07:30 – Pick-up from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Your guide meets you at your hotel (District 1) or a central pick-up point.
Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle while driving towards the Mekong Delta.
Along the way, enjoy commentary about the region’s culture, agriculture, and the legendary life around the Mekong River.

09:30 – Motorboat Cruise on Hàm Luông River: The Gateway to Coconut Land

Begin your day with a refreshing motorboat cruise along one of the most scenic branches of the Mekong.
As the boat glides downstream, you’ll see:

• Wooden boats carrying coconuts
• Fishermen checking their nets
• Floating palms and river huts
• A slow-paced lifestyle shaped entirely by water

This moment sets the tone for your authentic Mekong journey.

10:00 – Visit Traditional Handicraft Villages

Ben Tre is famous for its traditional craftsmanship. You will witness the delicate skills passed down through generations:

Coconut Candy Workshop

Watch locals cook, mix and shape fresh coconut candies by hand.
You can even try wrapping the warm candies yourself.

Rice Paper House

Observe how families make rice paper over wood-fired stoves, a technique unchanged for decades.

Coconut Crafts Village

Explore handmade items created from coconut shells, leaves, and trunks—an inspiring example of zero-waste local living.

Honey Tea & Seasonal Tropical Fruits

Relax in a peaceful garden while tasting honey tea, rambutan, pineapple, guava, longan, or whichever fruit is in season.

11:00 – Sampan Rowing Through Shaded Coconut Canals

This is one of the most iconic experiences in the Mekong Delta.
A local woman slowly paddles your traditional wooden sampan along narrow canals covered by arching coconut palms.

No engines, no noise only the sound of water, birds, and nature surrounding you.

Perfect for breathtaking photos and peaceful contemplation.

11:40 – Visit the Historical Brick Kilns of Ben Tre

A unique highlight added specially for this itinerary.

These old brick kilns, built from red clay tiles, once supplied the entire region with bricks used to construct traditional homes.
Here you will:

• Step inside ancient dome-shaped kilns
• Learn how clay was shaped, stacked, and fired for days
• Discover the craftsmanship behind durable red bricks
• Hear stories of families who preserved this trade through many generations

This is a rare insight into a disappearing art and a beautiful opportunity for photography.

Ben Tre brick kiln, traditional brick oven Mekong, local craft Ben Tre.

12:30 – Countryside Lunch at a Riverside Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Mekong-style lunch featuring:

• Crispy Elephant Ear Fish wrapped in rice paper
• Caramelized pork or braised fish in clay pot
• Stir-fried morning glory or seasonal vegetables
• Sour soup with tamarind or Mekong herbs
• Steamed rice
• Fresh tropical fruits

Vegetarian / vegan menu available on request.

The setting is peaceful: coconut trees swaying, small ponds, birdsong, and fresh river breeze.

13:45 – Cycling Experience Through Quiet Villages (Optional)

Hop on a bicycle (or electric cart) and explore the lush countryside:

• Ride beneath tall coconut palms
• Visit local farmers’ houses
• Observe daily life: weaving mats, feeding chickens, tending gardens
• Stop for photos at fruit orchards and rice fields
• Learn how sustainability is part of the Mekong lifestyle

This gentle activity brings you even closer to the soul of Ben Tre. (For guests not cycling, a local tuktuk or electric cart is available.)

14:30 – Seasonal Fruit Garden Visit & Local Interactions

Depending on the season, you may have the chance to:

• Pick fresh coconuts and drink them straight from the shell
• Taste rambutan, pineapple, pomelo, mangosteen, jackfruit
• Chat with farmers about their lifestyle
• Enjoy Đờn Ca Tài Tử – a traditional folk music recognized by UNESCO (available on request)

15:30 – Return Journey to Ho Chi Minh City

Say goodbye to the peaceful countryside and travel back to the bustling city.
This journey offers time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the transition from rural calm to urban energy.

17:30 – Drop-off in Saigon | End of Tour

Your guide will safely drop you at your hotel.
Thank you for choosing an eco-friendly and meaningful journey with us.