Can Tho: 2-Day Discover Hidden Gems in the Land of a Thousand Canals

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

A boat loaded with straw passing under the bridge on the Xà No canal.

What is included

Accommodation: 1 night 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: 1 Breakfast (à la carte or buffet), 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, and 1 Interactive Local Cooking Lunch.
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.

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.

08:00 AM

Sampan Canal Cruise, Village Life & Artisans

Put on comfortable, traditional Bà Ba farmer attire and carry a woven bamboo basket. 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 & Deep Farming Experience: 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. Then turn back to the lodge and the guide will introduce the natural resources of the lodge garden and go fishing directly at the lodge pond to prepare ingredients for dinner.

Lunch

Farm-to-Table Cooking Class

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.

Then say goodbye the lodge and turn back Ho Chi Minh.

Schedules and transportation may change to accommodate the tides.