An Unforgettable Blend of Heritage and Hospitality
Monica Sorensen - Denmark
Mango Sampan Cruise Ben Tre Day Tour - 1 Day
Destination: Saigon, Ben Tre, Saigon
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Itinerary of Mango Sampan Cruise Ben Tre Day Tour - 1 Day
At 8:00 AM, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your unforgettable Mekong Delta day trip. Leaving the bustling energy of Saigon behind, you will enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour drive toward Ben Tre province, a peaceful paradise nestled in the heart of the river delta. Along the highway, take in the scenic views of endless green rice paddies and vibrant fruit farms.
After crossing the iconic Rach Mieu Bridge, you will arrive at Huu Dinh hamlet. Here, you will hop on a traditional xe loi (a classic tri-motor cycle), rattling down narrow village lanes lined with towering coconut palms and lush gardens.
Arriving at the waterfront, you will board the charming Mango Cruise to begin your scenic Ben Tre boat tour. You can sip on refreshing, sweet coconut juice while the boat glides along the majestic river. Your first stop is a local coconut processing workshop, where you can see how locals utilize every part of this versatile fruit. Back on the boat, you will cruise to a traditional brick-making shop. Here, artisans still employ centuries-old techniques to mold and bake bricks entirely by hand.
From the brick kiln, gear up for an exciting 4-km Mekong Delta cycling tour through the peaceful paths of Phong Nam village. After a leisurely 10 to 15-minute ride, you will arrive at the welcoming home of Mrs. Huong, whose family thrives on fishing, shrimp farming, and traditional agriculture. Relax in her shaded garden, savoring fresh tropical fruits and warm honey tea. Next, step into a small wooden rowing sampan for a personalized, hand-paddled journey deeper into a mesmerizing maze of narrow, sun-dappled canals.
In the afternoon, the sampan will glide you back to your main boat, which will ferry you straight to the riverside Mango Home Restaurant. Here, you will indulge in a sumptuous, 5-course Mekong lunch featuring authentic regional specialties, followed by a brief rest to freshen up.
Following lunch, you will take a short 500-meter bicycle ride (or a pleasant 7-10 minute walk) along the countryside roads to visit the home of Mr. Sau Tuong - a former Vietcong soldier who bravely survived two years of conflict in Phnom Penh. He now shares a peaceful life with his wife. Together, they sustain the traditional craft of making rice paper - the most famous specialty of My Long village. Enjoy a heartwarming chat with your host, witness the delicate process of pouring the batter, and taste the crispy rice paper fresh off the fire.
After this meaningful cultural exchange, your private boat will be waiting at the nearby pier to cruise you back to Ben Tre city. Your private vehicle will be ready at the harbor to transfer you comfortably back to Saigon, wrapping up your perfect Ben Tre day tour from Ho Chi Minh City.
What's included
Luxury overnight stay in an air-conditioned private cabin aboard the boutique Mango Sampan Cruise (configured as Double or Twin setup).
Full board culinary experience as mentioned in the itinerary, including regional 5-course lunches, gourmet dinners, and freshly prepared breakfasts.
Welcome chilled coconut juice upon boarding, complimentary mineral water, and hot coffee/tea maker available in cabins.
Interactive Vietnamese cooking demonstration with the private chef and leisure time on the open-air observation deck.
All sightseeing entrance fees, boat tickets, historical house visits (Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House), and local workshop experiences as scheduled.
Traditional xe loi (tri-motor cycle) rides, high-quality bicycles for the Mekong Delta cycling tour, and hand-paddled rowing sampan trips through hidden canals.
Dedicated and professional onboard boat crew, a private chef, and an English-speaking local guide escorting you throughout the journey.
Onboard passenger insurance according to local maritime regulations.
Round-trip private transfers between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and the cruise piers (available upon request).
Early boarding or late disembarkation at the cruise harbor unless pre-arranged.
Laundry services, telephone calls, purchases at local workshops, and additional snacks or drinks not specified in the menu.
Tips for the local boat crew, private tour guide, drivers, and rowers (discretionary but highly appreciated).
Peak season surcharges or compulsory gala dinners during Christmas, New Year, and Vietnamese Lunar New Year holidays.
Visa processing fees, personal travel insurance, and any domestic or international flight tickets.
