Can Tho: 3-Day Discover Hidden Gems in the Land of a Thousand Canals (must try)

This itinerary dives deep into the river culture, wet rice heritage, and unique self-sufficient lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.

Walking the bamboo grove in conical hats.

What is included

Accommodation: 2 nights stay at Mương Đình Lodge (surrounded by fresh green countryside gardens and cool waterways).
Transportation: Round-trip private transfer (pick up from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or custom locations to the lodge and turn back—please notify us upon booking).
Meals: 2 Breakfasts (à la carte or buffet), 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner, and 1 Interactive Local Cooking Dinner.
Full Lodge Access: Complimentary use of bicycles, relaxing hammocks, fishing rods, books, and handicraft tools.
Activities & Tours: All boat trips, farming activities, workshops, entry tickets, and local transport mentioned in the itinerary.
Refill Water: Free refill drinking water throughout your stay.
Taxes: Includes VAT (Government Value Added Tax).

Ask about this package

Day by day

Day 1: The Life Cycle of Mekong Rice & Countryside Treasures

07:00 AM

Departure (time can be adjusted)

Your driver meets you at your location for a comfortable transfer out of the city and into a peaceful, emerald-green countryside homestay surrounded by winding waterways and lush gardens.

11:00 AM

Welcome Ritual & Authentic Countryside Lunch

Arrive at Mương Đình Lodge and be greeted with a very special welcome performance/ritual, complete with refreshing drinks and traditional cakes. Enjoy a delicious lunch packed with authentic countryside specialties. If your room is ready, you can check in right after lunch.

01:00 PM

The Historic Grand Canal & Agricultural Discoveries

Board a private boat to begin your “Journey to Discover the True Value of Mekong Rice in The land of a Thousand Canals.” Cruise along the largest canal system in the Mekong Delta, machine-dug during the French colonial era back in 1907—the very birthplace of the region’s rice prosperity.

Life along the Waterway: Admire vast water landscapes, observe daily riverbank life, and watch massive water barges worth hundreds of millions to tens of billions of VND glide past.

Birthplace of Rice: Stop at seasonal rice fields to see where Vietnam’s staple grain begins its life (field appearance varies depending on the crop season).

Goat Family Farm: Visit the home of the local woman who owns the largest goat herd in the Mekong Delta, certified with provincial VietGAHP organic livestock standards. Play and interact with friendly goats, listen to her family’s passionate story, and sample fresh goat milk creations—especially the unique freeze-dried goat yogurt.

Lotus Lake Experience: Discover Vietnam’s noble symbol—the lotus. Admire the stunning lotus pond, learn how locals ingeniously utilize every part of this plant, hand-pick fresh lotus seed pods (gương sen), and savor a bowl of sweet lotus seed soup (chè hạt sen).

Rice Mills & Traditional Wine Workshop: Continue past active rice milling factories to see how paddy husks are removed to produce clean white rice. On the way back, stop at the home of Ms. Hanh—a master brewer “full of wine yeast.” Learn about her closed-loop handmade traditional rice wine process, sample smooth local spirits, and participate in a hands-on workshop making fruit wine using authentic local techniques.

Evening

Dinner at the Lodge

Return to the lodge to conclude the story of rice with an inventive dinner, paired with handmade wine.

Fresh lotus seeds in a pot, beside lotus seed pods.

Day 2: Multi-Layered Values of Mekong Delta Produce & Hands-On Farming

Morning

Riverside Breakfast & Morning Rhythms

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast right by the riverbank while watching wooden boats and street vendor carts pass by on land and water, taking in the lively morning calls echoing across the river.

09:00 AM

Sampan Canal Cruise, Village Life & Craftsman

Hop onto a small wooden sampan boat (ghe) to navigate narrow, winding waterways.

Village Exploration: Visit a local neighborhood market, a countryside school, and a peaceful village temple/pagoda.

Weaving Workshop: Cruise down to the home of local artisans dedicated to making a living through traditional bamboo and coconut weaving. Participate in the product-making process, try weaving your own item, and purchase handmade souvenirs to support local craftspeople.

Monkey Bridges & Fruit Harvesting: On the way back, travel through the most picturesque canal section in the area. Take photos with lush rows of water coconut palms and wooden monkey bridges (cầu khỉ). Stop by Uncle 5’s garden (vườn chú 5) to harvest fresh fruits for your lunch dessert.

Midday

Local Hotpot Lunch & Rest

Return to the lodge to feast on a famous local specialty hotpot accompanied by a cooling homemade drink, followed by free time to relax.

02:00 PM

Deep Farming Experience & Herbal Foot Bath

Put on comfortable, traditional Bà Ba farmer attire and carry a woven bamboo basket. The guide will introduce the natural resources of the lodge garden. Gather fresh garden produce, then move to a neighboring orchard to wade into the mud and catch fish with your hands (or fish directly at the lodge pond) to prepare ingredients for dinner.

Late Afternoon

Herbal Foot Soak

While the kitchen space is being prepared, unwind with a soothing foot bath made from warm water and fresh herbs picked directly from the garden.

Evening

Farm-to-Table Cooking Class & Feast

Gather in the kitchen to cook 4–5 authentic local dishes under the chef’s step-by-step guidance using your harvested ingredients, followed by a delicious dinner enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Adults and children catching fish by hand in the mud.

Day 3: Coconut Dessert Workshop & Gentle Farewell

Morning

Sunlit Garden Breakfast

Wake up to bird songs and enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the riverview restaurant or in the warm, sunlit garden grounds.

09:30 AM

Easy Coconut Dessert Workshop

Join a fun, easy cooking session to learn how to make a delicious traditional dessert prepared from fresh coconut and tropical fruits.

11:30 AM

Farewell Lunch & Check-Out

Sit down for lunch featuring the sweet dessert you crafted earlier. Check out of your room, say goodbye to your hosts, and depart with unforgettable memories.

Schedules and transportation may change to accommodate the tides.

We can adjust or add more activities in the early morning Day 3 such as (floating market and go to forest).