South Vietnam Highlights with Phu Quoc Beach Ferry Escape

Begin your day with an early departure from Ho Chi Minh City to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Step back in time as you explore this historic underground network, once a vital stronghold during wartime. Wander through narrow passageways, learn about ingenious wartime strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilient spirit.

By mid-afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a few hours at leisure before your evening adventure begins.

As night falls, get ready to eat like a true local on a guided street food tour that brings Saigon’s flavors to life. Stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, and nostalgic alleys, tasting a curated selection of local delights:

• Bò lá lốt Cô Liêng – smoky grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves.
• Grilled Banana Sticky Rice – sweet, creamy, and perfectly charred.
• A choice of bún bò Huế or a traditional bánh mì at the retro Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartments.
• Refresh with freshly pressed sugarcane juice as you wander the colorful Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.
• Feast at Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market, where sizzling grills and aromatic stalls serve dishes like bánh tráng nướng, bánh xèo, grilled skewers, steamed oysters, stuffed snails, and a sweet-salty cheese flan.

Your guide will tailor the tasting journey based on availability and your personal preferences, ensuring a flavorful and authentic experience.

End the night with a satisfied palate as you return to your hotel for rest.

At 07:30 AM, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City behind for a scenic drive to the riverside town of Cai Be. Step aboard a river boat and glide past stilted houses to traditional craft villages, discovering how coconut candy and rice popcorn are still made by hand.

Continue to Tan Phong Islet, a lush haven shaded by orchards. Here, enjoy the soulful melodies of Đờn ca tài tử, Southern Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized folk music, and savor fresh tropical fruits. A gentle paddle boat ride through narrow canals completes the experience.

After a lunch of Mekong specialties, step into history at the Ba Kiet Ancient House, a 19th-century wooden home filled with antiques and old-world charm, before cycling leisurely through the surrounding countryside, where quiet lanes weave between orchards, rice fields, and riverside hamlets. 

In the afternoon, continue by road to Can Tho. After checking in at your hotel, the evening is yours to explore whether stroll along lively Ninh Kieu Wharf, sample street food, or simply admire the glowing lights of the iconic Can Tho Bridge over the Hau River. Overnight in Can Tho.

For those eager to experience the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta, rise early and be at Cai Rang Floating Market by around 6:00 AM, where traders sell fresh produce from colorfully laden boats. While soaking up the lively river scenes, sample the local specialty “hu tieu pizza”, a crispy rice-noodle pancake made right on the water.

Continue to the ornate Munir Ansay Pagoda, an architectural gem of the Khmer community. Then, from the riverbank, take a short boat ride to Con Son Islet for an authentic community-based tourism experience.. Meet friendly locals, wander through fruit gardens, and enjoy the slow rhythm of delta life. A delicious home-style lunch is served on the islet.

With a satisfied palate, head towards Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a pristine haven of emerald waterways and rich biodiversity. Glide quietly by paddle boat beneath a canopy of cajuput trees, where birdsong echoes through the flooded forest and sunlight dances on the water’s surface.

By early evening, arrive in Chau Doc and check in at your hotel. Savor a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before settling in for a peaceful night.

Start your day early with breakfast before setting out to explore the Cham Floating Fish Farms and the Cham Minority Village, where river life and unique traditions unfold. Travelers heading to Phnom Penh will depart from Chau Doc pier, while others can stroll through the bustling Chau Doc Market for a glimpse of daily trade.

Continue your morning with a visit to the serene Hang Pagoda and the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important spiritual site for locals. From here, embark on a scenic drive through the Mekong Delta’s rice paddies and rustic villages en route to Ha Tien.

Pause for a local lunch along the way (at your own expense), then board the high-speed ferry bound for Phu Quoc Island (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival at Bai Vong Pier, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing afternoon.

This evening is free for you to stroll along the beach, explore the island’s laid-back charm, or indulge in a fresh seafood dinner by the sea (at your own arrangement).

Wake up to the rhythm of island life and spend your day entirely at leisure. Bask in the tropical sun, stroll along powdery beaches, or explore Phu Quoc’s charming local markets and coastal cafes in yours to enjoy.

Another day to unwind in paradise. Swim in crystal-clear waters, pamper yourself at a beachside spa, or set out on an optional island-hopping trip to discover hidden coves and vibrant coral reefs.

Savor your final full day on Phu Quoc with your own perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether it’s lounging beneath swaying palms or sampling the island’s renowned seafood, today is all about your ideal escape.

Enjoy your morning at leisure until your driver meets you for the transfer to the airport. Your room is available until noon.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in from 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant streets or simply rest. Meals in your own arrangement. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After your Ho Chi Minh adventure, enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace before being transferred to the airport for your flight. The transfer will be provided by a driver only, allowing you some quiet personal time before departure. Meals today will be at your own expense.