Cycling Mekong 3 days ~ 'Closer to the authentic Mekong river life'
Routes: Saigon – Vinh Long – Can Tho – Saigon
Duration: 3 days
Feature: Explore the Mekong's charm and friendliness on two wheels and by boat. Cycling is a great way to see the countryside and life of the locals and cruising down the Mekong Delta's channels by boat is a great way to relax and take in the sites. These methods of travel are both fun and less harmful to the environment. This is your chance to travel into the hidden parts of the Mekong's people and culture.
Difficulty: (3/5)
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Saigon-Vinh Long. Take a bus transfer from your hotel in Saigon (2 hours) to My Tho village for our first boat trip. Take part in some late morning drifting, down the bustling branches of the Mekong Delta and into her tranquil canals. The first stop is on one of the area's many islands to sightsee. Visit a traditional Mekong Delta house and kitchen; indulge is some seasonal fruit along with some local tea and fresh honey; visit a local rice wine distillery for wine tasting; then paddle one of the small sampans along the arroyos. Break for lunch after this jam packed morning, then a short rest, followed by a leisurely afternoon bicycle ride (2 hours) on small dirt roads and walking bridges. Reach a local ferry crossing and then onto to Cai Be where we board a touring boat to the floating market and cruise over the mighty Mekong River. Our day ends at Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh Island where you can take in a great sunset view from the shores of the Mekong. Dinner and overnight at a guest house on island. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Vinh Long-Can Tho. Wake up early and its back on the bikes for a 1/2 hour pedal under the natural green canopy to the ferry crossing for Vinh Long. Then its time to cover some distance, by bike, to Can Tho. Depending on the groups cycling ability, a tailored special route will be planned for this day possibly passing villages with brick kilns where terracotta and pottery are made, or riding along immense rice fields, or cycling through numerous rural riverside villages. We break for our lunch at a local street-side stall then the bus picks us up to Can Tho city. Late afternoon you have free time for a scenic promenade along the city quay or more cycling along the Can Tho riverbank (time permitting). Overnight in Can Tho at a hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Can Tho-Saigon. Start your day off with a morning boat trip to the exciting and chaotic Cai Rang Floating Market then up a quiet canal for more of a pleasure cruise and some peace and relaxation. Then its back on the bikes to explore some back country roads (2 hours) enjoying the beautiful Delta scenery. Meet the locals, many of whom are on bicycle too, along the way. After lunch we head back to Saigon where we drop you off at your hotel. Includes: (B), (L).
Trip Reminder
* Kayaking on Halong Bay
At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
* M 19288 Community Trust
The M 19288 Community Trust, a division of M 19288 Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by M 19288, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Heritages Travel Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future
* Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period
Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland.).The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January
This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
* Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community.Your tour leader’s friendship,humour,passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
* Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
* At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips).
* It is customary to tip your tour leader,at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
* Please be aware that flight times,trains,hotels and other services are subject to availability.Where flights/trains are cancelled or delayed Heritages Vietnam will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value,
* Hotels,flights,train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
* This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing.
* Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
* Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon.Early check in if it is subject to availability.
* Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice.Please contact us for farther
* What to Bring: Passport, Change of clothes, Sun-glasses & hat, Towels, lot of Film,Toiletries, Sun-block, Insect repellent, Flashlight, Proper footwear, Sleeping bag, Camera, Raincoat or Umbrella, Cable locks for luggage, Personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks.
* Car/Van Quality: Using new AC car or van depending on your group size.
* Where: Trip starts & end in Hanoi
* When the trip could do: All year round;
*** Accommodation offering in this trip( O/N-Overnight)
Saigon:
Can Tho : Tay Do or Asia
Vinh Long: Homestay
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Includes:
-Land around trip transport AC van
-Hotels in 3 stars twin sharing room
-Meals as As indicated;(B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner)
-Local English/French speaking guides/leader
-All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program
Tour Excludes:
-International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
-Hotel early check-ins and late check-outs
-All drinks & other meals not mentioned
-Travel insurance
-Visa to Vietnam (We can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
-Personal expenses (laundry,telephone, shopping, etc.)
-Others not mentioned in details,Tipping and Gratuities are welcome!
Rate in USD Per person
-If 2-4 persons:Cost in USD425.00/Pax (3 stars hotel)
-If 5-7 persons:Cost in USD335.00/Pax
-Single Sup + USD $60
* Upgrade tour to 4 stars Hotels is Cost more $USD 100.o
* Contact us for your arrivals dates
* Trip price valid unstil Dec.2009
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Boating and Sailing
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