In the Mekong Delta, the mighty Mekong River splits into multiple branches, offering a wealth of sights and experiences. The delta is a region of extraordinary energy and market commerce, with miles of rice paddies, exotic fruit orchards, and the last floating markets in Asia. This easy bike tour travels some of the quietest back roads in the country, with frequent side trips by the delta's primary mode of transport — sampan (boat). You’ll drift in a small sampan through bustling market places and riverfront villages, stopping into homes, cottage industries, and crafts villages along the way.
If you want to avoid hills and enjoy Vietnam's warmest weather, this tour is your best bet, making it ideal for families — aside from Sam Mountain, the delta is flat as a pancake and always warm. We pause frequently along the route to take in the people, sites, markets and other distractions. Along with the beautiful expanse of emerald green rice fields, there is a short hike up Sam Mountain affording views of neighboring Cambodia, and a stop for tea at a wonderful bonsai garden.
After breakfast, depart Saigon by private van through the lighter, early morning traffic to Cai Lay (about two hours). After arrival, we'll pause for tea or iced coffee as the bikes are prepped. After, mount bikes and begin riding the flat scenic roads, passing fruit orchards and expansive, emerald rice fields en route to Cai Be. After arrival in Cai Be, board local sampan (boat), drifting down the smaller branches of the Mekong River past waterfront villages and floating markets, pausing for lunch of local specialties on Binh Hoa Phuoc Island.
In the afternoon, continued boating to Vinh Long and disembark for continued cycling through countryside roads. Afterwards, transfer remaining distance to Can Tho. Dinner free in town or dining at the resort's fabulous banquet. Accommodation at the luxury French resort Victoria Can Tho (featuring some of the best massages in Vietnam). (L,D)
Rise early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Mekong River. After breakfast banquet, board sampan to explore the vibrant, bustling Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets – some of the last authentic floating markets in Asia, swirling with hundreds of boats zig-zagging on the river.
Afterward, mount bikes for pleasant riding further out from Can Tho under the lush, green jungle canopy in one of the most scenic areas of the Delta. After passing through numerous villages, return to the resort for cooling off in the pool.
Accommodation and dinner banquet at Victoria Can Tho Resort. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, optional repeat visit to the floating markets, followed by breakfast at the resort and continued biking (or optional boating by sampan) through the tranquil paths and lush canals of the area, along the scenic, back country roads stopping to visit local schools, markets and homes. Also pausing for tropical fruit tasting and tea at a longan tree orchard with a local family.
After lunch, we depart the Victoria resort and return to Saigon by private car stopping briefly in My Tho for refreshments at a popular local cafe.
After arrival in Saigon, farewell with guide before flight out. (B,L)
