Song Xanh Sampan Private Cruise Phnom Penh & Saigon – 4 days

8h00 am pick up at your hotel and transfer to the boat pier for boarding to Chau Doc by Hang Chau Express boat. Arrive Chau Doc around  13:00am. Pick up and transfer to your proposed hotel. Afternoon, visit the Sam Mountain with the caved pagoda, enjoy the sunset down the Vietnamese – Cambodian border from the summit of the mountain over the flat rice field. overnight in hotel in Chau Doc.

The excursion starts from Chau Doc pier at around 10.00 am. Chau Doc is located on the upper Mekong Delta, 280 km north-west of Saigon on the Cambodian border. With such proximity the local population is an eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese sharing different cultures and historical richness. Upon embarkation on your sampan-hotel, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels.After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of a Cham traditional fishermen village built on stilts…Your Sampan will slowly leave Chau Doc waters and proceed the cruise downstream the Bassac river to Long Xuyen, a peaceful provincial town located on the Mekong’s banks. On the way we will pass by several luxuriant islands, crossing countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fishes, showing an intense activity on the river. Approaching Cho Moi, we will cruise on a little arm of the Mekong where several traditional activities can be observed on the banks (artisanal boat factories, bamboo baskets making, palm leaves cutting, net fishing), as well as old Vietnamese temples dating from late 19th century. Some stops on the banks will be possible for cycling tours to discover deeper the inhabitants life style. On your way back, your lunch will be served on board . Cruising further south and before reaching Long Xuyen, we will an interesting stop at “The Tiger island” (Cu Lao Ong Ho), and have a visit at Ton Duc Thang museum, the second president of Vietnam. We will reach Long Xuyen waters late in the afternoon. In the evening, we will organize for you an exciting experience at an ancient house located by the river in the suburbs of Long Xuyen, where your dinner will be arranged.You will be able to share experiences with family members and learn about traditional Southern Vietnam lifestyle, one of the highlights of your journey on the Mekong which should not be forgotten! Back on board your private sampan for your first night on the river.

The breakfast will be served on board at 07:am. Your Sampan will lead you to see Long Xuyen colorful floating market, one of the most interesting in the delta, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. We will proceed to Sa Dec cruising the Tien Giang river, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark at the market place. Your lunch will be arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century, former residence Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, “lover” of famous Marguerite Duras writer (see her popular novel and movie “The Lover”). After being greeted by the house keeper, a delicious lunch will be served. An unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere… Later, you will go for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses, Chinese temples and Vietnamese Dinh are dating from the last century…Back on board, your sampan will proceed the cruise to Cai Be via Vinh Long.On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit.We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations. You will take a small rowing boat for a short cruise along a narrow canal, passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Later in the afternoon, we will cruise around Dong Hoa Hiep island, famous for its fruit orchards. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos and remaining unknown to many people. You will be able to go for a walk or for a bicycle ride while your dinner will be prepared and served on board under sunset. Second night on the river.

At around 07.30am, your breakfast will be served on board while we will be cruising to Cai Be famous floating market which takes place daily in front of a beautiful ancient catholic church dating from 1880. Further, a stop on the banks at some local home factories will allow you to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will then proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After a short walk along a beautiful narrow canal, your own car / van will be waiting for you, ready to transfer you to Saigon. Finish your Song Xanh Sampan Private Cruise Phnom Penh & Saigon.