The original Bassac, built in the hull of a rice transporting barge, is a cozy ship sized right for a family excursion or a group of friends, who will love to appropriate it for the duration of their journey. Bassac I is a green ship. It treats its waste water and recycles the waste heat from the engine. It is qualified as a first-class river vessel VR-SI.The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets (the other being the Red River Delta in the North). This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away. From its source, the river makes its way through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea. The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea.
Route1: Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Can Tho - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be
Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.
The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.
Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night.
Day 2: Cai Be - Can Tho
You may get up for breakfast as early as 06:30, as the ship is resuming its cruise the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho.
Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier by mid-morning.
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route.
Tour near Tra On floating market.
Turning into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.
By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line, quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta's countryside, of rice fields, fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck or around the bar enjoying the sunset.
The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night.
The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit.
Day 3: Can Tho - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City
06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks.
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.
End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cái Bè.
Please note you will leave the Bassac for good upon boarding the small boat for the last visit, typically about 8:30.
Route 2: Can Tho - Cai Be - Can Tho- Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Can Tho - Tra On - Mang Thit
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route.
Day 2: Mang Thit - Cai Be
Arrival in Cai Be, transfer to a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.
Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night. .
Day 3: Cai Be - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh city
Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
End of services by mid-morning on shore at Can Tho.
Trip notes:- Child age 2-12 years old discount 50% when sharing cabin with parents- Infants (under 2 years old) are free of charge.- The above tour prices exclude current VAT.- Let’s us know if you are vegetarian.- Should bring with you: Sun cream, raincoat, insect repellent spray, walking and biking shoes, swimming suit, hats… etc.
Tour Price: On requestTrip includes:- 3 days cruise with stops and visits as stated with English /French-speaking escort.- Transportation transfer/Pick up from/to Cai Be – Can Tho- 2 nights accommodation on board.- Meal as mentioned during the cruise (B=Breakfast, L = Lunch, D=Dinner)- Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.- Biking, sampan boat ride.- Services of crews during the cruise. - Aperitif- Group insurance
Trip excludes:- Visa approval.- Expenditure of personal expanse such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry…etc.
