April 2021 | Vemekong

Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest, Nature Reserve & Bird Sanctuary – Hau Giang Must-Do See

Posted on April 28, 2021January 23, 2024 by Thomas Vietnam

Important updated on 17th August 2023: The nature itself is still stunning like before. After ending the pandemic Vietnam in 2021, this place took 2 years to attract more of birds back to the forest like TODAY. Now This place is the best non-touristy green boat trip canal as a secret gem to visit from Can Tho with 1 hour drive, not 3 hour drive like Tra Su. You can do “Can Tho Wildlife Tour & Forest” as a halfday tour from Can Tho.

Hau Giang Vietnam is another province in Mekong Delta. Lung Ngoc Hoang forest & nature’s smile, in Hau Giang, is not only known as the “green lung” of the Mekong Delta But also one of the most unique biodiversity conservation areas of Vietnam.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Hau Giang Visitor Guide

Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest in Hau Giang Vietnam

1. Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve – Information & History

Over 120 years ago, the Hau Giang people (the former Can Tho people) came to Lung Ngoc Hoang for reclamation and established villages and new lifes. At war, Lung Ngoc Hoang became a solid revolutionary base and untouchable jungle during the period of resistance.

Since 1976, the land surrounding the Lung Ngoc Hoang became farm land, then move on to forest land. Many leaders recalled his predecessor and remembered (1983) that “they had to paddle and carrying an oil lamp, a knife and cooking utensils. But after only a short time, his brothers were self-produced, transforming the “Mosquito cried like blowing flute” became the romantic cajuput forest, the lush native trees, intermingled with the bank of tropical fruit gardens and the locals”

The amazing water lettuce covers the whole area of the forest and wild canals

Nowadays, Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, 2.805,37 ha, is located in Phuong Binh Commune, Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang province. This reserve also contributes to maintaining the ecological balance and increases coverage, ensures environmental security and sustainable development of the Mekong region. Additionally, Lung Ngoc Hoang wetland & flooded forest is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Explore and weave in the untouched wetland of Mekong delta by boat gives the best experience about wildlife and nature.

It’s like other strictly protected forests. Such as: Vo Doi (Ca Mau), Tram Chim (Dong Thap), U Minh Thuong national forest (Kien Giang), U Minh Ha national park (Ca Mau)…, until the end of October 2009 Lung Ngoc Hoang still being protected day and night. This is one of the protected areas that are less vulnerable to the fresh environment. In recent years, there have been no serious fires. Forests in the current lung are full of wetland ecosystems with diverse populations.

Flycam or drone in Lung Ngoc Hoang forest

Beside rich and pristine sunken system combined with strictly protected cajuput forest. Lung Ngoc Hoang is suitable place for amphibians and shrimps to live abundantly. It used to be like the fish navel of the Hau River. Lung Ngoc Hoang currently has a varied flora and 300 species of fauna are abundant, including 76 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles.

2. Is it worth for nature lovers to pay a visit Lung Ngoc Hoang forest and nature’s smile

Lung Ngoc Hoang bird santuary in the forest and birds in 2020

About 40 kilometers from Can Tho city, this wetland conservation is considered as one of Can Tho hidden gems for anyone who loves to see a real Mekong Delta beside Can Tho floating market and small canals. Endowed with not only natural beauty but one of the area’s most peaceful spots which belongs to the national specialized forest system in Southern Vietnam. In the Mekong Delta, Lung Ngoc Hoang is an ideal destination for ecological and scientific researchers, nature lovers and those who love wild animals thanks to its wonderful diverse wildlife and nature.

Book Can Tho Daily Tours:
Can Tho Wildlife Tour & Boat Trip in the Forest AM or PM (include the binocular for birding)
Can Tho Floaing Market & Wildlife 5am-12noon tour (include the binocular for birding)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com

3. Best months to Visit Lung Ngoc Hoang forest

The afternoon in Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve

If you are a true nature lover, you would love to be in the nature any time like us! Best time to visit Hau Giang is in the dry season from December to April, but best time to visit this wetland is in the flooding and raining season when the fish, foods, birds come back & wake up the nature and wildlife. When the flood comes, the water lettuce covers the whole area of the forest and wild canals, this makes the destination such unforgettable landscapes. For other times of the year, especially during the dry season, visitors will see the nature’s beauty in different ways as a true nature explorers… Since 2016, 2017 the forest has attracted tourists. However, it wasn’t until 2019 the local bridge and road official upgraded so much better. Top tip: The first week of November is top-notch.

4. Lung Ngoc Hoang Travel Blog and Helpful Tips

The best way to experience the key sites of the forest is by using a motor-boat and a sampan (dinghy) as they weave through the forest. It permits a leisurely trip of all the significant sites throughout the ecological forest where have a lot of water hyacinths…and woo to listen to the magical music as performed by the birds (cormorant, stork, bittern, kingfisher…) of the forest and other jungle insects. Furthermore, passengers also see the stunning duckweed (water lettuce) that blankets the water’s surface which looks like an enormous emerald-green. Sometimes, the boat pauses and shows the tourists some huge honey bee hives that rest on the branch of the tree. After a short walk in the middle of the forest there is a bird-watching tower for a panoroma views and a vast green spread of cajuput trees, birds perched on trees and the stunning Hau Giang rice field as well. Top tip: Make sure you visit the forest at the right time for a cool #1 experience boat trip and light trekking in the forest with the local bird expert.

5. Amazing video flycam/drone of Lung Ngoc Hoang forest (4k)

6. Hotels in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

There are some local hotels, guest houses in Phung Hiep district. But you absolutely enjoy staying with a Giang Sen jungle hotel stays right in Lung Ngoc Hoang forest, this unique hotel is so convinient and easy to feel more about the nature by night. Top tip: Giang Sen is not a fancy jungle lodge, this is good enough to stay with soft bed, air con and safe from mosquitos. Bring your own insect repellent and cash.

