The Mekong Delta is a fascinating destination, rich in culture and natural beauty. However, its popularity often means that it is crowded with tourists, making it difficult to experience the true essence of local life. Our authentic Mekong Delta tour aims to immerse you in the genuine local lifestyle of the Delta.

Recently, our product team embarked on a successful ocular trip to the Mekong Delta to ensure the quality of services, from riverside homestays to boat trips, and visits to local houses. We met the people who are dedicated to preserving and continuing the traditional crafts such as weaving mats and making coconut candy. We also enjoyed a delightful lunch at a beautiful garden restaurant under coconut trees, featuring the famous deep-fried elephant ear fish, and took a serene sampan boat ride through the canals.

Below is a recount of what the Footsteps Indochina team experienced on this authentic journey.

8:00 AM – Departure from Saigon

Our day began with an early depart from Saigon. On the way, we stopped at Mekong Restop for a coffee.

Arrival at Ham Luong Pier

Upon arrival at Ham Luong pier, we embarked on a boat trip along the Ben Tre River, exploring the lively river activities such as fishing and water transportation. The sight of locals engaged in their daily routines provided a glimpse into the life along the river.

Traditional Brick Making and Coconut Candy Processing

Our first stop was to observe traditional brick making, where bricks are printed and baked by hand in a traditional manner. We then visited one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Watching the entire process of coconut processing was fascinating and educational.

Visit Sleep Mat Workshop

We then turned onto natural scissors creeks that became narrower as we approached the village. A walk through the village brought us to a family workshop where sleep mats are made. We were treated to some fresh fruits and tea, experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals.

Motor Cart Ride through Green Coconut Trees

Next, we rode a motor cart, also known as “xe lôi,” along shady paths, passing by lush green coconut trees.  This ride allowed us to experience rural life up close and learn about tropical agriculture and culture.

Lunch at Hai Ho Local House

For lunch, we stopped at Hai Ho local house, where we enjoyed a delicious meal in a serene garden setting under coconut trees. The highlight was the deep-fried elephant ear fish, a local delicacy.

Afternoon Sampan Ride

In the afternoon, we took a tranquil sampan ride along the canals, allowing us to soak in the peaceful scenery and the lush surroundings. This serene boat ride was a perfect way to conclude our Mekong Delta exploration.

Return to Saigon

After our boat ride, we returned to Ham Luong pier and traveled back to our vehicle. We arrived back in Saigon at around 5:30 PM, filled with wonderful memories of our authentic Mekong Delta adventure.

This tour offers a unique and immersive experience into the heart of the Mekong Delta, providing a genuine look at the local lifestyle and traditions. Join us on this exciting journey to explore the wonders of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta with Footsteps Indochina Travel!