Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be - Vinh Long - Vung Liem - (L, D)
The floating market, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways; these are the things that make the Mekong Delta such a desired destination.
This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2-hour drive to the Delta town of Cai Be. On arrival, board your boat for a cruise of Cai Be floating market. Traders work the river and some have been living on these waters for generations. Produce at the market is hung on a pole in front of boats to attract customers and make it easier for people to see from afar what is on offer. After visiting the market, continue to a cottage factory where 'pop-rice', rice paper and coconut candies are made.
Lunch will be local Mekong style serving specialties of the area. Return to the boat for the cruise to Vinh Long city. Admire the scenery and the daily life of the local villagers along the way. On arrival, you will be met by your vehicle for the transfer to Vung Liem. From here cross over a tributary of the Mekong by local ferry before arriving at your homestay located on Long Island renowned for its fruit orchards and sedge fields (this grass is used to make traditional mats).
The homestay is unique and the only one to be found on this Delta island. You will be made to feel like a member of the family. In the late afternoon, you will have a chance to practice making banh xeo - a type of savory pancake and a specialty of the Mekong region. After dinner, spend time with the family to learn more on their life, culture and the history of this Island.
Hotel: Overnight at homestay.
Day 2 - Vung Liem - Ho Chi Minh - (B, L)
Wake up to the sound of the countryside. After breakfast, explore the island by bicycle (or on foot) through the village to sedge fields, to see the cutting and weaving of this grass which is used to make traditional mats. En-route visit a shrine dedicated to Thoai Ngoc Hau who was one of the founders of the area.
Return to the house for lunch before taking the ferry back to Vung Liem to visit a Khmer pagoda dating back to 1377. Continue to Vinh Long city. En-route see the vast expanses of rice fields, and if you are lucky, the local farmers harvesting their crop. Visit the local market in Vinh Long, this is an excellent place to take photographs of the huge array of fresh produce is on offer. Return to Ho Chi Minh City where you will arrive in the late afternoon.