7. Worth Birdwatching in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

You will enjoy so much if you have good birding equipments

Native bird in Mekong delta and LNH in 2020

Book Can Tho Daily Tours:
Can Tho Wildlife Tour & Boat Trip in the Forest AM or PM (include the binocular for birding)
Can Tho Floaing Market & Wildlife 5am-12noon tour (include the binocular for birding)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com

Birdwatching or birding in Mekong Delta, Lung Ngoc Hoang forest is one of the most beautiful places for birding in the early morning and afternoon, in the dry and the wet season. Scientists estimate that it is home to over 76 species of waterfowls and birds like asian openbill (dull bill with gap between mandibles, dirty greyish-white plumage with black tail, lower scapulars and flight feathers), milky stork, indian cormorant (relatively small, short, stubby, mostly pale bill, short neck, all dark with whitish chin), yellow bittern, chinese pond-heron, white-breasted waterhen, grey-headed swamphen, short-toed coucal, collared kingfisher (blue upperside with variable turquoise wash, white collar and underparts, faint creamy-buffish wash on lower flanks, mostly dark bill) and the most endemic species of any country in southeast Asia. Top tip: Contact vemekong.com for a perfect birdwatching tour with local travel expert.

8. Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest Tour from Can Tho or Soc Trang

A path lead to the light trekking in Lung Ngoc Hoang

If you have a limited time for Mekong holiday, no time for Tra Su forest. You can see Lung Ngoc Hoang forest instead. Top tip: Entrance ticket is 100.000 VNDpp. Save time and get wonderful experinces with VeMekong Travel team, they can help you out.

9. Is it safe to visit it during the wet season?

The more you know about the wildlife the more you respect the nature and our rainforest in Mekong Delta. Totally fine! The forest opens all year round! There are even more elements to see during the wet time! As a real traveller, we believe that you will love nature in any time of the year.

10. The Solo Travel Guide to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

Butea Monosperma (flame of the forest) flower in Lung Ngoc Hoang forest

Visiting Lung Ngoc Hoang forest by yourself is okie. Budget travellers and adventure tourists can reach and visit the forest by motorbike as well. If you can, we do recommend doing so, because Hau Giang motorbike tours or Can Tho motorbike tours are very chill and off the beaten paths and can stop to explore some hidden gems along the way as well. You will enjoy more than others ways so much. Making it in the dry season will help more. If you have no guided tour, you need to know that the ticket for forest entrance has no local guide and rarely english speaking staff in Lung Ngoc Hoang spot. Sometimes it takes more time to work out how to spend time each spot with the translation app. Top tip: The wifi and internet in the forest is not stable to use online translation app. Take some water if you want to a light trekking!

11. What to see along the way to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

A little lotus pond near the forest restaurant in Lung Ngoc Hoang

Depending on what means of transportation you have! You book a tour, then follow it. But if you hire your own car, motorbike. You may see something more. From Can Tho to Lung Ngoc Hoang forest, there are so many hidden gems to unlock. Can Tho rice noodle factory, oganic cacao farm, Gian Gua giant tree, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen monastery, Khmer pagoda, rattan and bamboo craft village and so on. Top tip: The more you stop the more you love. Make sure you have time as well!

12. What to Eat, Drink and Shop in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

Hau Giang rice field seeing from Lung Ngoc Hoang watching tower

There are two local jungle restaurants in Lung Ngoc Hoang where you can consider on fish, Mekong River specialties, rice rats (taste like… rabbit?), snakehead fish, frog, sesbania sesban flower – bong dien dien, water lily, river morning glory…are some “forest” foods you may give a try in the forest and nature. Not shops yet in LNH.

13. What Should you Wear to the Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

As a local travel expert. We may repeat your thoughts. Firstly, you should take long pants and use some repellents please, especially on the rainy days. Secondly, hats and shoes are a priority. If you plan to visit any pagoda, temple, please wear some things to cover your knees and shoulders. Top tip: Black color is “yummy” for mosquitos, and warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange may scare the wildlife.

14. Responsible Travel and Tour to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

We are glad to see a lot of foreigners, expats and Vietnamese tourists paying a visit to this forest instead of the theme park or malls. Lung Ngoc Hoang forest, itself means a lot for responsible behavior and nature values. As a local expert travel guide, we would take a friendly-reminding of you that “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time”. Top tip: One of the first local travel companies in Mekong Delta thinking, acting and running responsible travel is vemekong.com (very exclusive Mekong), feel free to support and book eco, responsible tours with them.

15. Incredible Tips for Photography, Specialists, KOLs, Media and Influencers

November is the best time to come and see it

To get the best of the best for your unique writing and featuring. We do recommend you to have an expert the one who always gets more ground information and makes sure every single requestments is solved perfectly. Vemekong (very exclusive mekong) team is your priority choice. Email and have a private talk with them to customize your journey smoothly, personal and the most ultimately amazing.

16. Pro tips

You can stay in a homestay which is near the riverside, this will help you out the best option. Then you can hire a scooter, car or bike and explore it by yourself and I hope you have an amazing Mekong Delta river sunrise.

If you plan to extend your travel to Hau Giang homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Visit Hau Giang or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Hau Giang responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.

