http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/ Mekong Delta Tours - Vietnam Open Tour Homepage en-us Copyright (C) Vietnam OpenTour VietnamOpenTour . OVERVIEW THE BASSAC The Bassac is entirely built of wood, from the hull of an 80-foot-long rice barge. She can accommodate up to 12 passengers in six nicely decorated cabins, each with air-con and a private bathroom, and features a 100 sqft restaurant that opens all around, a large galley, a small office room and 700 sqft of sundeck. The Bassac can take her passengers on cruises up to seven days without stopping, and offers a great flexibility in programming your journey. She also is so powerful and has such a shallow draft as to be able to cruise upstream the Mekong or bring you to your destination regardless of the season, the tide or the current. CABIN Layout: 6 cabins in the front of the main deck - 4 with twin bedding, 2 with a double bed. Services: Heat and sound insulation in each cabin; Air conditioning, private access; En suite bathroom with shower. The comfortable cabins are set in the front of the Bassac and well insulated so as to provide the passengers with a good night's sleep even if under way. They are entirely fitted with wood, and equipped as rooms in a good hotel. Owing to a large heat exchanger on the main engine, the Bassac produces enough hot water for many showers a day.   ITINERARY Itinerary 1: Mon/Wed/Sat: Can Tho – Cai Be * Day 1: Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market. Branching into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night. The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit. * Day 2: 06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks. The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards. Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.End of the services on shore at Cái Bè late morning. Itinerary 2: Tue/Thu/Sun: CaiBe - CanTho * Day 1: Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river. Lunch while on route. Rest on the deck, or enjoy the open bar. Branching into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river. The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night. * Day 2: Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning. End of the services on shore at Can Tho late morning. Itinerary 3: Fri: CanTho – MangThit – CanTho * Day 1: Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market. Branching into Mang Thit river towards Co Chien river.Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night. The Bassac sets anchor for the night near Tra On. * Day 2: Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning. End of the services on shore at CanTho late morning. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/day-trips/mekong-delta-bassac-board-departure-from-cai-be-can-tho.html . OVERVIEW ITINERARY ITINERARY 1: THURSDAY DEPARTURE : CAIBE -CANTHO-MANGTHIT -CANTHO Day 1: Cai Be boarding Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river. Lunch while on route. Rest on the deck. Branching into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river. The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night   Day 2: Tra On visit Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning. Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market. Branching into Mang Thit river towards Co Chien river.Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night. The Bassac sets anchor for the night near Trà Ôn. Day 3: Can Tho floating market- see off Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning.   ITINERARY 2: FRIDAY DEPARTURE: CANTHO-MANGTHIT-CANTHO-CAIBE Day 1: Can Tho boarding Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market. Branching into Mang Thit river towards Co Chien river.Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night. The Bassac sets anchor for the night near Trà Ôn. Day 2: Can Tho -Tra On Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier. Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning. Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market. Branching intoNicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks. Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night. The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit. Day 3: Can Tho -Can Be-see off 06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks. The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards. Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/day-trips/mekong-delta-bassac-board-departure-from-can-tho---chau-doc.html . OVERVIEW   The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it. is absorbed by the sea The people of south Vietnam are often very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fields in this area, they often say, "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that the cranes can stretch their wings as they fly. Today, the region is one of Vietnam's highest producer of rice crops, vegetables and fruits My Tho, a capital of Tien Giang Province, is an inland port in the Mekong River Delta which is two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a transportation and commercial center for a rich agricultural region and has some manufacturing industries. It is also noted for its exuberant orchards and immense rice fields. My Tho was controlled by the Cambodians until it was annexed by the Annamese in the late 17th century. It was under French rule from 1862 to 1954. Boat tour on the Mekong River is the amusing activity in My Tho. Attractions in My Tho are orchards and rice fields on Phoenix Island, Thoi Son Island, Vinh Trang Pagoda and Dong Tan Snake Farm ITINERARY Departure at 8:00AM - end at 5:00PM Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning and transfer to My Tho. On arrival, cruising along small creek to Mekong River estuary, to Con Phung (Phoenix Island) and stop over a garden restaurant at a local house for Vietnamese lunch. The motorized boat cruise more along natural creeks and quiet village in Ben Tre Province. Visit orchards, bee - keeping farm, taste natural honey and honey wine, enjoy tropical fruit, traditional music, see round a distillery, explore the local coconut candy production process, taste candy & coconut pulp. On the way back to Ho Chi Minh with stop at bonsai garden in My Tho. Arrival at your hotel in the late evening. