Vietnam: Southern Highlights & Phu Quoc Island

Morning
After breakfast, you and your family will be met by your private guide and driver and taken to Cu Chi, a small community located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its network of deep tunnels that provided shelter and an effective source of infiltration for the Viet Cong during the later years of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you will watch the original film footage from the period, followed by a walk through the reserve. The hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels is believed to stretch to “hundreds of miles,”  in total length, housed living quarters, storage rooms, makeshift hospitals, and kitchens…etc. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for the tourists and you have the opportunity to explore parts of the system.

Try some of the main food of the Viet Cong Soldiers with a cassava tasting served with tangy tea. After that transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon
Spend the rest of the day visiting some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key highlights. We’ll tailor your tour to suit you, but we particularly recommend visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Rex Hotel, the General Post Office, renowned for its architecture, and Ben Thanh Market.

Later stop at the Reunification Palace and the moving War Remnants Museum to learn more of Vietnam’s turbulent past.

Proceed to the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda before finishing in fine style with a sundowner at the top of the Bitexco Tower, the tallest building in Vietnam.

Overnight in HCM City
Meals: (B/_/_)

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Cai Be town, located in the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, you will board the boutique Song Sanh Sampan and begin cruising. From the Sampan you will be able to observe life as it plays out onshore – people going about their daily activities against picturesque landscapes – while your attentive crew serves tea and seasonal fruit. Before arriving at Sa Dec, you will stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including a brick factory where everything is made by hand. You will pass the monkey bridges and tiny villages to visit a Cao Dai temple.

Arrive in Sa Dec and stroll to the outdoor market. Visit one of the highlights of the charming town, the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le, a real-life character in the celebrated novel and film “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras.

Lunch will be served on board while cruising towards Can Tho along a narrow canal teeming with life. You will also explore the countryside surroundings by local rowboat. Your last stopover before sunset will be at an ancient house (a “Nha Co” in Vietnamese), dating back to the 19th century. The owner will welcome you and a candlelit dinner is served in this authentic countryside setting.

After dinner, return on board while the Song Xanh Sampan continues its way towards the Hau River.

Overnight on board Song Xanh Sampan
Meals: (B/L/D)

Morning
Wake up early to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market which operates daily starting from 5:00 am. Breakfast will be served on board while the Song Xanh navigates towards the market among local barges loaded down with fruits and vegetables from the Delta, making for some stunning photos.

Disembark at Can Tho Jetty and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Afternoon
Take a guided tour of this charming city. Known as the “Western Capital of Vietnam”, Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, is a beautiful area drawing influences from the Khmer, Chinese, and French.

You will first visit the Ancient House of Binh Thuy, an outstanding example of Western and Oriental architectural elements.

Next is the Can Tho Grand Prison which will give you a chilling insight into Vietnam’s past.

End your afternoon with a visit to a family Cacao farm where you can see the whole process of chocolate making from the plant to the ready product. The owner will explain and demonstrate things and also your own guide does.

Evening
Enjoy your leisure time. You may visit the Can Tho Night Market that runs along the river, a perfect place to try some delicious street food as well as buying some souvenirs.

Overnight in Can Tho
Meals: (B/_/_)

After breakfast transfer to Can Tho Airport for a short flight to Phu Quoc Island, a stunningly beautiful and peaceful tropical paradise that floats in the warm and sparkling cobalt waters off the Gulf of Thailand. Despite being fringed by perfect white sand beaches and tropical waters, the tear-shaped island of Phu Quoc is still relatively undiscovered.

On arrival, transfer to the beach resort for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island
Meals: (B/_/_)

The whole day is at your leisure. You can spend time exploring the rustic fishing villages and unspoiled beaches that dot the landscape. Watching the sunset on the beach with a few cocktails shouldn’t be missed. Phu Quoc is also a great place to sample some of Vietnam’s best seafood, with regional specialities of sea snake, octopus, shrimp and lobster.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island
Meals: (B/_/_)

Today is another free day for you to enjoy everything that Phu Quoc has to offer. Spend time to chill out at the beach or book a diving trip. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand make Phu Quoc a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The reefs that surround the island abound with colourful marine life while the clear waters guarantee a great view. The best time to do this is from November until March.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island
Meals: (B/_/_)

After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out of the resort by midday and your private driver will pick you up and take you to Phu Quoc airport to board a short flight back to HCM City and then transfer via your departure flight or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.

Meals: (B/_/_)