Hau Giang food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Hau Giang cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cau Duc pineapple, Hau Giang’s Bronze Featherback Fish Cake, Cai Tac’s Pork Organs Porridge…

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Hau Giang in the rainy season, as Hau Giang always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Hau Giang tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest, Nature Reserve & Bird Sanctuary, Kittyd & Minnied Amusement Park, Truc Lam Zen Monastery Hau Giang, Vi Thanh Outdoor Farmers Market, Bo Tum Vong Say Khmer Pagoda, Like Coffee Shop in Hau Giang, Phung Hiep Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village, Tu Sang Bamboo Garden Hau Giang, Cau Duc Pineapple Fields, Tam Vu ecotourism area, Long My Stork Garden,Ba Bai Base, Chuong Thien Cultural & historic site, Vi Hung Church, Xa No Park – Xa No Canal…

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Hau Giang province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Phong Dien Floating Market – Huge Photographs Collection Online – Can Tho Picture Archive

Posted on April 26, 2021December 9, 2021 by Thomas Vietnam

Can Tho City have two floating markets like Cai Rang and Phong Dien. Phong Dien floating market is the smaller and authentic one. It is a great place for real Can Tho photography ideas and spots with small coconut canals and sampan.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide

Noolde soup at Phong Dien floating market

Spanish speaking tourists visit the coconut canal in Phong Dien

Noodle soup at Phong Dien floating market

Tropical fruits and gardens in Phong Dien

A couple from Australia and Can Tho canals

The Phong Dien floating market absolutely stays on the river. The best way to discover this market is by boat or sampan. Anyway, there is a bridge nearby the market which gives you a bird’s eye view of this stunning market as well. So that you can get to Phong Dien by boat, scooter or car and locate where the market is. It is about 16km away from Can Tho center and takes about 2 hours by boat and 45 minutes by car or scooter. After the market the sampan will take you to many villages and small canals in Phong Dien. Top tip: The best experience is to see the floating market from the sampan.

As a local expert, we do know that the Phong Dien floating market will be no more after 7am. Because this one is very small and very local, there are about more or less 45 boats and sampans at this market, you can watch our drone video 4k to know more. Let’s tell you, we inspect this market a lot and it is always busy and real touching is at the sunrise and the locals start to go home about 6:45a.m. Top tip: Best enjoying time to be right at the spot is from 5:30am-6:30am. I hope you have an amazing sunrise on the Mekong Delta river.

Pro Tips:

If you plan to extend your travel to Can Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Visit Can Tho or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Can Tho responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.

Can Tho food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Can Tho cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cong cake in Can Tho, Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli…

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Can Tho in the rainy season, as Can Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Can Tho tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Can Tho Wildlife & Forest, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Organic Cacao farm, Can Tho Floating Markets, Can Tho Small Canals & Sampan Ride, Can Tho Fruit Garden, Can Tho Paddy Rice Fields, Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base, Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho Old Market, Phong Dien floating market, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, Can Tho to Con Dao – Express boat, Son Islet – Community-based Tourism…

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Cai Rang floating market in April and Reunification Day

Posted on April 25, 2021December 9, 2021 by Thomas Vietnam

What does matter, however, is the month you choose to travel to Can Tho. And you should be going in April. We want to show you how the Cai Rang floating market looks like during this time. The stunning sunrise is at 5:41 AM which makes the market look so beautiful and colorful. The climate is perfect this time of year in Can Tho to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 33°C (91.4°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). On average, it rains an insignificant amount and sommetimes the rains come soon with strong thunderstroms. These times of year are the busiest with tourists because of 30^th April – Reunification Day’s and its festival activities. Top Tip: This month is the busiest month of the year to see Can Tho floating market. Please, make sure that you find or book your boat trip in advance.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide

There are many local can tho sampan ride at Cai Rang floating market. you will see them selling Banh Mi -(bread in the picture), bun rieu cua dong (fresh rice noodle soup with crab meat), coconut, coffee, soya milk, dumbling, BBQ pork with rice noolde and even lottery ticket…

The weather in April is unpredictable, this month is getting super hot and some early rains come with strong thunderstrorms. But Can Tho sunrise, sunset and the sky is so much more colors.

It is very beautiful to feature out the upright bamboo pole on the boat. The so-called “cay beo” which means showing what the merchandise have and want to sell.

Can Tho sampan ride is an authentic and adventurous option to do the Cai Rang floaitng market tour and small canals

Ms Laura and her friend from Colombia are visiting the floating market with the lady sanpan ride.

Having bun rieu cua – noodle soup which is recommended by Gordon Ramsay as a top ten street food in the world

Oy Oy Oy ananas-pineapple boat at Cai Rang floating market is a cool idea to stop over

There you go! Visit and explore the real local river life at the floating market

Good morning Mekong and morning Can Tho Vietnam

Durian fruit , a king of tropical fruit, is the seasonal fruit of April and May

The local family and the floating mini bar at the floating market

Floating food sampan at Can Tho floating market

There are some kids & children stick with their parents to the market.

The house on stilts along Can Tho river which is near Cai Rang floating market in April 2021.

Pro Tips:

If you plan to extend your travel to Can Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Can Tho in the rainy season, as Can Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Xeo Quyt Forest & Secret Bunker – Dong Thap Hidden Gems

Posted on April 17, 2021July 8, 2022 by Thomas Vietnam

Unlock Dong Thap’s secrets, landmarks and spots that you’d be mad to miss, even if you’re a local. Xeo Quyt Forest & Secret Bunker is one of the hidden gems for the real travel explorers. A revolutionary base during the anti-French and US resistance wars, the 20ha cajeput forest of present-day Xeo Quyt National Relic Area has been reclaimed and become an attractive historical and ecological tourist site in the southern delta. Xeo Quyt is also known as the small Dong Thap, with a large number of species of wild animals and plants, cajuput jungles, a system of rivers and channels, a dining area providing specialty foods, lotus and water lily ponds.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Sa Dec Visitor Guide

Following a unique 1.5km-long path under the shade of trees is the first choice for us to take a better look at the nature and the capjeput forest.

1. Better to know as a tourist

Ticket: 20,000VND; Phone: +84 673 910 297 | +84 673 910 397

Spend-time: 2 hours (approx)

Hours: Daily 7:30 am to 6 pm

Restaurant: Yes, big one.

