HO CHI MINH CITY – BEN TRE                                                                                [-/-/D]

In line with the program, customers are strongly advised to spend the night prior to the start of this package in Ho Chi Minh City

Your guide and driver will welcome you at the lobby of your booked accommodation after you’ve completed check out procedures and are ready to hit the road towards the Ben Tre province and its provincial capital, bearing the same name. This southern region in the Mekong Delta is a magnificent kaleidoscope of canals and bridges, wrapped in a picturesque setting. The comfortable drive in southern direction will take approximately 2 hours, with new impressions passing by your car window almost every minute.

Lunch is not included during this day, on own arrangement

Upon your arrival at the Mekong Home in Ben Tre, you immediately are welcomed and almost are already part of the family. After a refreshing beverage of the local kind, you’re guided by the hosts towards your room. Time to unwind or go out and seize the day – it is all up to you! The family you’ll be staying with are avid angles and are ready to take you out to one of their favourite fishing spots in the Mekong. With rods and bait at the ready even before your arrival, fishing with the Mekong Home family captures the essence of partaking in traditional family activities is all about.

Measured only by the smiles of the family but not by the results, making ‘Banh Xeo’ – a Vietnamese pancake, filled with fresh vegetables, meat, salad and what else is in season, marks the beginning of the late afternoon. While you and your family cook, roll and chop Banh Xeo, the table is set for a local dinner that includes your pancake creations. The table will be filled with local delicacies, ranging from caramelized pork, fish soup, salads and spring rolls. In good Vietnamese tradition, ending the day with a herbal foot bath smoothens the skin and relaxes you after a day out and about in the Mekong

Dinner and overnight at Mekong Home

BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY / MEKONG DELTA                                         [B/-/-]

There is actually no need to set an alarm; with the arrival of the first sunrays and slowly hearing Ben Tre waking up, it is also your time to leave the comfort of your mattress and being greeted by the host family defines a morning you will not soon forget. Part of the experience is experiencing Mekong morning moments through the eyes of your hosts.

A visit to the Mekong is not limited to spending time with your host family and observe local life from your home stay. The region has more offer, much more, and there is no better way to travel into culturally rich Ben Tre than by bicycle. Together with your guide, you head out to Oc Island, one of the many islands inside the Mekong Delta yet seen as a perfect example of how the sands of time have stood still. Early morning mean also market time and passing one of the wet markets en route to Oc Islands makes for an excellent stop to look and explore what’s for sale today. Basket making is a time-honoured tradition and Ben Tre has long been seen as a centre for the arts and craft. Accompanied by your guide, you’re getting a crash course in basket making at family home where this remains their sole source of income. After your weaving course and taking home your (priced) souvenir, Oc Island is merely a local ferry ride away. An oasis of serenity, untouched natural sceneries and fishing houses, dotted along the island coast line, cycling around is a sheer pleasure.

Sailing on the Mekong is a must and after having your guide explained the ins and outs of the local fishing trade and techniques at one of the bigger fishing settlements, it is time to head out by local slow boat for a gentle cruise over the Ham Luong River…with coconut refreshments included! The abundance of palm trees, bearing coconut fruits is another source of income for the local community. With little to nothing left unused, seeing workers processing everything from juice to skin at a nearby factory affirms a ‘waste not’ principle that flows across the Mekong Delta. The complete process from full fruit to dissecting it into commercially viable products is something that is still done by hand.

Lunch is not included during this day, on own arrangement

The morning ends with cruising back to the Mekong Home in Ben Tre where you will check out, thank the family for their shown hospitality before making your way back to Ho Chi Minh City or continue your travel ventures further through the Mekong. An air-conditioned transfer from the Mekong Home to your next destination is included.