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/one-day-mekong-delta-full-day-my-tho-ben-tre.html . OVERVIEW Cai Be floating market takes place where Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre provinces. It takes about an hour to reach the market from Vinh Long town. It runs from 5 am to 5 pm. Every day, approximately 400 -500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other products anchor a long the banks of the river, waiting for traders and customers but the most interesting thing to see the huge Catholic Cathedral here on the riverside. It makes the fantastic spot for visitors to take photographs. The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a high pole in front of the boat as a sample to attract customers from a distance. Next to the floating market is Tan Phong Island, famous for its large and succulent rambutan gardens ITINERARY Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City and drive overland to Cai Be, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiple canals. Visit an old colonial house, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch in a garden. Return to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon. Tour Price Includes: A/C car or van , English ( French, Janpanese ) speaking tour guide, boat trips, 1 lunch with local speciality , fruit, honey tea, entrance fee. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/one-day-mekong-delta-ii-full-day-mekong-delta-cai-be-vinh-long-tien-giang-vinh-long.html . OVERVIEW   Floating markets are held every morning from 5:00 to about 11:00. Phung Hiep market is the biggest since it is located at the intersection of 7 major canals. It is also a photographer's delight because it can be seen above from a bridge. Cai Rang and Phong Dien are two other notable floating markets in the delta Boats loaded with produce from nearby orchards of the Mekong Delta converge to the floating market. They carry mostly fruits but also coconuts, vegetables and fishes ITINERARY Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (L) Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City and drive overland to Cai Be, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiple canals to Vinh Long. Visit an old colonial house, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon continue to Can Tho, the main town of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho. Day 2: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B/L) After breakfast, board a sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market, a family run noodle – making factory and witness the rural life and the beautiful vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho’s market, then drive back to Saigon. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to Saigon in the late afternoon. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/day-trips/tow-days-mekong-delta-more-boat-less-bus-tien-giang-vinh-long-can-tho.html . Exploring of river life style in Mekong delta OVERVIEW Stop Off: Vinh Long -- Can Tho -- Chau Doc ITINERARY Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho (L) Early starting in the morning from your hotel to CaiBe – the heart of Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Cai Be board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiples canals to Vinh Long. Visit Cai Be floating market, an Old Colonial House, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. A nice chance for bicycle riding, roaming through the village and looking at the local handicraft shops. A stop will be landed on Vinh Long market a nice walk around. In the afternoon, continue to Can Tho, the main town of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho. Day 2: Can Tho - CaiRang - Thot Not - Chau Doc (B/L) Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market. Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily life in Mekong River and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop.Then drive to Chau Doc not far from the Cambodia border. Check into the hotel, lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, cruise through a surprising village of floating houses, where fish are bred in their natural environment and learn more about Cham culture while visiting a small village and its mosque.End the day by visiting the Sam Mountain, a popular pilgrimage site gathering Temple of Chinese, Cham or Khmer influences. Overnight in Chau Doc. Day 3: Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City (B/L) A boat trip to visit the floating fish breeding farms reveals the amazing highlight of Chau Doc, a Cham minority village, whom still again employment from traditional weaving. The last stop in Chau Doc is to a local Islamic Mosque. Have lunch at local restaurant before going back to Ho Chi Minh City. PRICE LIST Room Type Number of Travellers Price Standard 1 pax $476 Standard 2 pax $265 Standard 3 - 5 pax $202 Standard 6 - 9 pax $134 Standard 10 - 14 pax $104 3-star hotel 1 pax $496 3-star hotel 2 pax $285 3-star hotel 3 - 5 pax $222 3-star hotel 6 - 9 pax $154 3-star hotel 10 - 14 pax $124 4-star hotel 1 pax $597 4-star hotel 2 pax $386 4-star hotel 3 - 5 pax $322 4-star hotel 6 - 9 pax $255 4-star hotel 10 - 14 pax $225 Single Supplement (3-star hotel) 1 pax $42 Single Supplement (4-star hotel) 1 pax $130 Single Supplement for Standard 1 pax $22 Note: Prices net per person in US$, and may change depending on high or low season. Inclusive : Private car/mini van, Private boat, Entrance fees, Guide (in english or french, other languages upon request), Meals as indicated, Accommodation, Drinks. Exclusive : Insurance, Personal expenses, Tip. Hotel category: - Standard hotel: Xuan Mai (Can Tho). Hoa Mai (Chau Doc) - 3* hotel: Saigon Can Tho, Golf Can Tho (Can Tho). Ben Da Nui Sam (Chau Doc) - 4* hotel: Victoria Can Tho, Victoria Chau Doc http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/day-trips/three-days-mekong-delta-exploring-of-river-life-style-in-mekong-delta.html . OVERVIEW   The Mekong Delta, at the south end of Vietnam is a vast and low plain, divided by the "Nine Dragons", the arms of the mighty Mekong River. The country most fertile soil is formed by alluvions and sediments deposited by the great river. It is a world of rice fields, orchards, arroyos, and canals, where in many places a boat is the most convenient way of transportation, people live on the water, do shopping on the water and so on. ITINERARY Day 1: Saigon / Cai Be / Vinh Long / Cantho (L) Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City and drive overland to Cai Be, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiple canals to Vinh Long. Visit an old colonial house, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Can Tho, the main town of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.   