Shop: Yes

Paking lot: Yes for coach

Email: xeoquyt@dongthap.gov.vn; Website: www.xeoquyt.vn

Blog: https://vemekong.com/xeo-quyt-forest-secret-bunker/

Address: No. 458, Hamlet 4, My Hiep Commune, Cao Lanh District, Dong Thap Province. Xeo Quyt is 147 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 68 km from Can Tho City.

Xeo Quyt forest & secret bunker in Dong Thap

Recognition(s): was recognised as a national historical relic in 1992, Xeo Quyt is a tourist destination containing many interesting things of unspoiled nature and a place to keep traces of the arduous struggle period of the Dong Thap army and people.

Added values: Coming here, visitors can feel the beautiful natural scenery, stroll along the trails or sit on a dinghy weaving through the canals, shaded by the nearly 50-year-old melaleuca trees. The tree is covered with a green rope like a charming watercolor painting. Visitors will be really comfortable with the pure environment, breathing the fresh air of a quiet, poetic space…

Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House (15km), Dong Thap Museum (27km), Tram Chim National Park (Birding tour) (62km), Thap Muoi Lotus Field in Dong Thap (22km)…

2. Travel guide to Xeo Quyt Forest & Secret Bunker

This cool space contains the A-shaped bomb shelter, the Z-shaped fighting fortification and L-shaped personal underground hideout, which are intact restored on the ground.

Xeo Quyt used to be a marshy area, home to many wild animals, and a revolutionary base in the resistance war against America (1960 – 1975). Today, coming to Xeo Quyt, visitors have the opportunity to explore the historic site of about 50 hectares, covered with 20 hectares of old cajuput forest with diverse fauna and flora including: 170 species of plants; 200 species of wild animals, reptiles, of which 13 species of animals have been listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. The area is strictly protected, making Xeo Quyt an attractive eco-tourist destination.

Following a unique 1.5km-long path under the shade of trees or floating on boats through small creeks, visitors will find themselves immersed in the green natural space, exploring the old battlefield, listening to stories about the arduous lives of revolutionary soldiers in secret bases, shacks, kitchens, meeting rooms… These relic items are still preserved up to now.

Coming to Xeo Quyt, visitors will have a chance to join interesting experiences such as rowing boats, practise basket knitting. In addition, visitors can also enjoy local dishes and the melody of Don ca tai tu songs.

Visiting the area, tourists can find the local community telling stories of historical events. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan, 85 year old, one of witnesses, shared: “The war had ended, but the memories of supplying food, medicine, and protection of revolutionary cadres are still in my mind. Telling visitors about the stories I had witnessed, I feel proud of having contributed to preserving history and traditions for the next generation”.

Although being heavily devastated during the war, in 1975 by the end of the war, more than 100,000ha of submerged forests remained, covering parts of Long An, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces and producing a wonderful ecological system of the alluvial land at the Mekong River’s estuary.

3. What to Do – See – Eat Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

The cajeput forests, submerged in the red brown water, are an ideal habitation for numerous kinds of birds, fish and wild animals, typical for the tropical region.

The entrance to Xeo Quyt National Relic Area and the hidden bunker

If you go in the lotus season, you will see a beautiful natural picture with the characteristics of Dong Thap Muoi. The restaurant offers a spacious dining area and a wide range of specialty foods. The top dishes include grilled snakehead fish with spring lotus leaf, chicken boiled with lemon leaf, steamed snail with pepper, red rice wrapped with lotus leaf, grilled harvest mouse, eel cooked with sour soup, grilled frog and other great dishes will definitely bring to tourists the new discoveries on unique culinary flavors of pink lotus Dong Thap hometown. Prices range between VND 20,000 and 250,000.

4. Free Itineraries from VeMekong

As a local travel expert, we have some ideas for you to think about.

From Dong Thap city center:

Route 1:

Route 2:

Route 3:

If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Dong Thap. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Dong Thap daily tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

A very cool and relaxing path to explore Xeo Quyt historic relic

The cajeput forests work as a great water reservoir to fight against salt water and acidity and regulate the humidity during the dry season.

What a wonderful jungle bridge for tourists to walk and avoid the flooding

Having a sampan ride (3-seater boat) in Xeo Quyt forest which will slowly lead you through small wild canals and weave deeply into the nature.

The best time to visit Xeo Quyt forest Dong Thap is in the flooding season from November to April.

5. Google Maps of Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

Google Maps made a name for itself helping people travel from one place to another, avoid traffic (You probably know the route from your hotel to the gas station by heart, but what you can’t be sure about is gridlock), measure a distance, get back to the hotel on time, share the location…

6. Visit Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area by yourself

The forest looks like a floating painting. Around it, climbing plants grow along the cajeput trees and brighten under the sunlight.

Solo traveller? Travelling on your own means you will get out of any difficult situations by yourself. This, in turn, leads to more satisfying travel experiences and helps you improve your problem-solving skills. These days we rarely get the chance to sit with ourselves and simply be. That’s why you should consider the time you spend alone on your trip as a gift.

It is possible for solo travellers to use google maps and do it alone. But sometimes they need to update local maintained roads and bridges which close and lead you a longer road than the road from Google maps. It is just about the time. It takes more time to find the correct garden to come. Adventure is always fun. Wifi is strong in Dong Thap village! The locals find it hard to speak English as well. Top tip: Sticking to one canal and keeping going along it which gives you more things to see and avoids getting lost. Contact vemekong.com to hire a car, scooter with English-speaking-guide or cycling tours in Dong Thap.

