cooking class using fresh regional ingredients and sit down for a delicious home-cooked lunch. With a small group size, you’ll enjoy a more personal pace and deeper local connection.
Available options
Mekong Life and Local Secrets Experience Full Day
What's included
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Lunch
English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Visit a lively countryside market in the Mekong Delta and observe local trade in action. Walk through colorful stalls selling tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, fresh seafood, and daily essentials. It’s a great place to experience authentic local life and learn about the ingredients used in southern Vietnamese cooking.
Stop at a traditional rice mill to learn how rice is processed in rural Vietnam. See the milling process and understand why rice is the heart of Mekong life and cuisine. Your guide will explain local farming practices and the importance of rice production in the Delta.
2
Cruise along tranquil Mekong waterways on a private motorboat. Enjoy beautiful views of riverside villages, coconut palms, and local boats passing by. This relaxing boat ride reveals the peaceful rhythm of daily life in the Mekong Delta.
3
Visit a riverside coconut and fruit garden and learn about organic cultivation and local farming techniques. Taste seasonal tropical fruits before joining a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class in the garden. After cooking, enjoy a home-style lunch made with fresh regional ingredients in a peaceful countryside setting.
4
Take a relaxing sampan ride through narrow shaded canals lined with nipa palms. Glide quietly under the greenery and enjoy the calm atmosphere of the Delta — one of the most scenic and memorable moments of the day.
What's not included
Tips
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please arrive at the meeting point at 120 Tran Hung Dao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City between 07:20 AM – 07:30 AM.
Our tour guide will be waiting for you there wearing a red shirt. This is also our office, so you are welcome to come inside and wait comfortably.
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.
Top Attractions
War Remnants Museum
This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Cu Chi Tunnels
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Historical
Half-day tour
Moderate (tour prices vary)
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Ben Thanh Market
One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.
Market
1-2 hours
Budget to Moderate
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.
Observation Deck
1 hour
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Com Tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Goi Cuon
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.
Appetizer
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels
Boat tours in the Mekong Delta
Beach relaxation in Vung Tau
Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest
Spa and wellness treatments
Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum
Exploring local markets and temples
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Bargain for better prices at markets
Getting there
By air
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center
By train
Saigon Railway Station
By bus
Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
District 1
District 3
District 5 (Chinatown)
District 7
Phu Nhuan District
Day trips
Mekong Delta
130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
Cu Chi Tunnels
60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Vung Tau
120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Festivals
Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year)
Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
- Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
$72
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
