DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

Xin Chào! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Known affectionately as Saigon by its locals, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest, liveliest city. Once you have collected your luggage at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, say hello to the local guide and transfer to your hotel in the city centre.

Spend the day at leisure resting or discovering the city independently, sampling high-end cocktails from glamorous rooftop bars or sitting down at any number of incredible restaurants with carefully curated menus of the day.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2: CU CHI TUNNELS & OLD SAIGON (B,L)

Today’s all about history, and what better way to learn than with a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam American War. Hear the tales of how these tunnels were built and visit two sections of the tunnel where it is still possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. Afterwards, return to the centre of Ho Chi Minh City in time to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, explore old Saigon with a walking tour of its most iconic buildings, starting with the Reunification Hall, formally called the Presidential Palace. Stroll through the colonial quarter, walking past bustling food stalls and zooming motorbikes, admiring the beautiful architecture of the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera, and the Old Saigon Post Office.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 3: SAI GON - VINH LONG - CAN THO (B,L)

Say good-bye to Saigon as you travel deep into the heart of Mekong Delta to Vinh Long province.  Board a small boat and float downstream on the Mekong River to An Binh Island. Here, visit local family-run businesses that make rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice. Taste local delicacies such as juicy fruits and homemade candies with tea, followed by a lunch within a lush orchard, serving up Mekong Delta specialties as traditional music (đờn ca tài tử) plays nearby.

After lunch, continue cruising towards Mang Thit’s Red Bricks Kingdom, the largest brick and pottery producer in the region. This craft village is set along the My An and Hoa Tinh canals, and at one point housed nearly 2,000 kilns! Nowadays, there are less than 1,000 kilns in operation, nonetheless, it’s an excellent opportunity to watch true artisans at work using the same process as 100 years ago. The cruise’s last stop includes a visit of Long Ho Village, popular for its conical hats and rice noodle production.

Once the cruise finishes, drive 1-hour south to the Mekong’s largest city, sparkling Can Tho, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 4: CAN THO (B,L)

Rise and shine! An early morning start today is required in order to see Southeast Asia’s largest floating market, Cai Rang, at its best! Grab a quick bite of breakfast at the hotel before departing to the docks and a short boat trip to the heart of the market, where countless boats anchor during the morning hours and create lanes for smaller boats to weave in and out of. The main items sold are fruit and vegetables, with every seller advertising what’s available by hoisting a long upright bamboo pole from their boat with samples of what’s for sale attached.

After you’ve seen the market, head back to shore and join a cycling tour for a glimpse into the Mekong. Peddle along quiet countryside roads through peaceful villages, tropical orchards, and small canals, listening to your guide tell interesting stories about the culture and life of the area. Keep your eyes open for the iconic monkey bridges, too!  

Lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the comfort of your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation, perhaps by the infinity pool overlooking the Mekong River or indulging in a pampering massage treatment at the on-site spa.

Tonight, treat yourself to a taste of Can Tho. It is recommended to take a street food tour, trying many Can Tho speciality dishes, such as fried prawn banh xeo, a type of filled pancake, local beers, grilled pork spring rolls, local ice creams, and more! 

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 5: CAN THO DEPARTURE (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure until check out at noon, transferring to either Can Tho International Airport or Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your upcoming travel arrangements. If you’d like to extend your adventure in Vietnam, ask us about relaxing beach breaks on the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc or country-hop to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap overland or by cruise!  

Please contact us for the best rates.

+ 04-night hotel accommodation in twin/double shared room (see Accommodation Info section for details)

+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ Mekong River Day Cruise by private traditional boat

+ Cai Rang floating market tour by private traditional boat

+ English, French or Chinese-speaking local guide (please enquire for other languages)

+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise

+ Entrance fees for mentioned visits and activities

+ VAT and service charges.

+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)

+ Visa fee, travel insurance

+ Can Tho street food tour

+ Meals other than mentioned above

+ Early check-in or late check-out fees

+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc)

+ Peak season surcharges and compulsory gala dinner on 24^th Dec and 31^st Dec

+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above

+ Tips: It’s recommended to tip your guide and driver AUD10/day/guest.

PAYMENTS

A deposit of 30% of the total booking is required within three days from the date of confirmation. The balance payment is due at 45 days prior to tour commencement date. For bookings made less than 45 days, full payment is required. Bookings will be cancelled if payments are not received by the due date(s).

Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit cards. In addition to the total payable amount, credit card payments will incur a merchant fee of 2.5% for MasterCard and Visa, 3% for American Express. Any bank charges and merchant fees must be covered by the customer.

CANCELLATIONS

Confirmed bookings must be cancelled by the party leader in writing (by email) and this will only be effective once the written cancellation is confirmed by FantaSea Vietnam. Cancellation by the party leader will be subject to the following cancellation fees from the date the written cancellation is received:

+ more than 45 days prior to tour date - 10% of total cost

+ between 31 and 45 days prior to tour date - 25% of total cost

+ between 16 and 30 days prior to tour date - 50% of total cost

+ within 15 days prior to tour date or “no show” - 100% of total cost.

AMENDMENTS

Any amendments to confirmed bookings must be requested by the party leader in writing (by email). Whilst we will endeavor to assist, we cannot guarantee that requests will be met. If we can make the requested change, you will be provided with a quote detailing any additional costs, whether incurred due to your amendments, imposed by a Third-Party Travel Provider, or our amendment fees. In all cases, the following amendment fees shall apply:

+ If amendments are made more than 45 days prior to scheduled tour date: the first amendment is free of charge. From the second amendment: a charge of U$80 per amendment for a short trip (less than 7 nights) or U$150 per amendment for a long journey (7 nights or more).

+ If amendments are made within 45 days prior to scheduled tour date: the above standard cancellation fees will apply, and full price will apply to new travel arrangements.

We will not charge any cancellation/amendment fees if it is due to a breach by us of any of our obligations or due to our fault; or if the Third-Party Travel Provider amends your booking through no fault of the customer.