7. Responsible Travel and Advice to Visit Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

Coming to Xeo Quyt, visitors will have chance to join interesting experiences such as rowling boats, practise basket knitting

Don’t get us wrong. But we assure you that you totally agree with us. “Do not give candy and things to the children when you plan to visit any local villages”, the kids will leave the school and follow the sweets and later they find some things to give you or sell to you. The garden is a little forest, don’t pick and touch the flowers or fruits without the local’s smiles. We deal with traveling green and leaving green behind, not plastic. Top tip: Vemekong.com are some of the companies that care a lot about responsible travel and local respectation.

8. Amazing Video flycam/drone of Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area (4k)

If a picture says a thousand words, it stands to reason that the video says many times more.

9. Incredible Tips for Photography, Specialists, KOLs, Media and Influencers

The restaurant offers a spacious dining area and a wide range of specialty foods. The top dishes include grilled snakehead fish with spring lotus leaf, chicken boiled with lemon leaf, steamed snail with pepper, red rice wrapped with lotus leaf, grilled harvest mouse, eel cooked with sour soup, grilled frog and other great dishes will definitely bring to tourists the new discoveries on unique culinary flavors of pink lotus Dong Thap hometown. Prices range between VND 20,000 and 250,000.

To get the best of the best for your unique writing, featuring, photo, video and insider’s stories. We do recommend you to have a local travel expert, the one who always gets more ground information and makes sure every single element is solved perfectly. Vemekong (very exclusive Mekong) team is your priority choice. Email and have a private talk with them to customize your journey smoothly, personal and the most ultimately amazing. You can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

10. Pro Tips

You can stay in a homestay which is in the Sa Dec flower village, this will help you have the best experience in Sa Dec, Dong Thap province. There are so many flower gardeners who are watering and gardening the Sadec flower farms in the early morning with the amazing Sa Dec sunrise.

If you plan to extend your travel to Sa Dec homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Visit Sa Dec or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Sa Dec responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.

Sa Dec food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Sa Dec cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Hu Tieu Sa Dec (Sa Dec noodle soup), Sadec Crab Hotpot, Nem Lai Vung (Vietnamese fermented pork roll in Lai Vung), Sa Giang shrimp chips, Lai Vung tangerine fruit…

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Sa Dec in the rainy season, as Sa Dec always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Sa Dec tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Sa Dec Flower Village, Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, Tu Ton Rose Garden, Dong Thap Museum, Xeo Quyt forest – Xeo Quyt relic area, Gao Giong Ecotourism park (Cao Lanh), Lai Vung tangerine garden, Tram Chim National Park (Birding tour), Kim Hue Pagoda, Thap Muoi Lotus Field in Dong Thap, Dinh Yen Mat Making Village, Kien An Cung Pagoda, Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area, Phuoc Kien pagoda (lotus leaf pagoda), The Burial Place of Nguyen Sinh Sac, Sa Dec Town Park, Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area, date fruit garden, Sa Dec Market, Lai Vung Tangerine Garden

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Sa Dec, Dong Thap province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Huynh Thuy Le’s Ancient House – The beauty of Sadec Now & Then

Posted on April 16, 2021July 8, 2022 by Thomas Vietnam

One of the best highlight things to see and do in Dong Thap is Huynh Thuy Le’s Ancient House. This house was recognized as a national relic site in 2009. It is famous for a unique mixture of East-West architecture. The house was the setting of a passionate love affair between its owner Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras – a well-known French writer who penned the famous novel L’Amant (The Lover).

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Sa Dec Visitor Guide

A tourist check-in Huynh Thuy Le’s ancient house

1. Better to know as a tourist

Ticket: 20,000VND; Phone: 0277.3851869

Spend-time: 1 hour (approx)

Hours: Daily 7 am to 6 pm

Email: nhacohuynhthuyle@gmail.com

Address: 225A Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 2, Sa Đec City, Dong Thap Province

There is usually a staff of this site to provide limited commentary on the house if you are lucky.

The Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is a well-known tourist spot in Dong Thap province.

2. Travel guide to Huynh Thuy Le’s ancient house

The ancient house was built by Huynh Cam Thuan – Huynh Thuy Le’s father – in 1895 at a busy trading hub on the Sa Dec riverfront. Back then Mr. Thuan was a famous Chinese merchant. When his father died, Le inherited the house and renovated it in 1917. After Le’s death in 1972, his wife and children settled overseas, leaving the house unused. It became an administrative building in 1975 and a tourist destination in 2007.

There are plenty trees in the yard of this place.

The house has three chambers, in the typical architecture of Vietnam’s Southwest, with the outer chamber serving as a guest room and worshipping area while the remaining chambers are used as bedrooms. It looks like a French villa from the outside but inside it has the signature Chinese architectural style. Its roof is curved at its corners, resembling the design of temples in pagodas in the Northern region. The house is not large but has luxurious furniture.

The guest can pay a visit, have a lunch and stay overnight as the former owner!

Vo Ngoc Thuy, a local tour guide at Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, said: “All the bricks were imported from France while the wood was imported from Cambodia. The floor of the central area is a bit lower to allow water to flow in, because according to Chinese feng shui, wealth is symbolized by water which always flows into a hollow. The house owners are Chinese so they honored Zihuang, a prominent military general in Chinese history. Le’s father ordered artists in Fujian, China, to come here to paint a Zihuang portrait, which is placed at the center of the house. It is considered one of the best paintings in the Mekong Delta region. There used to be four bedrooms but only two of them remain today and are used for homestay services.”

All wooden furniture like wardrobes, beds, and altars were delicately carved.

The 2,000-square-meter Huynh Thuy Le ancient house used to include a main building, a garage, a kitchen, and a garden, with two sides looking to the streets: Nguyen Hue and Tran Hung Dao, but urbanization destroyed everything except for the main building of 258 square meters. The balconies were in red lacquer trimmed with gold with carved details similar to those commonly seen on Chinese pagodas, which represent wealth and nobility. The large front balcony was engraved with a pair of phoenixes, a symbol of “happily ever after”, while other balconies were carved with different species of birds to highlight great wealth. All wooden furniture like wardrobes, beds, and altars were delicately carved. The liquor cabinet, tea sets, vases, gramophones, and TVs still remain intact.

