Enriching South Vietnam: 7-Day Cultural & Riverside Experience
Tour highlights
From the hidden corners of city streets to the quiet rhythms of Khmer villages and the historic homes along delta waterways, this journey through southern Vietnam reveals a slower, deeper layer of life. Colonial architecture, spiritual traditions, and the warmth of rural communities come together to shape a portrait of the region that feels both grounded and timeless.
This Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen Tour weaves together sacred rituals at the Cao Dai temple, the underground world of the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the coconut-laced backwaters of Ben Tre. Spend time in Khmer villages, pedal through orchard-lined paths, visit ancient houses filled with stories, and encounter floating markets untouched by mass tourism. Each stop offers a new rhythm - rich in heritage, shaped by rivers, and filled with everyday beauty.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Saigon’s colonial landmarks and war history.
- Witness midday ceremony at the colorful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.
- Explore Cu Chi Tunnels – the underground network from the Vietnam War.
- Cruise Ben Tre’s coconut waterways and visit traditional workshops.
- Experience Khmer culture with an authentic homestay in Tra Vinh.
- Visit ancient houses, pagodas, and local markets in Sa Dec.
- Explore Long Xuyen’s floating market and peaceful river island by bike.
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation based on sharing twin/double rooms with daily breakfast.
- Private (A/C) transfers and transportation on tours.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees on tour.
- English speaking guide as indicated on the program.
- Mineral water on car/van/bus.
Itinerary idea in detail
Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Start the city tour with a visit to the Independence Palace, the former presidential headquarters during the war era. Continue to the Central Post Office, a beautiful colonial structure with intricate bas-reliefs. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic church built during the French colonial period.
In the afternoon, explore the War Remnants Museum, which presents a comprehensive view of the conflict in Vietnam through documents, photographs, and international responses. If time permits, stroll through Ben Thanh Market to experience daily local life. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, transfer to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Temple, known for its striking architecture and vibrant noon ceremony.
After a lunch break (on your own), visit the Cu Chi Tunnels - an extensive underground network built during wartime. Explore sections of the tunnels and gain insight into local resilience during the conflict.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Ben Tre. Take a boat trip along the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong, flanked by mangrove trees. Witness the vibrant activity of the riverside market and visit a traditional brick kiln to observe manual brick-making.
Cruise along the Cai Son canal through coconut groves. Visit a coconut workshop to see the various stages of processing. Stop at a coconut candy workshop to sample sweets, enjoy local fruits, and listen to traditional music.
Ride a tuk-tuk deeper into the countryside through coconut plantations. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, relax with a rowing boat trip along palm-shaded canals.
Overnight in Ben Tre.
After breakfast, transfer to Cho Lach and Tra Vinh with a stop to visit a bonsai garden along the way. Cross the Mekong River by ferry and arrive at Cau Ke Village, home to the Khmer community in Tra Vinh province. Check in at the homestay.
Lunch is served at the homestay. In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through Ba Mi Village. Visit the surrounding area and meet local farmers working in vegetable and fruit gardens. This is a chance to witness local life and experience the region’s hospitality.
Continue to visit the village cathedral and Ba Mi School (closed during summer holidays). End the ride at a Khmer pagoda before returning to the homestay for refreshments.
Dinner and overnight at the homestay. (Note: motorbikes are available for those who do not ride bicycles.)
Begin the day with a bike ride through local nursery fields. Visit nearby Khmer villages including Canh Dai, Tra Khao, and Giong Lon. Continue by car to Huynh Ky’s family house, dating back to the early 20th century, which features a blend of Oriental and Western architectural styles. Transfer to Long Xuyen via Sa Dec. Along the way, visit Kien An Cung Pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le’s house, made famous in Marguerite Duras’s novel L’Amant – The Lover. Explore Sa Dec Market, known for its abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. Continue to Long Xuyen with visits to a Cao Dai temple and a crocodile farm en route. Overnight in Long Xuyen.
In the morning, visit the floating market and floating village in Long Xuyen, located on a peaceful tributary of the Mekong River. Observe the daily routines of riverside life. Enjoy a boat trip to Cu Lao Ong Ho Island, home to a small museum dedicated to President Ton Duc Thang. Take a leisurely bike ride around the island to enjoy its tranquil landscapes. Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and check in at the hotel in the late afternoon.
