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This itinerary visitor will discovery hidden charm of south in Vietnam: visitor will visit Ho Chi Minh city, the most dynamic city in Vietnam. The city seems never sleeps. Everywhere you look there is colour and movement. Traveling to Tay Ninh, visitor will discover Cao Dai religion and learn about history of American war times with visit of Cu Chi Tunnel. With two nites stay on traditional junk boat, visitor will discover life of people in Mekong delta, one biggest delta in Vietnam producing three crops per year.
You are welcomed by our guide at Tan Son Nhat airport and then be transferred to your hotel in the center of city. Half day city tour visit Reunification Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral with the passing Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
To day, we travel to Tay Ninh, 100 km from Ho Chi Minh city to discover Cao dai religion which was offically established in Tay Ninh, southern of Vietnam in 1926 . Cao dai is the third largest religion in Viet Nam (after Buddhism and Roman Catholicism). “Cao” means “high”; “Dai” means “palace”. Caodai refers to the supreme palace where God reigns — that is the Kingdom of Heaven. The word is also used as God’s symbolic name. On arrival to the head quarter of Cao Dai religion, you will have a chance to witness the daily ceremony at Cao Dai Holy See, and meet followers come to attend the ceremony wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism. Having lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Cu Chi, visit the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City.
In the morning, shuttle bus pick you up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Cai Be (or Can Tho) (note: No private tour guide). You board on the Mekong Eyes around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cozy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through the village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape. The boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner.
Wake up well rested to the sound of the River and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing. At 6.30h the Mekong Eyes sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang (or Cai Be) floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
The boat trip ends at around 11.00 – 11.30h on the pier. After lunch, we will take you back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
* Note: Mekong Eyes goes from Can Tho to Cai Be (on odd dates, e. g. Sept 1, 3, 5, 7 etc.) or from Cai Be to Can Tho (on even dates, e. g. Sept. 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.) On odd date pick up time in Ho Chi Minh City is 07.00. On even date pick up time in Ho Chi Minh City is 08.00.
The road trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes approx. 4 hours, to Cai Be approx. 2 hours. This is why on odd dates we have to leave Ho Chi Minh City earlier than on even dates.
Free time for shopping or relax until time to airport for departure home or more visits the North of Vietnam. (Non guide)