The Huynh Thuy Le’s interior decors reflect Chinese architectural style.

The Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is associated with the famous novel L’Amant and a film of the same name, which is all about the heartbreaking real-life love story between writer Marguerite Duras and Le, whose father strongly opposed their affair due to misalliance and cultural differences. They broke up after 18 months. L’Amant was written 50 years later and won the 1984 Prix Goncourt, the most prestigious literature award in France.

The local guide Ngoc Thuy said: “The novel was translated into 43 languages and adapted into a movie directed by Jean Jacques Annaud and released in 1992. Some scenes were shot in Sa Dec but not this house. Instead, the film crew took another ancient house in Can Tho for the setting. After breaking up with Duras, Le married Nguyen Thi My of Tien Giang province at his father’s arrangement. They had a happy marriage with five children who all studied in France.”

The Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is associated with the famous novel L’Amant and a film of the same name

“The novel was translated into 43 languages and adapted into a movie directed by Jean Jacques Annaud and released in 1992.

3. Better to go with google maps

4. Better to see the short video of Huynh Thuy Le’s Ancient House (4k quality)

Update very soon!

5. Pro tips:

The house has an elegent backyard as well

If you plan to extend your travel to Sa Dec homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Sa Dec in the rainy season, as Sa Dec always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Sa Dec, Dong Thap province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

COVID-19 in Can Tho – Travel Updates and Restrictions

Posted on April 11, 2021December 9, 2021 by Thomas Vietnam

Below is an outline of new policies related to travel, as well as the health precautions Can Tho city is requiring of all locals and foreigners. We are here to update about Can Tho travel restrictions & Covid-19: All you need to know before you go.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide

NOTICE: The information here is updated as best we can in light of COVID-19. Please check attractions, activities, policies and procedures, etc before you go as things can change quickly.

Vietnam plans to allow fully vaccinated foreign tourists in a three-phase plan beginning in November at specific locations such as Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and others. The second phase would begin in January 2022 with further locations added to the list with a full reopening expected sometime in June or July 2022.
From October 21, Vietnam’s Transport Ministry scrapped the full vaccination requirement for domestic air passengers. However, passengers from high-risk areas or locked-down areas would still need a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their flights. Passengers from other areas would need one of the following, such as a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate.
The epidemic situation is quite complicated in Can Tho City. There are about 800 to 1000 new infections every day in Can Tho (December 09, 2021). However, thanks to high vaccination and flexible disease adaptation, the city still managed to control the spread quite well. Tourists can still come to Can Tho to go for business and travel to the floating market if they comply with 5k and regulations of the health department.

Health checks on arrival

All travellers entering Vietnam need to submit mandatory health declarations on arrival. This form can be filled out electronically at airports and border crossings, or submitted online here on the day of entry into Vietnam. Travellers are legally responsible to ensure the information is true and accurate. All foreigners will need to comply with official health procedures when in Vietnam.

In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has ordered all Vietnamese and foreigners in the country to wear face masks in public places. Those found not wearing masks or not disposing of masks properly will be fined.

Quarantine regulations in Vietnam

In order to minimise the risk of contagion, Vietnam is isolating individuals who have come into close contact with others carrying the COVID-19 disease. If you have any contact — such as the sharing of flights, vehicles, or hotels — with others who have tested positive for COVID-19 while in Vietnam, you can expect to be tested for the virus and placed in 7-day quarantine.

Vietnam observes several levels of quarantine:

Self-quarantine in homes or hotels with regular check-ups by local health authorities,
Quarantine in health establishments for those showing symptoms of the virus, as well as those who have tested positive for COVID-10 and those in close contact with them,
Quarantine in non-medical establishments for those returning from high-risk areas, and
Closed-off communities for areas with high numbers of confirmed infections.

Can Tho Tours & Activities for Expats

Posted on April 10, 2021December 9, 2021 by Thomas Vietnam

Can Tho is very different compared to the rest of Vietnam, and it is the capital city in Mekong Delta. Can Tho tours & activities for expats to come for both working and exploring the city of rice fields, wild canals, authentic floating markets, amazing nature & wildlife, and many cozy villages by bike and sampan.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide

Time

In Can Tho, it is best visited between December and February when it is cool and dry at night. If you don’t like excessive heat, avoid March to June. And if you’re planning on visiting during the rainy (flooding) months, check out our Best Time to Visit Can Tho – Weather & Travel Advice By Months to make your holiday extra activities.

Transportation

In some ways, Can Tho is a very well-connected city with the rest of Mekong delta like Phu Quoc, Sadec, Soc Trang, Chau Doc, Ben Tre, Ho Chi Minh City…by bus, car, boat, ferry, airplane. Now you can go to Con Dao island from Can Tho or Soc Trang with Con Dao Express or Mai Linh Express 5-star speed boad, take about 3 hours per one way.

Accommodation

If you prefer staying away from the hustle of the city center, you should consider staying on Au islet and riverside which has a fantastic selection of boutique hotels & resorts. It is better for Can Tho River Tour & Wildlife as well. There are also plenty of homestays run by the locals in Cai Rang and Phong Dien district where you can combine with your Mekong exploration and a bit adventurous in the flooading time!

Water

Can Tho city has Can Tho river and its water is still fresh. No worries when you travel by boat and get wet! Tap water is supposed to be safe but I advise against drinking it. It’s just not worth the risk. My advice is to use bottled water and save yourself from unexpected stomach problems.

