Vietnam Extension: Saigon & the Mekong Delta

Saigon is the heart of the French influence in Vietnam and today’s walking tour will take in some of the best architectural and gastronomical evidence of this colourful past. Beginning at a flower market your guided walk takes you through winding alleyways and on to a museum of traditional medicine before a traditional coffee break at Tao Dan park. Lunch is your choice of carefully vetted street food vendors in Tran Khac Chan street before an afternoon exploring the colonial architectural highlights of this grand city.

This morning your driver and guide will take you south to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival take a local tuk-tuk tour of the village then a short walk to the Huu Phuoc Bridge where you will start a boat trip through some of the myriad of small canals that make up this region. An insightful visit to a brick factory and coconut processing workshop follows then jump on a bicycle and explore the local hamlets rice fields and coconut groves. Your local experience continues with a visit to a rice noodle factory a chance to sample local fruits tea in a local house and a trip on a local sampan (rowboat) to further explore the tributaries through the tranquil natural landscapes.

After lunch at a riverside restaurant visit Mr Sau Tuong for a fascinating insight into his life as a soldier in a region too often scarred by conflict. Return by boat to the pier for your private vehicle ride back to Ho Chi Minh City and the evening at leisure.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and take you to the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels stopping en route to visit a local rice paper producing family. Once at your destination an introductory video will help explain the site you are visiting before you get to spend an hour exploring the maze of tunnels which the Vietcong used during the war. The tour ends with an option to try out war-era guns on a controlled gun range (supplement applies) before you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight or back to a hotel for another unforgettable Vietnam Extension.

• Private airport transfers
• Accommodation with daily breakfast based on twin share
• Other meals as indicated in the itinerary
• All transfers in private vehicle with a/c
• Local English speaking guides
• All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Two bottles of mineral water per day on days of sightseeing and transfers

• International airfares
• Domestic airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above