Exploring the Mekong Delta by speed boat offers an immersive experience in the heart of Vietnam’s vibrant countryside. Visitors can expect a comprehensive tour, from browsing a local market to witnessing traditional music performances. The highlight, however, lies in the opportunity to witness the region’s unique way of life, from sampling fresh tropical fruits to observing the intricate process of coconut candy-making. With an authentic Vietnamese set lunch rounding out the experience, this tour promises to leave travelers with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of the Mekong Delta.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ho Chi Minh City.
Key Points
- Offers a full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Mekong Delta region, including a visit to a local market and a coconut candy factory.
- Includes a traditional Vietnamese set lunch with a variety of regional cuisine courses and a scenic rowboat ride through the canals and Saigon River.
- Provides an opportunity to sample local honey tea and tropical fruits, as well as to experience traditional Vietnamese music performances.
- Pickup and drop-off is available at the Saigon Waterbus Station, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for certain medical conditions.
- Offers a maximum group size of 15 travelers and a 24-hour notice for a full refund.
Tour Overview
Authentic Mekong Delta to Ben Tre Tour by Speed Boat
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers a captivating introduction to the Mekong Delta region. Visitors will explore a local market, sample honey tea and tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional Vietnamese music performances.
The highlight is a scenic rowboat ride through the intricate canals and Saigon River, culminating in a visit to a coconut candy factory. Guests will also have the chance to bicycle through picturesque village roads.
The tour includes a delectable 7-course regional lunch, bottled water, wet towels, and bakery cake. With an English-speaking guide, transportation, and all necessary equipment provided, this comprehensive experience showcases the best of the Mekong Delta.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Inclusions
The tour always includes insurance, life jacket, and an English-speaking guide for visitors.
Bottled water, wet towels, bakery cake, and seasonal fruits are provided throughout the day.
Travelers can also enjoy a traditional Vietnamese set lunch with 7 courses of regional cuisine.
The tour package covers pickup and drop-off at the Saigon Waterbus Station, ensuring a convenient start and end to the day’s adventures.
With all these inclusions, visitors can focus on seeing the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of the Mekong Delta without worrying about logistics.
The comprehensive offerings make this tour a well-rounded and hassle-free experience.
Exclusions
While the tour includes a variety of amenities, it doesn’t cover alcoholic drinks or personal expenses. Travelers will also need to cover any gratuities they wish to provide.
The cost of alcoholic beverages during the tour isn’t included in the package price. Guests are responsible for any additional items or services they choose to purchase for themselves during the excursion, such as souvenirs or optional activities.
On top of that, tips for the guide and any other service staff aren’t included, allowing travelers the flexibility to reward exceptional service at their own discretion.
Meeting and Pickup
Guests can choose to either be picked up from the Saigon Waterbus Station or meet the group at the same location.
The tour begins and ends at this meeting point. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the tour package, making it convenient for participants.
Whether guests opt for the pickup or choose to meet the group themselves, the tour will depart and return to the Saigon Waterbus Station. This flexibility ensures a seamless start and end to the Mekong Delta adventure.
Guests should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time to join the group and make the most of the day’s activities.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received immediately upon booking this tour. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for certain medical conditions, so guests should advise of any special requirements in advance. Seasonal recommendations include an umbrella and light jacket. The maximum group size is 15 travelers. Cancellation policy allows for a full refund with 24-hour notice.
To emphasize some key details, here is a table outlining important information:
Accessibility | Dietary Needs | Group Size | Cancellation |
---|---|---|---|
Not wheelchair accessible | Advance notice required | Max 15 travelers | 24-hour notice for full refund |
Not recommended for certain medical conditions |
This tour provides a rundown of the Mekong Delta region, ensuring a memorable and authentic experience for all participants.
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Rowboat Ride and Coconut Candy Factory
After visiting the local market and tasting honey tea and tropical fruits, the tour takes guests on a rowboat ride through the canals and Saigon River.
This peaceful journey leads them to a coconut candy factory, where they can witness the traditional production process.
The guests are able to observe the skilled artisans as they expertly craft the delectable coconut candies, using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Following the factory tour, guests have the opportunity to sample the freshly made coconut candy, savoring the rich, creamy texture and the subtlety of the coconut flavor.
Local Market and Tropical Fruit Tasting
The tour begins at a local market, where visitors enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of the Mekong Delta region.
Here, they’ve the opportunity to sample an array of tropical fruits, from the sweet and juicy mangoes to the unique and fragrant jackfruit, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s bountiful agricultural offerings.
The guide provides insights into the local produce, sharing stories about traditional farming practices and the importance of these fruits in Vietnamese cuisine.
Visitors also get to taste the famous honey tea, a delightful blend of local honey and freshly brewed tea, further enhancing their understanding of the region’s culinary heritage.
Vietnamese Traditional Set Lunch
Following the delightful fruit tasting and honey tea, visitors embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of the Mekong Delta with a traditional Vietnamese set lunch.
This regional feast features a variety of authentic dishes, each designed to delight the senses:
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A colorful spread of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients like juicy tropical fruits, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs
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Aromatic rice dishes, simmered stews, and grilled meats or seafood, all infused with the distinct spices and seasonings of Vietnamese cuisine
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A sweet dessert to cap off the meal, perhaps a delicate custard or a refreshing sorbet, providing a perfect balance to the savory courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pay in US Dollars During the Tour?
No, the tour does not accept payment in US dollars. The tour specifies that the cost is inclusive of certain items, and any additional personal expenses, including alcoholic drinks and gratuities, should be paid in the local currency.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that young children be accompanied by an adult due to the activities involved.
How Does the Boat Seating Arrangement Work?
The boat seating arrangement typically accommodates small groups, with individual or shared seating. Passengers are seated comfortably, allowing them to enjoy the scenic views during the boat ride. The specific seating layout may vary depending on the particular tour.
Can I Take Photos During the Rowboat Ride?
Yes, participants can take photos during the rowboat ride. The tour typically provides opportunities for guests to capture scenic views and local experiences along the waterways. However, it’s important to be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there may be an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers should check with the tour operator about adding extra time for activities like visiting additional markets or extending the bicycle ride. Tour customization is often possible for an additional fee.
Recap
The Authentic Mekong Delta to Ben Tre Tour by Speed Boat provides an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s vibrant culture and traditional way of life.
From exploring a local market to sampling tropical fruits and witnessing musical performances, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Mekong Delta.
The highlight is the authentic Vietnamese set lunch, featuring a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, giving guests a true taste of the region.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Ho Chi Minh City
More Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
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- Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Full-Day Tour With Great Guide
- Essential Mekong Delta: Highlight Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Half Day City Tour
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