Once known as “the paradise of coconut trees”, Ben Tre has retained its hidden bucolic beauty, typical of the Mekong Delta, a significant agricultural area referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, where life is simple and slow with people living close to the quiet waterways and farmlands.
Morning departure from downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a 2-hour drive to Ben Tre. Along the way, notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. 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. Indulge yourself in countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. Visit along the waterway the Thom coconut floating market to get a glimpse of lively coconut trading activities. Get your camera ready as this vibrant market on the water-filled by local boats and coconuts makes for excellent photo opportunities. Shore excursion includes a local coconut workshop where you will have a chance to talk with the locals to understand how they use every part of the coconut for crafts and candies. Continue gliding on Mekong River to reach a Cacao farm, tucked away in a quiet village. Meet the farmer and engage with him for an insight into daily farming activities. Enjoy country hospitality as you sip a glass of special wine made from Cacao.
Take a stroll to a nearby village market to be introduced to various key produces commonly found in the Southern Vietnamese kitchen. The guide will show you how to select the freshest and typical ingredients while enjoying the tantalizing sights, sounds, and flavors of the countryside market. Continue on your leisure boat trip to a riverside restaurant where you will learn how to prepare some main dishes. Experience each step, from selecting and seasoning to plating a typical Vietnamese meal which you will sample afterward. Then, it will be your leisure to while away in a hammock or explore the islet on foot or by bike before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Short version:
Today, get away from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for a journey encountering the beauty and serenity of Ben Tre province, a hidden gem of Mekong Delta, where life is simple and slow with people living close to the quiet waterways and farmlands.
Board the private charming Apricot boat for a slow journey along the Mekong River. Indulge yourself in countryside scenery and river life. The highlight is to visit the Thom coconut floating market to get a glimpse of lively coconut trading activities. Shore excursion includes a local coconut workshop, a Cacao farm, tucked away in a quiet village, where you will engage with local farmers for an insight into their daily farming activities.
Tour the village market to pick the fresh ingredients essential for a demonstration cooking class that will be held later in a riverside restaurant. Learn how to prepare some main Southern dishes and then savor them in a relaxing atmosphere. Return to Ho Chi Minh City arriving at the end of the day.
Notes:
NOTES:
Private tour.
Inclusion: Transportation, guide, entrance fee/activity, interaction fee, boat ride, food and drink fee, meal, water.
This is another option of Ben Tre excursion with Apricot Cruise. The excursion will be taken place a little further than the normal option. The tour duration is longer, clients will visit Cho Thom floating market (around 20km away from Ben Tre city), tour the local village market, and then enjoy a demonstration cooking class at Apricot Restaurant. They can choose to take the bike and ride around the village after lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City afterward.
This is an Aurora exclusive product as Apricot is operated by Aurora and used to serve Aurora’s clients only
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