Cu Lao Dung Visited: FME Travel’s Case Study Triumph

Picture this: a ferry gliding over the Hau River, the scent of sugarcane on the breeze, and 52 team members from Can Tho International Airport laughing together as they trek through muddy mangrove paths.

On March 5 and 7, 2025, FME Travel had the honor of organizing a one-day team-building tour to Cu Lao Dung – Soc Trang, in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8).

With just 3 days to prepare, the FME team delivered a seamless journey blending nature, culture, and emotional connection – a memorable escape from the office and a meaningful way to honor women.

Program Objectives by FME Travel

• Introduce Cu Lao Dung as a hidden gem for relaxation, with 20km of pristine mangrove forest, peaceful estuarine landscapes, and vibrant local life.
• Organize a meaningful activity for International Women’s Day – creating joy, relaxation, and team appreciation.
• Foster deeper connections among departments through shared, hands-on experiences.
• Showcase the rich Khmer culture and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta’s estuarine region.

A Day of Memorable Experiences

📍 Itinerary: Can Tho – Cu Lao Dung – Soc Trang

The day started early with pickups from five different locations in Can Tho. The group crossed the Hau River by ferry, greeted by views of sugarcane fields, shrimp ponds, and peaceful riverside villages.

Exploring Cu Lao Dung

The island offered nature-based activities rarely found elsewhere:

• Trekking or rowing through shady mangrove trails
• Spotting wild monkeys in their natural habitat
• Crab hunting, snail catching, or sliding on mud, depending on the tide – estuarine fun at its finest

“Ms. Hoa, usually quiet in the office, couldn’t stop laughing after catching her first muddy crab – the whole team cheered her on!”

Local cuisine tasting with authentic Mekong flavors

A hearty riverside lunch featured:

• Fermented fruit hotpot
• Coconut-fried snails
• Braised Pangasius fish
• Stir-fried seafood noodles
• And fresh tropical fruits

Cultural sightseeing in Soc Trang

In the afternoon, the team visited Soc Trang’s iconic sites:

• Khleang Pagoda – a 500-year-old landmark of Khmer–Vietnamese–Chinese fusion
• Som Rong Pagoda – home to a massive reclining Buddha statue
• Tan Hue Vien – where guests bought signature Pia cakes as souvenirs

Key Values for Our Clients

Cultural and historical enrichment

Explore Cu Lao Dung’s unique blend of nature and heritage, including ancient temples, Khmer culture, and stories of the estuarine way of life.

Authentic nature & local life experience

Hands-on activities like trekking, seafood hunting, and tide-based mud fun gave participants a real taste of the Mekong – far from tourist traps.

Team bonding & entertainment

This was more than just a trip. It was a shared journey that honored the women of the workplace, sparked laughter, and left behind memories that still echo in the office.

Challenges and Solutions

The tour was a last-minute request, leaving FME with just a few days to prepare. Cu Lao Dung’s ferry-only access made using a 45-seat bus impossible.

With over 50 people requiring pickups at multiple locations, a limited budget, and high expectations for a fun, professional tour guide capable of energizing the group – our operations team had their work cut out for them.

How FME Travel tackled the challenge

Understanding the importance of this trip, our entire team went all in:

• Designed a well-balanced itinerary rich in culture, nature, and cuisine – all within budget
• Coordinated directly with local leaders in Soc Trang to arrange ferry-friendly shuttle transportation
• Divided the group into smaller teams and used modern 16-seat vans with reclining seats and air conditioning for comfort and punctuality
• Assigned an experienced, humorous, and dynamic tour guide to lead the group, turning the journey into a warm, light-hearted team-building day
• Maintained continuous communication from initial contact to trip completion, ensuring no detail was missed: from scattered pickups, well-balanced lunches, to cold water and towels for every guest
  

One Journey – Countless Emotions

In the fresh air of the lush mangrove forest at the end of the Hau River, the group enjoyed unforgettable moments:

• Ferry rides through endless waterways, sugarcane fields, and shrimp farms
• Mud-crabbing, snail-catching, and tide-dependent sliding – moments of laughter and fun
• A seaside-inspired lunch with hotpot, braised fish, coconut snails…
• Temple visits to hear stories of Khmer – Chinese – Vietnamese cultural harmony
• Shopping for Tan Hue Vien specialties as souvenirs for family and colleagues – ending the day with warmth and fulfillment

You May Also Like: Our Full Portfolio of Case Studies