Day 2: Can Tho / Cai Rang / Chau Doc (B/L) Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market. Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily life in Mekong River and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. In the afternoon, drive to Chau Doc not far from the Cambodia border. Arrive Chau Doc in the early afternoon. End the day by visiting the Sam Mountain, a popular pilgrimage site gathering Temple of Chinese, Cham or Khmer influences. Overnight in Chau Doc.   Day 3: Chau Doc / Tri Ton / Chau Doc (B/L) After breakfast cruise through a surprising village of floating houses, where fish are bred in their natural environment and learn more about Cham culture while visiting a small village and its mosque. In the afternoon, visit the popular pilgrimage site gathering temples of Chinese, Cham or Khmer influences and then continue to Tri Ton, a place renowned for its numerous Khmer sanctuaries. Return to Chau Doc in the afternoon. Overnight in Chau Doc. Day 4: Chau Doc Saigon (B/L) Return to Ho Chi Minh City by road via Cao Lanh. On the way stop at Vinh Trang pagodas. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City by the end of the afternoon. (Accommodation in Saigon not included) http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/day-trips/can-tho---chau-doc.html . The Mekong river - The longest river in Indochina is divided into nine tributaries within Vietnamese territory and has given birth to the vast Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is often referred as the ‘rice bowl’ and the ‘garden of heaven’, because of its rich soil which is the breeding ground for dozens of vegetables, fruit and flowers. A visit to this region allows you to experience the ‘life o­n the water’ of the local people. Because of periodical floods the local people adapted their lives to the water. Visits to their floating houses, floating schools, floating markets you will be overwhelmed by their wet rice civilization. Our team will provide you with all the information you are interested in as we sail downstream the canals of the Mekong River. We then join the busy floating market, visit luxuriant orchards, enjoy tropical fruits right in the gardens, try delicious dishes, and spend the night o­n board in this fascinating setting. Mekong River CruiseIn fact, the Mekong Delta is o­ne of the most beautiful landscapes among the Vietnam’s highlights. A deep discovery of the region will bring you an unforgettable and valuable experience of our country. Our special cruise not o­nly gets you deep into The Mekong Delta but also experience local life in all its facets. Immerse your self in the rich culture of the Mekong Delta and enjoy your overnights o­n board are spectacular memories to take home. The suggested itinerary that you will find o­n this page is just a common example of what your trips could be like. Our programs are flexible and can be changed upon your request. Kindly advise us your special requests - TNK Travel is always at your services! Some information about our boat:Cabin Le Cochinchine Length  27m Beam  6m50 Draught  1m90 Berths  20 pax (twin/double cabin, adjoining cabin) Bar  2 Decks  2: Main, Upper (75m2) Engines  2 ISUZU Propulsion  420 HP (inboard) Electricity  220 Volt Built  2006 Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh city - Cai Be - Can Tho ( _/L/D ) # 8 : 15 AM Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by A/c private car. # 11.30 AM boarding LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink # Mekong River Cruise Explore the lively Cai Be floating market. Cruising amongst the mazes of waterway to visit the handicraft villages and meet with local people. Sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits. # Arrive in Vinh Long island we then embark o­n a walk or bike for sightseeing tour of the Culao BINH HOA PHUOC # Le Cochinchine sets sail to Cantho via Cho LACH and TRAON. # Disembark Cho LACH village. Embark o­n a pleasant walking or biking o­n the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. Enroute to visit a cottage industry , a local farm and sample seasonal fruits. # Cruise to continue to Mang Thit . Enjoy the magnificent sunset o­n the river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise . # A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches . Dinner and nite o­n board in TRAON. Day 2 : Tra o­n - Can Tho - Vinh Long ( B/_/_ ) # Rising up to the sound of River and Mekong Delta coming to life for another lovely day we enjoy the sunset. # Mekong River Cruise After breakfast, we cruise along the cannels and visit a village o­n the bank of Co Chien or, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the local inhabitants, and their hospitality # Leisurely cruise up the bassac river (Hau Giang river) while enjoying the beautiful scenery # Arriving Cantho, we explore the CaiRang market, o­ne of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats ladden fruits barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. Boat through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards,ship building yards, local markets in full swing. # 11h00 Check out and disembark the boat. Meet the car . Transfer to the local restaurant for lunch. Return to HCMC with stop over at the bonsai garden in Mytho. Finish the trip at your hotel around 17 : 00 PM. End of services. Tour price includes : - A/c private car/van for pick up, transfer & sightseeing as per program. - Full board packages as indicated in the program as B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner. - 1 night o­n board in Twin or Double share - Boat cruise - English/French speaking guide o­n board. Tour price excludes : - Travel insurance - Drinks & toher meals not metioned in the program. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/cochinchine-deluxe-delta-cruise.html