Sa Dec Heritage and Can Tho Waterways 2D1N

Meals: Lunch

08:00 | Departure to the Land of Flowers

Our private car and guide will pick you up at your meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City. Leave the bustling city behind as we head towards Sa Dec—a charming, sleepy town in the heart of the Mekong Delta. This place is forever linked to the cinematic romance of French novelist Marguerite Duras and her famous work, “The Lover.”

11:00 | Step Back in Time at “The Lover’s” House

Arrive in Sa Dec and begin your journey at the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House. A stunning architectural gem, this house blends French, Chinese, and Vietnamese designs effortlessly.

• Highlight: Walk through the tiled floors and stained glass windows where the legendary love story between Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras unfolded.

11:30 | Spiritual Harmony at Cao Dai Temple

Visit the Sa Dec Cao Dai Temple, a vibrant symbol of Southern Vietnam’s spiritual diversity. Learn how this unique religion harmonizes Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, embodying the Delta’s spirit of unity and compassion.

12:00 | Authentic Local Lunch

Savor the taste of the Mekong at Hu Tieu My Ngoc, a renowned local eatery. Enjoy a bowl of traditional Sa Dec noodle soup, famous for its rich broth and chewy rice noodles.

12:30 | The Art of Southern Bonsai

Immerse yourself in greenery at the Sa Dec Bonsai Museum. This isn’t just a garden; it’s a living art gallery showcasing hundreds of national record-holding bonsai trees, reflecting the patience and refined aesthetics of the locals.

13:15 | Local Craftsmanship: Coconut Workshop

Visit a Coconut Handicraft Workshop to see how humble coconut wood is transformed into intricate art. You will sip warm tea, taste traditional sweets, and chat with artisans to feel the genuine hospitality of the Mekong people.

14:00 | The Red Kingdom: Sa Dec Brick Factory

Step into a photographer’s dream at the traditional Brick Factory. Witness a century-old process as clay is molded and fired in massive beehive-shaped kilns. A raw and rustic testament to the region’s industrial heritage.

14:30 | Journey to Can Tho

Depart Sa Dec for Can Tho City, the capital of the Mekong Delta.

16:00 | Check-in & Evening at Leisure

Arrive in Can Tho and check in to your hotel. You are free to explore the city in the evening. We suggest taking a stroll along the Ninh Kieu Wharf, hopping on an electric car tour, or exploring the bustling Night Market to try local street food (dinner on your own account). Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

05:30 | Sunrise on the Mekong

An early start is rewarded with the Delta’s most magical moments. Our guide picks you up for a boat trip to catch the sunrise shimmering over the river.

06:15 | The Pulse of the River: Cai Rang Floating Market Arrive at Cai Rang, the largest floating market in the region. We navigate slowly through a maze of boats trading fruits and vegetables.

• Must-do: Experience the unique “breakfast on the water”—enjoying a hot bowl of noodles or coffee while bobbing on the waves amidst the bustling trade.

07:30 | Handmade Noodle Workshop

Boat over to a traditional rice noodle factory. Here, you don’t just watch; you’ll try your hand at making the delicate rice sheets that form the staple of Vietnamese cuisine.

08:15 | Hidden Canals & Sampan Ride

Escape the main river traffic as we turn into the small, winding canals. The engine stops, and we switch to hand-rowing. Immerse yourself in silence and nature, gliding under green palm canopies past local riverside homes and fruit orchards.

09:30 | Farm-to-Bar Chocolate Experience

Disembark and take a short walk to a hidden Handmade Cacao Farm. Meet the “Chocolate Man” of the Delta—an artisan who maintains a unique recipe for Vietnamese chocolate. Taste the difference of fresh, hand-crafted cacao.

10:30 | Journey to the “Green Lung”

Depart for Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve (Mua Xuan Tourist Area). Known as the “Green Lung” of the Delta, this wetland forest is a hidden gem often missed by standard tours, offering a rich ecosystem for nature lovers.

11:30 | Lunch in the Wild

Enjoy a rustic and relaxing lunch surrounded by the nature of the reserve.

12:30 | Into the Wetlands: Lung Ngoc Hoang Exploration

Discover one of the most pristine ecological areas in Southern Vietnam.

• Wildlife Encounter: Listen to the symphony of birds and spot wild species in their natural habitat.

• Melaleuca Forest: Glide quietly on a boat through the serene waters, covered in green duckweed and shaded by ancient Melaleuca trees.

• Rural Panoramas: Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the vast rice fields. If lucky, you’ll witness the golden harvest season—a touching glimpse into local agricultural life.

14:30 | Farewell to the Delta

Finish the exploration and begin the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

18:00 | Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Drop off at the original meeting point (or your hotel). End of an unforgettable journey.