The Mekong Delta, “the rice bowl of Vietnam”, is a highly fertile plain with its myriad waterways, lush and green paddy fields, tropical fruit orchards, and fish farms. Rural life here remains in many ways similar to how it was lived far back in the past. Geographically featured as the gateway to the Delta, Ben Tre is an ideal gem for travelers who are seeking a glimpse of agrarian river life.
This morning, depart for a 2-hour drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre province. Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the highway as you leave behind the high-energy city. Arriving at the waterfront pier, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on the charming Apricot boat, a newly tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Gain a glimpse at countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties.
Shore excursions include the home of a tropical fruit farmer. Have a walk around his orchard and observe how the local farmers harvest the fruits using the traditional method. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh coconuts and grapefruits while engaging in with local farmers for an overview of their daily farming tasks. Stop for a visit at the family-run business where you learn how the coconuts are processed and then enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea and taste the sweet flavor of coconut candy in a rustic yet cozy atmosphere. Tour a hidden island by traditional tuk-tuk or bicycle, passing through sleeping village, local cottage industries, canals, and fruitful orchards. Locals will often friendly greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pass by. Relax while discovering more of the Delta from a small rowing sampan as you are paddled slowly through the maze of small canals covered by water coconut trees.
Cap off your memorable trip by a tasty lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at the peaceful Apricot Riverside restaurant. After lunch, opt to relax in a hammock, enjoying the cool breeze from Mekong Delta before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Short version:
Today, escape from the high-energy city and set off for a memorable day of exploring Ben Tre province, the gateway to the Delta, by the charming Apricot Boat that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Join our dedicated crew for a slow journey that brings you to all the colorful aspects of Mekong Delta: beautiful natural landscape filled by tropical fruit farms and rice paddies.
Shore excursions include the home of a tropical fruit farmer, the family-run business where almost every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts. Travel on the narrow village lanes by traditional tuk-tuk or bicycle passing through sleeping village, local cottage industries, canals, and fruitful orchards. Followed by a ride by traditional rowing boat, gain an up-close experience of the network of narrow canals typical of the Mekong Delta. One of the highlights of the trip is to meet the local farmers and engage in a friendly chat with them to understand their daily farming tasks.
Enjoy a tasty lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at the peaceful Apricot Riverside restaurant and then head back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Notes:
NOTES:
Private tour.
Inclusion: Transportation, guide, entrance fee/activity, interaction fee, boat ride, food and drink fee, meal, water.
Clients can choose to travel around the village by bike or local tuk tuk. The cycling distance is around 4-5 km, depending on the physical ability and length clients prefer.
This is an Aurora exclusive product as Apricot is operated by Aurora and used to serve Aurora’s clients only
