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Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's largest and most famous city. During the 14th century this city was known as Prey Nokor and was nothing more than a trading post. By the 18th century, the Lords of Hue, under the Nguyens, had established control of the trade in Prey Nokor and renamed the city Saigon. After the Vietnam War, the new communist regime changed the official name of the city of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh and began to rebuild its economic and social structure.
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Mekong River Delta
Tour Code: HCM-1924
Duration: 7 1/2 hours
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Experience a first-hand look at everyday life in Vietnam during this scenic and memorable visit to the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong River originates in Tibet, and flows through six countries: China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. When it reaches Vietnam, it divides itself into nine tributaries that form a huge fertile delta. Until the 16th century, the Mekong Delta was an area of marshland and forest. Gradually, the marshland was reclaimed, and a canal network built to enable citizens to raise rice, fish, soybeans, maize, peanuts, tobacco, melons, and more.
Depart the pier in Ho Chi Minh City for the scenic, 1.5-hour drive to My Tho. The first city of the Mekong Delta, My Tho is the largest Buddhist center in the Delta, and famous for its coconut palms and fruit orchards. Photo stops will be made along the way, and you will pass miles of flat rice fields prior to reaching My Tho. Upon arrival, you will visit the ancient Vinh Trang Pagoda to view its many wooden Buddha statues and two sets of wooden arhats. Next, you will board a boat for the highlight of the day; a cruise on the Mekong River. Along the way, you will see all types of boats, many with unusual eyes painted on their bows to frighten off evil underwater spirits. As you ride through a maze of small canals, you will witness the everyday lives of the river dwellers before visiting one of the many islands in the Delta to see the traditional homes of fruit farmers and fishermen, and sample local candies and tea.
After a brief sampan ride on a small canal, you will ride back into town aboard the boat. A lunch consisting of fried fish and vegetables wrapped in rice paper with spicy sauce will be served at a local restaurant, and followed by a variety of exotic, locally-grown tropical fruits. After lunch, you will re-board your coach for the 1.5-hour return drive to Saigon.
Please note: Four guests will ride on each sampan. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Boats have a roof or cover for sun protection. Seating onboard is very basic, guests may wish to use the life-jackets (provided on the local boats) as cushioning. Guests must be able to step into and out of boats, there is no gangway.