On this tour you have more time to discover the sights of the Mekong Delta and enjoy the river life. You can visit two famous floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Be. On several land excursions you have the chance to see local handicraft production, colorful brick kilns, opulent orchards and peaceful villages. Take an excursion with a small rowing Sampan or a short bike trip to explore the small side canals of the mighty Mekong river.
Our 3-day tours leave from Can Tho to Cai Be and back (on odd dates, e. g. Sept 1, 3, 5, 7 etc.) or from Cai Be to Can Tho and back (on even dates, e. g. Sept. 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.). If you are staying in Saigon, we will pick you up at your hotel and take you back there after the end of the Mekong Delta cruise tour. Daily departures.
The Mekong Eyes Cruise combines regional boat-building traditions with modern comforts to become the perfect holiday vessel to cruise the Mekong Delta in style. At 39 m long and 8.5 m wide, the Mekong Eyes river cruiser was built out of an old, traditional rice barge with the finest quality wood, and artfully decorated by skilled craftsmen of the Mekong Delta. One of the traditional ceremonies performed on a newly constructed Mekong boat is the “eye opening”. The eyes are painted on the bow for good luck, a wide-awake crew and fast and safe journeys. The river cruise boat can comfortably accommodate up to 30 passengers on a large area of approx. 250 m2, it’s like a floating hotel.
Day 1: Panorama Cruise (L, D)
In the morning we pick you up at your hotel in Saigon and take you to Can Tho or Cai Be. You board the Mekong Eyes around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through the village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape. The boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner.
Day 2: Life on the water and floating markets (B, L, D)
Wake up well rested to the sound of the River and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing. At 6.30h the Mekong Eyes sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
The boat will stop at the pier at around 11.00 / 11.30 for the other passengers’ disembarkment and boarding. During that time you are welcome to just stay on board or discover the town, either by bicycle or on foot.
The Mekong Eyes now resumes its journey as lunch is served. In the afternoon there will be another side trip to one of the exotic villages along the way.
Day 3: An exotic world of its own (B, L)
After breakfast and an early start through the glorious morning atmosphere on the river we will visit another floating market. Be sure not to miss the great photo opportunities for authentic snapshots of the Mekong people and their life.
Take another sampan side trip right into the lush rural landscape, the fertile fields, the exuberant green. Then it’s time to pack up and return to the pier from which we started.
The boat trip ends at around 11.00 - 11.30h on the pier. After lunch, we will take you back to your hotel in Saigon.
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 request
Trip includes:- 3 days cruise with stops and visits as stated with English /French-speaking escort.- Transportation transfer/Pick up from/to Cai Be – Chau Doc- 2 nights accommodation on Mekong Eye Cruise.- 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.
