Day 1: CAN THO - SOC TRANG - CAN MAU

Explore the Floating World, Discover Khmer Heritage

Your Mekong Delta adventure begins bright and early in Cần Thơ, the vibrant capital of the region and home to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market.

05:30 AM – Be greeted by your local guide at your hotel and walk to the nearby Ninh Kiều Wharf. Climb aboard a traditional motorized boat and cruise down the gentle Hau River.

Cai Rang floating market

06:00 AM – Experience the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most authentic of its kind in Vietnam. Watch as dozens of boats gather to sell tropical fruits, breakfast noodles, iced coffee, and snacks all directly from their boats. Feel the pulse of Mekong river life.

Witness the life of people on the river

07:00 AM – Step into a small canal to visit a traditional rice noodle workshop, where you’ll see firsthand how locals make "hủ tiếu" a staple of southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Make rice noodle in an old way

08:30 AM – Travel by minivan to Sóc Trăng, a province rich in Khmer culture and spiritual heritage. The 1.5-hour drive offers scenic countryside views of rice paddies and palm-lined canals.

10:00 AM – Try the famous Bánh Pía, a sweet pastry filled with durian and salted egg yolk – a proud local specialty.

Pía Cake

10:30 AM – Visit Chén Kiểu Pagoda, a stunning temple decorated with colorful ceramics and mosaics in Khmer style. Then, continue to Som Rong Pagoda, home to one of Vietnam’s largest reclining Buddha statues at 63 meters long. Take time to admire the architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Chen Kieu Pagoda

12:30 PM – Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local Khmer restaurant.

02:00 PM – Depart for Cà Mau, the southernmost city of Vietnam. This four-hour journey takes you deeper into the Mekong Delta, where the rivers widen and mangrove forests stretch to the sea.

06:30 PM – Arrive and check in at a cozy riverside homestay surrounded by greenery and fresh air.

Dinner included – Spend the evening dining with your host family, learning about local customs and enjoying seasonal Mekong dishes. Overnight in Cà Mau.

Day 2: CA MAU – A Day of Nature and Local Living

Sunrise, Cooking, Kayaking, and Traditional Culture

05:00 AM – Wake up for an unforgettable sunrise tour through the mangrove forest. Travel by boat in near silence through the protected Cà Mau Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed area filled with biodiversity. Watch the sky light up over the water as fishermen begin their day. Sip a hot cup of Vietnamese coffee at a rest stop deep in the forest.

Sunrise tour in forest

07:30 AM – Return to your homestay for breakfast and a moment of relaxation in the peaceful Mekong countryside.

09:30 AM – Join your guide for a visit to the local market, where you'll select fresh ingredients for your very own Mekong cooking class. Learn how to prepare regional dishes like:

- Cá Kho Tộ (caramelized clay pot fish)

- Canh chua cá (sour fish soup with tamarind and pineapple)

- Bánh xèo (crispy savory pancakes)

The class is hands-on, informative, and led by locals who share secret family recipes.

12:00 PM – Sit down for lunch with your creations.

03:00 PM – Time to get adventurous. Paddle your way through small tributaries and kayak under mangrove canopies, keeping an eye out for birds and crabs. Then, take part in traditional mud fishing dig for blood clams, trap eels, or catch crabs by hand.

Do kayaking

06:30 PM – Help prepare a lively outdoor BBQ with the seafood you collected, while the sun sets over the delta.

07:30 PM – Enjoy a live performance of Don Ca Tài Tử, a form of Southern Vietnamese folk music recognized by UNESCO. The haunting melodies and traditional instruments offer a deep connection to local culture.

Overnight at the homestay.

Day 3: CA MAU - BAC LIEU - CAN THO

Jungle Trails, Hidden History, and Southern Legends

07:00 AM – Breakfast at the homestay.

08:30 AM – Begin a cycling tour through U Minh Ha National Park, Vietnam’s largest mangrove forest. Visit:

- The Southernmost Marker of Vietnam – take a commemorative photo at the tip of the country

- The Giant Crab Statue, symbolizing the importance of coastal fishing

- Hung Kings Temple – where stories of Vietnam's founding ancestors come alive

- The final point of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, a symbol of resilience during wartime

Climb the observatory tower for panoramic views across the lush delta landscape.

Tour in national park 

11:30 AM – Begin the return journey to Cần Thơ.

12:30 PM – Stop in Bạc Liêu for lunch.

01:30 PM – Visit the House of the Prince of Bạc Liêu, a luxurious French-style mansion once owned by one of southern Vietnam’s wealthiest men. Hear the captivating story of this flamboyant character and his lavish lifestyle.

House of the Price of Bac Lieu

Optional: Visit the Cao Văn Lầu Memorial, dedicated to the legendary composer who pioneered the Don Ca Tài Tử genre. See traditional instruments and learn about the evolution of Southern Vietnamese music.

05:00 PM – Arrive back in Cần Thơ. Tour ends.

Ready for an Unforgettable Journey?

Book your spot on our 3-Day Mekong Delta Tour today and unlock the hidden charms of Southern Vietnam! From floating markets to mangrove forests, Khmer temples to riverfront BBQs this Mekong Explore adventure is perfect for those seeking authentic culture, nature, and real smiles.

Join local travelers and international explorers alike on a weekly Can Tho River Tour, where every sunrise, dish, and story brings you closer to the soul of the Mekong. Let your journey begin with a Mekong Smile we'll take care of the rest!

Limited seats available. Secure your spot now on one of the most enriching Mekong Delta tours.