Day 1: Cai Be - Phu An - Dong Hoa Hiep - An Binh
(Overnight at local house by the river - basic accommodation). Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and drive to Cai Be. The excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.30 am. Upon embarkation on your river junk, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels. The cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. We will then proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. On the way, stop will be made at some local home factories to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other regional specialties are made. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your private sampan will cruise deeper to Dong Hoa Hiep and An Binh islands, a peaceful escape where you will be able to discover the rural life style and daily activities of the delta inhabitants such as roofs making with palm tree leaves, a bricks and tiles artisanal factory, net fishing, an ancient Mandarin house dating from late 19th century… Cruising along Dong Phu canal, we will make a last stop at a fruit orchard and bonsais plantation near Binh Hoa Phuc islet. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people. Late afternoon, disembarkation and check-in at a traditional charming house built on pillars by the river (Mai Quoc Nam or Muoi Dai). Rest of the day at leisure in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: An Binh - Vinh Long - Sa Dec
After breakfast, back on board your private sampan for your second day cruise in the delta. Crossing the Co Chien River, some of the largest Mekong's arm, we will cruise under the spectacular My Thuan Bridge. A stop will be made at Dinh Tan Hoa, an ancient provincial house built some hundred fifty years ago… We will proceed the cruise up-stream on the Tien Giang River, another large arm of the Mekong. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the biggest bricks and tiles factory where we will you have an interesting visit. Back on board, we will cruise to Sa Dec. On both sides of the river, locals are recolting water jacinth, another famous Mekong delta product used for furnitures and baskets. We will reach Sa Dec around noon. Lunch will be served on boat while cruising or at a local ancient house in Sa Dec (Nha Co). The town is appearing like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals, with various kinds of activities on the banks. You will disembark at Sa Dec local market at around 3pm, one of the biggest of the delta. Visit of Sa Dec charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets and beautiful old houses dating from the last century, among some old Chinese temples, ancient Dinh, including the primary school of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (See Marguerite Duras novel turned into a famous movie, “The Lover”). The excursion will end at around 4pm. Transfer back to Saigon City. End of service. During the cruise, fresh cotton towels, hot green tea, mineral water and exotic seasonal fruits will be served on board free of charge.
The "Cai Be Princess" are exclusive river Junks operating in the Mekong Delta. It is a good choice for whom more focus in ultimate privacy and still enjoy the traditional design style whilst the other cruising options fill up.
Let’s join us for boating down the Mekong River to explore lively floating markets with an abundance of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.
Also take a glimpse into the agricultural, rural life of people at the delta region, visiting local home workshops that produce various products from rice and coconut. Cai Be Princess is a great way to glimpse the Delta scenery and life -in style and comfort.
Descriptions
Sampans "Cai Be Princess" (I, II, III, IV, V):
Capacity 30 pax / Dimensions: 13m long x 2.8m wide / ideal for small groups or individual travellers - Daily Private chartered cruises (no join-in) from 1 up to 3 days (with overnight at local houses).
Sampans "Mekong Princess" (I & II)
Capacity 45 pax / Dimensions: 15m long x 3m wide / ideal for groups, equipped with toilets on board - Daily Private chartered Cruises (special itineraries possible on request).
Cruise Features:
In this respect, Mekong Horizon has developped a range of products, activities and projects that:
- Minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts.
- Generates economic benefits for local people, enhances the community and improves working conditions. Involves local people in the decision-making process.
- Contributes to the conservation of the environment and cultural heritage.
- Provides an enjoyable tourism experience and opportunity for tourists to meet locals.
- Provides tourists with a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues. Provides access for physically challenged tourists.
- Promotes respect between tourists and hosts, while building locals’ confidence.
Today, the company operates an own-built flottila of 11 boats with designs and styles reflecting true authentic ancient "sampans", using materials such as rattan, bamboo and exotic wood.