Option1: Cai Be - Can Tho
Departure date: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Day 1: Saigon - Cai Be - Tra On
Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and drive to Cai Be. 11h30 -12h.00 boarding LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink. Transfer to a local boat for an extensive visit of Cai Be: the floating market, the mazes of waterway, local pop-rice and sweets production. Visit of colonial buildings, old houses, delightful flower gardens and local coconut candy and rice paper manufacturers. Le Cochinchine continues its cruise to Co Chien. Lunch served on board. Embark on a pleasant walk or cycle on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. Visit a cottage industry, a local farm and sample seasonal fruits. Leisurely cruise on the Mekong River while taking in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy an aperitif over the sunset. Dinner and night on board.
Day 2: Tra On - Can Tho - Saigon (B)
Breakfast on board. The morning bobbling commotion of Mekong river life comes to life for another lovely day our boat set sails to Can Tho through tributary and canals. Transfer to Cai Rang: one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong. We go for a walk along the canals and the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards, ship building yards, rural and water activities in full swing. Boarding back at noon, with a welcome-back drink. 11h00 Disembark in Can Tho. Driving you back to Saigon.
Option 2: Can Tho - Cai Be
Departure date: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Day1: Saigon - Can Tho - Tra On (L, D)
Pick up at your hotel in Saigon City and drive to Cai Be. 12.00-12h30 boarding LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink. Transfer on a local boat to explore the Cai Rang market one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong. We go for a walk through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards. LeCochinchine continues its cruise to Tra On. Lunch served on board Leisurely cruise down the Mekong while enjoying the beautiful scenery Visits of the fruit farm and walks amongst pleasant villages on the footpaths of the countryside. Opportunity to meet with local people. Boarding back at with an aperitif while enjoying the magnificent sunset on the Mang Thit canal and Nicola river. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 2: Tra On - Cai Be - Saigon (B)
Breakfast on boat in the morning. Visit the fruit farm and walks amongst the lush vegetation through verdant villages and meet with local people LeCochinchine continues its cruise toward Cai Be. Transfer to a local boat for an extensive visit of Cai Be: the floating market, local pop-rice and sweets production. Visit of colonial buildings, old houses, delightful flower gardens and local coconut candy and rice paper manufacturers. Boarding back at noon, with a welcome-back drink. 11.00 Disembark in Cai Be. Driving you back to Saigon.
Le Cochinchine is a modern and tastefully designed river barge. Built in traditional style Le Cochinchine measures around 30 meters long from bow to stern and has two 420 HP engines, one in back up, making Le Cochinchine a very powerful and safe river vessel. Le Cochinchine offers an elegant, relaxing and fulfilling ways to explore endless water way of Mekong River. The cruise brings us into contact with people in different corner of the Delta. With Le Cochinchine, you will have ample opportunity to see Vietnam in its authenticity and sample local culture and food, in a one unpacking, unforgettable vacation where your "floating hotel" get you insight into Mekong Delta and quaint villages. Aboard Le Cochinchine you will enjoy the continuous and ever-changing scenery as you encounter a lively world of legendary waterways and picturesque landscapes, floating markets, lush bonsais garden, rice fields, villages, pagodas and temples, fruit-filled orchards, boat laden bazaar and a host of smiling children.
Cabin
Each cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. We recommend you do not over- cool your cabin as the sudden change from the outside temperature to a chilled cabin can bring on colds, respiratory illnesses and even stomach upsets. When you go out, we recommend you turn the setting to 'Lo Cool', set at about 4, and then when you return you can readjust the temperature to your preference without having to wait for cool air. At night you may prefer to use the fan only, and have the windows open. Insect netting covers the windows to enable you to do this. Please do not leave your air-conditioner on with the window open - this results in energy loss (the equivalent of switching on the heating and opening the windows in a cold country!
Dining
Meals on board Le Cochinchine are taken at one sitting. It is not necessary to sit at the same table each time and we have tables for individuals, couples right up to larger groups. We offer a mixture of local cuisine with richly flavor and taste and there are always vegetarian dishes offered. Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian, low salt & low cholesterol meals, may make their requests to the chef when onboard. The chef will try to honor all requests. Exotic fruit, fresh organic vegetables, locally caught fish and prawns are the preference of most of our passengers.
The bar
The cruise bar is always open, it offers while selection of drinks including
famous wine French, Australian, Italian wine.
Kid Room
This play rooms will keep your baby busy with different games as chess, playing card, darts, dominos, toys, and reading, painting books.
Sun Desk
The sun deck is located on the top of our boat, It is spacious for your relaxation and suntans. For your enjoyment, there are plenty of deck chairs.
Optional activities
- Bicycles on board
- Row boat on board
- Sight-seeing excursions
Bicycles
Bicycles are carried onboard. Crew will be happy to help you with bike adjustments and getting it on and off the barge. Please remember to use caution when riding along towpaths or into villages. A decision to engage in cycling during the cruise constitute the travellers assumption of all risks associated and an agreement not to make a claim against the barge owners for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of such activity.
Kayaking
Exploring the Mekong Delta with kayak along the small canal and arrayos.
Cruise Manager
An experienced, English /French -speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies every departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions and make your vacation the most memorable trip ever.