Internet

Strong and really, Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from hotels to coffee shops in Can Tho city and countryside. If you are from the EU you should be able to use your own data plan too. Or contact the hotel, the local mobile shops for the sim card.

Small canals in Phong Dien, Can Tho City

Learn a little Vietnamese

Sure, you can get by with just speaking English, but trying to speak the local language opens you up to much more polite & meaningful interactions with people. Even if you are not perfect or you make a mistake, your effort is appreciated. At a bare minimum: Hello = xin chao (sin chow), yes = dạ vâng, no = không (khom), thank you = cám ơn (kahm uhn), I’m sorry = tôi xin lỗi (toy sin loy), no problem/you’re welcome = không có gì (khong koh zi), goodbye = tạm biệt (tarm byeet), I’m vegetarian = tôi ăn chay (toy an chayh), How much? = bao nhiêu? (baow nyew), spicy/hot (cay), Oh My God (ôi..choy…oi…).

Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base

What we liked

We really liked the floating markets and saw locals trimming the fresh pineapple for us, then had the cycling ride in the untouched villages and along canals by vemekong.com. OMG this exploration was so much wonderful and fun with 2 wheels and a fantastic local lunch. The chill out romantic sampan 247 for watching the sunset on Mekong river was a wow afternoon. Green green and evergreen canal in the forest too.

Can Tho sampan ride weaving into the wild canals and local village

Best time to visit Phong Dien floating market during the sunrise

What we didn’t like

Not many river restaurants to eat, and not many local shops to “look, love & buy”, even not many Can Tho’s secrets to explore, just okie rooftop bar (but we got the romantic sampan 247 for the sunset) and hard to find more things to do in Can Tho beside the Can Tho wildlife and forest. The transportation from Can Tho to Saigon, Rach Gia, Chau Doc is easy, but it so hard to use the local bus for other places like: Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Sadec, Vinh Long.

Can Tho tours & activities for Expats

Unlock Can Tho’s secrets, landmarks and spots that you’d be mad to miss, even if you’re a long-stay expat. 1. Cai Rang loating market; 2. Authentic Phong Dien loating market; 3. Make a cycling ride of your life along the Mekong canals and hidden villages; 4. May tropical fruit garden in the raining seasons; 5. Get lost and watch the golden sunset/sunrise with the green/yellow paddy rice fields; 6. Can Tho sampan ride; and so much more with wildlife and forest and trekking; 7. Can Tho exellent cuisines and secrets; 8. Can Tho Night Market; 9. Can Tho walking bridge; 10. Can Tho old market; 11. Can Tho museum; 12. Ong pagoda; 13. Binh Thuy ancient house (The house was famously used in the 1992 movie “L’Amant” (“The Lover”) based on the novel of the same name by French author Marguerite Duras, directed by Jean Jacques Annaud); 14. Organic cacao farm; 15. Ba Bo flower village; 16. Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base; 17. Can Tho rice noodle factory – the traditional one; 18. Can Tho sky bar and local pubs; 19. Ninh Kieu pier; 20. Can Tho Antique & Unique coffee shop.

If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Can Tho. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit the ancient house and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Can Tho day tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

Feel free to contact Thomas for Can Tho floating market & small canals

Pro Tips:

If you plan to extend your travel to Can Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Can Tho in the rainy season, as Can Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Can Tho Floating Market by Yourself – Rent a Boat, Bike & Local Guide

Posted on April 6, 2021July 25, 2022 by Thomas Vietnam

Today, there are many tourists coming to Can Tho on their own and easy to find and rent a boat, a bike and a local guide for visiting the floating market & small canals, orchards, and the hidden villages of Can Tho secrets, wildlife and forest as well.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide

1. When to go & which floating markets should I visit?

In Can Tho, there are two floating markets, Cai Rang floating market and Phong Dien one.

Cai Rang floating market. The largest floating marketing in Can Tho, and one of the most popular in the world, the Cai Rang floating market is an exciting, colorful hub of many wholesalers. It is crowded and noisy (with many tourist boats), but still fascinating. The market, about 6 km (3,7 miles) or 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf, starts trading at around 4 am, in the dark, and is usually finished by 10 am. It is really worth making a super early start to watch dawn break over the market from 5am to 6am. It is a market for agricultural goods, especially fruits. There are a hundred and one kinds of tropical fruit such as mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans, dragon fruits, longans and the like.

Book tour: Can Tho floating market & small canals
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com

Cai Rang floating market & the river life

Phong Dien floating market. About 20 km (12,4 miles) or two hours by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf, Phong Dien retail floating market is one of the most lively and colorful markets and, as an added bonus, less popular with tourists who usually visit the Cai Rang floating market that’s closer to Can Tho. This market is an unskippable destination for the many expats and media who want to find out the real Can Tho river life, it is best viewed well before 8 am – preferably before dawn. There are just about 30 small nice sampans (traditional farmer’s boat used to use in small villages and small canals) boats every day.

Phong Dien floating market & the sunrise

Phong Dien floating market & small canals

2. How to get to Can Tho floating market by yourself?

From Ho Chi Minh City. Go by yourselves: it is the best way to manage time, save money and challenge yourself. Take a sleeping Futa bus (120,000 VND per person) to go to Can Tho (about 5 hours one way – 3,5 hours on the bus, and the waiting time for departure, reststop, pick up, drop off…). When you arrive at the Can Tho bus station, it is about 15 minutes or 6 km to reach to Ninh Kieu Wharf by taxi (a taxi costs around 80,000 VND. Mai Linh taxi (+842923656565). Khanh Cuong taxi (+842923868686) if you have time! You can wait and then take the free Futa transfer service to Ninh Kieu Wharf and let’s tour! Rent a sampan by yourself (about 300,000 vnd [~13$] for 2 or 3 people & add 5$ more for group of 4 or 5) or rent a boat (about 500.000vnd [~22$] for 7 people) with roof and life jackets. Other way is to book a package Can Tho Tour From Ho Chi Minh 1 Day (HCM-Can Tho-HCM), pick-up at 04:00 AM at your hotel from Ho Chi Minh city center; 119$ per person)

Can Tho sampan ride after the floating market

Contact VeMekong for your customized budget tours
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com

From Can Tho city. We personally think you will take the Futa bus or flight to Can Tho, then stay overnight in Can Tho, the next early morning tour will be super & wonderful to enjoy the breathtaking views of markets (from 5 am to 9 am because you can observe the daily overcrowded lifestyle of the locals at that time) because you can start the floating market tours with many departures at at 4:30 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM from Can Tho city center.

