Destination: Ho chi minh - Caibe - Sadec - Can tho
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Tour code: MCV9
Boat description:
Unique in Mekong delta, the sampans "Song Xanh" offer a concept of fully private charter cruises for individuals, ideal for couples, or famillies with childrens.
The boats dimensions allow a deep discovery of the delta, its numerous canals and arroyos. Exclusive cruise itineraries have been designed away from touristic areas, and permitt an intimate approach of the authentic inhabitants life style and ancestral activities. While some meals are served onboard, others are catered at ancient houses along the river allowing cultural exchanges and priviledged contacts with the locals.
For those looking for a more active way to penetrate the delta, bicycles and a small rowing boat are also available.
On each sampan boat, a crew of 4 including an english or french speaking guide is pampering the guests. Exotic fruits, mineral water, green tea, and fresh towels are served on complimentary basis.
Each sampan will carry a charming rowing boat ("Xuong"), nicely designed for deeper cruises along small canals and arroyos during the itinerary.
Bicycles can also be taken on board (fixed on a rack a the back) for exciting "out of the track" countryside rides.
Designed for individuals looking for authentic "Private Cruise" experience, with overnight on board. Exclusive itineraries 2D/1N and 3D/2N. Equipped with a bathroom with lavabo, wc and shower, the sampans can also be used for daily private cruise programs for FIT's or Groups.
Song Xanh 1
15m long x 3,5m wide, 1 living room transformed into a comfortable bedroom at night (15m2), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served. Capacity max. 2 adults
Song Xanh 2
18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served. Capacity max. 4 adults + 1 or 2 young childrens.
Song Xanh 3
18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served. Capacity max. 4 adults + 1 or 2 young childrens.
Song Xanh 4
18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served. Capacity max. 4 adults + 1 or 2 young childrens.
Song xanh 5
23 metres long x 4,5 metres wide, the boat offers 3 spacious rooms of 16sqm each including 2 bedrooms and 1 living room (easily transformable into 1 more bedroom at night if needed). The large bathroom is equipped with shower, washbasin, wc, and provide a full set of deluxe amenities such as slippers, cotton bathrobes, bathtowels, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, comb, cotton tips, shower cap, and sanitary bags.
Day 1: Cai Be - Sadec - Can Tho (L,D)
Pick up from at 07:30 Am at hotel in Saigon, transfer to Cai Be, embank the Song Xanh , The excursion starts at around 10.am from our pier in Phu An hamlet located next to Cai Be town, approximately 2 hours drive south from Saigon.
Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed by our crew. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of some local home factories where you will be able to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will then proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables.
Your sampan will take direction of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruising upstream on the TienGiangRiver, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. These evergreen islands among the MekongRiver bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people.
We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… You will disembark to take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations.
Further 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.
Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark at the local market place for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous.
Your lunch will await you at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, the “Lover” of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (novel and movie “The Lover”)
Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages.
Some stops on the banks will be possible to establish contacts with the local population. A visit will be done at a Cao Daist temple.
Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere.
After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place.
Your bed will be ready for your night on the Mekong river.
Day 2: Cai Rang - Can Tho (B)
At around 06am, your sampan will slowly start cruising.
Your breakfast will be served on board at 07am while approaching Cai Rang floating market actually still the largest in the whole Mekong delta.
We will pass by countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river.
Your cruise journey will end at around 10.am at Ninh Kieu pier after a visit at Can Tho local market.
where you will be transfer back to Saigon. Drop off at your hotel in Saigon. End of tour.
Cost in USD per person based on private cruise, valid until 30 Oct. 2010
No of pax
2
3-4
5-6
1 Jan. – 30 May 2010
319
250
190
1 Jun. – 30 Oct.2010
280
225
182
Children 6- 11 years old
50%
Children under 6 years old
FOC
Cruise includes:
2 days cruise on private boat Songxanh Sampan
English / French speaking guide on board
Round trip of private transfer from Saigon
1 lunch, 1 candlelight dinner incl.1 small bottle of wine for 2 at an ancient house
Breakfast on board (coffee, tea, juice, fresh yogurt, fruits, bread, butter and jam)