4 Days 3 Nights in the Mekong Delta: Off-the-beaten-path

After leaving Ho Chi Minh City, arrive at Mương Đình Lodge and check in. Located in the countryside of Can Tho, the lodge offers an authentic countryside stay, where nature and local life are part of the experience, the lodge is surrounded by leafy trees, fruit gardens, and open green spaces, creating a peaceful setting where you can feel closer to nature and the simple rhythms of the Mekong Delta.

In the afternoon

Put on a traditional Vietnamese Bà Ba outfit and discover Mekong Delta cuisine in a hands-on, authentic way. Explore the garden, harvest fresh vegetables, try your hand at catching fish, and prepare local ingredients for your meal.

Next, join the chef to learn how to prepare 4–5 traditional dishes from Southern Vietnam. Beyond following recipes, you will discover how to select ingredients, learn traditional cooking techniques, and understand the secrets behind the distinctive flavors of each dish. At the end of the class, sit down and enjoy the dishes you have prepared yourself.

Discover the unique Cham culture, traditional crafts, lush cajuput forests, and local cuisine on a day trip to An Giang.

5:30 AM

Depart from Mương Đình Lodge. Depart early for An Giang. Feel free to catch up on some sleep during the journey. Stop at a local restaurant to try a regional specialty while hearing interesting stories about the people and culture of An Giang.

Discover the Cham Community & Traditional Crafts

Explore a Cham Village: Visit a Cham village near the Mekong River, where colorful floating fish farms line the water. Learn how local families make their living through traditional fish farming and discover their daily lives along the river. You may also catch a glimpse of the Vietnam–Cambodia border.

Discover Traditional Cham Brocade Weaving: Visit a local home to learn about the traditional techniques behind Cham brocade weaving, a craft that reflects the community’s cultural identity and is passed down through generations.

Visit a Cham Mosque: Admire the distinctive architecture of a Cham mosque and discover its importance to the community’s faith and cultural heritage.

Explore the Green Cajuput Forest: Board a boat and journey through a lush, flooded cajuput forest, passing beneath towering green trees and along peaceful waterways. Keep an eye out for birds and storks resting among the branches while enjoying the natural beauty of An Giang.

Lunch at a Local Home: Enjoy lunch at a local family’s home, featuring regional specialties and the warmth of everyday countryside life.

Optional Stop – A Colorful Khmer Pagoda

Around 4:00 PM

Depending on your energy level and preference, visit a colorful Khmer pagoda to discover another aspect of the Mekong Delta’s cultural diversity. If you prefer a more relaxed day, you can head straight back to Mương Đình Lodge.

Morning

Discover the authentic Mekong Delta on a peaceful bicycle journey through the countryside. Starting from Mương Đình Lodge, cycle along quiet canals, green fruit gardens, and charming local houses while discovering the everyday life, traditional crafts, and local knowledge that make this region unique.

Explore several meaningful local stops along the way:

Uncle 5’s Garden – Discover his traditional sustainable farming system, where vegetables, fish, and other elements work together in a resourceful cycle. Learn about the ingenuity and everyday wisdom of a local farmer.

Traditional Coconut Broom Making – Visit Aunt 2, who has dedicated nearly 40 years to making coconut-stem brooms by hand. Discover this traditional craft and try a few steps of the broom-making process yourself.

Traditional Rice Wine Making – Visit Ms. Hanh’s home to learn about traditional Vietnamese rice wine, from fermentation to local distillation techniques, and discover its place in Mekong Delta food culture.

Local Snack Making – Visit Ms. 10’s home to prepare traditional local snacks using unique fruits from her garden. Enjoy your homemade treats together while sharing a warm moment with a local family.

Afternoon

The afternoon is free for you to unwind at the lodge. Relax in a hammock, enjoy the lush greenery, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong countryside.

Visit Cai Rang Floating Market around 5:00 AM and experience the Mekong Delta as the river comes alive with local trading and everyday activities.

Authentic River Life: Observe the lively trading boats, discover the unique Cây Bẹo — bamboo poles displaying goods for sale — and get a glimpse of how local families live and work along the river.

Floating Breakfast: Enjoy a steaming bowl of local noodles aboard a wooden boat, followed by fresh seasonal tropical fruits and a closer look at the vibrant trading culture of the floating market.

After exploring the market, enjoy a unique small-boat journey through peaceful, narrow canals, discovering a quieter side of the Mekong Delta and its authentic riverside life.

Local Crafts & Cacao Traditions: Discover the traditional craft of making hủ tiếu noodles and rice paper, then learn how local farmers grow and process cacao beans into handmade chocolate and other treats.

After the tour, return to Mương Đình Lodge, check out, and begin your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.