Code: COCHA05
Date: 5days/4nights

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DAY 1: SAIGON ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your accommodations, you’ll be ready to explore the city.

Half-Day City Tour:

• War Remnants Museum: Begin your city tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll gain a profound understanding of Vietnam’s wartime history through powerful exhibits and photographs.
• Reunification Palace: Explore the Reunification Palace, the historic site where the Vietnam War’s dramatic conclusion took place. The palace offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history and its role in shaping the nation.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Marvel at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Its neo-Romanesque design and majestic stained glass windows make it a must-see landmark.
• Saigon Central Post Office: Just a short walk from the cathedral, visit the Saigon Central Post Office. This architectural gem, designed by Gustave Eiffel, showcases intricate details and remains an important hub for local communication.
• Ben Thanh Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and taste a variety of Vietnamese street food.
• Local Visit: Depending on your interests and time, your guide might also take you to a local neighborhood or street, offering a deeper understanding of everyday life in Saigon.

Other option (18:00-22:00): This Vespa tour provides an exhilarating way to experience Saigon, blending the excitement of the ride with local delicacies and the city's vibrant nightlife. Your tour will include stops at popular street food stalls and local eateries. Taste a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes, from savory pho and banh mi to sweet treats and refreshing beverages. Your guide will introduce you to some of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Finish your tour with a relaxing ride back to your hotel, carrying with you unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Saigon’s enchanting night scene.

Accommodation at Odys Boutique Hotel
www.theodyshotel.com  

DAY 2: SAIGON – VUNG LIEM  (B/L/D)

Transfer to Coco Riverside Lodge in Trung Nghia - Vung Liem within three hours via Ben Tre or within three and a half hours via Vinh Long City. Upon arrival, meet a representative who will guide you to the lodge located by the river, where you'll be greeted with a welcome drink.

Check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge, then take some time to relax before choosing bicycles for a village sunset tour. Select bicycles for the afternoon ride to visit Chua Xu Temple. This historic temple, built 200 years ago, honors a landlord lady who played a pivotal role in caring for the village. The temple was established to ensure that Lady grants favorable weather, abundant harvests, protection from bandits, and freedom from disease.

Continue your ride along paths bordered by vegetable gardens and green fields. Stop at the home of Mrs. Hong, who crafts rice wine daily for village parties and weddings. Watch her winemaking process and enjoy a tasting session. Additionally, explore her diverse livelihood, including raising pigs, cows, frogs, crickets, and geckos. Stroll through her fruit garden, which features guava, star apple, dragon fruit, banana, and especially passion fruit, and savor these fruits at the table.

Enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up.

End the evening with a cooking class where you'll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes, followed by dinner at the lodge's restaurant.

Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
www.cocoriversidelodge.com

DAY 3: VUNG LIEM – TRA VINH  (B/L/D)

After breakfast, board a motorboat and head to the local market to immerse yourself in the region's vibrant culture and daily life.
Next, visit a Cao Dai temple and a nearby coconut factory along the river, where you'll observe the handcrafting of coconuts into ropes and rugs. This artisanal process caters primarily to international buyers, particularly from Korea.
Afterward, return to the lodge to unwind or take a swim. Lunch at restaurant

Drive to Tra Vinh to immerse yourself in the vibrant Khmer community and gain insight into their daily life. Visit Ba Om Pond, a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery, and explore the nearby Khmer pagoda. Stroll through Tra Vinh Market to experience local commerce and culture. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
www.cocoriversidelodge.com

DAY 4: VUNG LIEM – CHAU DOC  (B/L/-)

Enjoy breakfast, then early morning, meet your guide and transfer to Can Tho city to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the Mekong Delta. Witness bustling boat traders selling fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and vibrant colors of the market. At the market, experience traditional trading practices with “offering poles” and a vibrant array of boats selling various products.

After the market, visit a site where rice vermicelli noodles are made, stroll through an orchard garden, and cross a bamboo bridge made from a single bamboo tree if you have a chance.

Return to Ninh Kieu Wharf for a city tour of Can Tho, including an ancient house and Khmer temple. Check out, have lunch, and transfer to Chau Doc, arriving in the afternoon.
Dinner at your own arrangement.

Accommodation at Chau Pho Hotel
Meals included: Lunch
www.chauphohotel.com

DAY 5: CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH  (B/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel. Check out from your hotel in Chau Doc and transfer to the pier. Board your river cruise for a scenic journey to Phnom Penh.
Other option: before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, visit a Cham village and explore fishing floating houses to experience local culture and unique lifestyles. Enjoy lunch en route, and then continue your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Inclusions

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary water
• The Odys Hotel, Coco Riverside Lodge and Chau Pho Hotel
• English or French speaking guide
• Meals as specified: 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 4 breakfasts
• Biking, motorboats, and entrance fees
• Water during tour
• What are mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions

• VAT bill
• Travel insurance
• Items not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tipping for guide, driver and staffs
• Drinks during meals or in the minibar

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1:

• Arrival
• Half-day city tour
• Or option with vespa by night
• Overnight at hotel

Day 2:

• 07:00: Breakfast
• 08:00: Check out and depart to Vung Liem
• 11:30: check in Lodge
• 12:00: Lunch
• 15:00 cycling sunset tour
• Dinner including cooking pancake
• Overnight at the Lodge

Day 3:

• 07:00: Breakfast
• 07:45: Morning boat tour
• 12:00: Lunch
• 14:00: Visit Tra Vinh City
• 19:00: Dinner
• Overnight at hotel

Day 4:

• 06:00: Depart to Cantho
• 07:30: Visit floating market and city tour
• 12:00: Lunch
• 13:00: Depart to Chau Doc. Check in and free dinner
• Overnight at hotel

Day 5:

• 06:30: breakfast
• 07:00: boarding river cruise (speedboat) to Pnom Penh
  Or other option back to Saigon