Authentic homestay in Mekong Delta

Cai Be Town, is full of vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways; these are the things that make the Mekong Delta such a desired destination. This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2-hour drive to the Delta town of Cai Be. On arrival in Cai Be, visit a cottage factory where ‘pop-rice’, rice paper and coconut candies are made. Lunch will be local Mekong style serving specialties of the area. Return to the boat for the cruise to Vinh Long city. Admire the scenery and the daily life of the local villagers along the way. On arrival, be met by a vehicle for the transfer to Vung Liem. From here cross over a tributary of the Mekong by local ferry before arriving at the homestay located on Long Island renowned for its fruit orchards and sedge fields (this grass is used to make traditional mats). The homestay is unique and the only one to be found on this Delta island for a truly local experience. In the late afternoon, have a chance to practice making banh xeo – a type of savory pancake and a specialty of the Mekong region. After dinner, spend time with the family to learn more on their life, culture and the history of this Island. 

Overnight at homestay.

Wake up to the sound of the countryside. After breakfast, explore the island by bicycle (or on foot) through the village to sedge fields, to see the cutting and weaving of this grass which is used to make traditional mats.  En-route visit a shrine dedicated to Thoai Ngoc Hau who was one of the founders of the area. Return to the house for lunch before taking the ferry back to Vung Liem to visit a Khmer pagoda dating back to 1377. Continue to Vinh Long city. En-route see the vast expanses of rice fields, and with some luck observe the local farmers harvesting their crop. Visit the local market in Vinh Long, this is an excellent place to take photographs of the huge array of fresh produce is on offer. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.