If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Can Tho. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Can Tho day tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

3. Which activities should I add to the floating market tour?

There are some typical and customized tours of floating market such as:

Option 1: Cai Rang floating market and small canal (sampan, guide, 5am-8am)

Option 2: Can Tho floating markets, fruit garden, local noodle factory and small long canal (sampan, guide, 5am-10:30am)

Option 3: Cai Rang floating market & wildlife and forest (sampan, boat for the jungle tour, guide, 5am-12pm)

Option 4: Two floating markets, fruit garden, local noodle factory and small long canal (sampan, guide, 4am-12pm)

Option 5: Can Tho sampan ride and sunset and local life (sampan, guide, 3pm-6pm)

Option 6: Cai Rang floating market & cycling tour and villages (sampan, guide, bike, 7am-11am)

Option 7: Cai Rang floating market, rice fields and motorbike tour (6am-11am)

There are so many things for you to explore in the Can Tho city by yourself as well. From Son islet to Binh Thuy ancient house, Can Tho museum, Tarrot museum, Can Tho Giant Ficus heritage tree – secret VC base,…and so many authentic street foods in Can Tho.

My cutie guest can give a try and have fun and interact with the locals

Can Tho wildlife and forest. One hour drive from the floating market by car.

Can Tho sampan ride in the romantic afternoon with the sunset on the Mekong river

Can Tho Secret VC base at the heritage tree

Can Tho floating market & cycling tour. I have bikes for children and the baby seat for kid as well

Can Tho oganic cacao farm in the village

4. What to eat and see at Can Tho floating market?

Have breakfast in the floating market with rice noodles soup, pho or rice (about 20.000vnd – 50.000vnd [~1$-2,5$] per one). Enjoy Vietnamese coffee or fresh coconut (about 10.000vnd – 25.000vnd [0,5$-1,10$]) and buy pineapple or mango, or mangosteen (about 20.000vnd – 50.000vnd [~1$-2,5$] per kilo).

Both Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets are on Can Tho river, so we call the way to visit them is Can Tho River Tour. It is a special tour which flows on a part of Mekong river. Moreover, there are many amazing things in these markets that make you surprise such as what is the function of the bamboo stick in every boat, why boats have eyes and how local people live in a boat whole day.

Having noodle soup at the floating market – the top ten best street food in the world recommended by Gordon Ramsay. We had a great tour, the guests are working at the Embassy of Colombia

Visited the pineapple boat at the floating market. We did an amazing tour, an American expat working in Saigon

An authentic Phong Dien floating market. We did it, the guests are working at the Embassy of Colombia

5. Pro Tips:

If you plan to extend your travel to Can Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Can Tho in the rainy season, as Can Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Can Tho tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Can Tho Wildlife & Forest, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Organic Cacao farm, Can Tho Floating Markets, Can Tho Small Canals & Sampan Ride, Can Tho Fruit Garden, Can Tho Paddy Rice Fields, Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base, Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho Old Market, Phong Dien floating market, Can Tho to Con Dao – Express boat, Son Islet – Community-based Tourism…

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you

Travel Enquiry Submitted

1. Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve – Information & History

2. Is it worth for nature lovers to pay a visit Lung Ngoc Hoang forest and nature’s smile

3. Best months to Visit Lung Ngoc Hoang forest

4. Lung Ngoc Hoang Travel Blog and Helpful Tips

5. Amazing video flycam/drone of Lung Ngoc Hoang forest (4k)

6. Hotels in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

7. Worth Birdwatching in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

8. Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest Tour from Can Tho or Soc Trang

9. Is it safe to visit it during the wet season?

10. The Solo Travel Guide to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

11. What to see along the way to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

12. What to Eat, Drink and Shop in Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

13. What Should you Wear to the Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest?

14. Responsible Travel and Tour to Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest

15. Incredible Tips for Photography, Specialists, KOLs, Media and Influencers

16. Pro tips

Pro Tips:

Pro Tips:

1. Better to know as a tourist

2. Travel guide to Xeo Quyt Forest & Secret Bunker

3. What to Do – See – Eat Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

4. Free Itineraries from VeMekong

5. Google Maps of Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

6. Visit Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area by yourself

7. Responsible Travel and Advice to Visit Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area

8. Amazing Video flycam/drone of Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area (4k)

9. Incredible Tips for Photography, Specialists, KOLs, Media and Influencers

10. Pro Tips

1. Better to know as a tourist

2. Travel guide to Huynh Thuy Le’s ancient house

3. Better to go with google maps

4. Better to see the short video of Huynh Thuy Le’s Ancient House (4k quality)

5. Pro tips:

Health checks on arrival

Quarantine regulations in Vietnam

Time

Transportation

Accommodation

Water

Internet

Learn a little Vietnamese

What we liked

What we didn’t like

Can Tho tours & activities for Expats

Pro Tips:

1. When to go & which floating markets should I visit?

2. How to get to Can Tho floating market by yourself?

3. Which activities should I add to the floating market tour?

4. What to eat and see at Can Tho floating market?

5. Pro Tips: