Experience The Real Vietnam
From the quiet towns of Mỹ Tho and Bến Tre to the floating markets of Cần Thơ, the flower farms of Sa Đéc to the stunning, waterlogged landscapes of Châu Đốc, there is plenty to keep you occupied in the Delta.
Briefing Activities:
Day 1: Saigon – Mekong Homestay(30KM)
Day 2: Homestay – Tra Vinh (50KM)
Day 3: Tra Vinh – Bac Lieu (70KM)
Day 4: Bac Lieu – Rach Gia ( 80KM)
Day 5: Rach Gia – Chau Doc (75KM)
Day 6: Chau Doc -Cao Lanh (70KM)
Day 7: Cao Lanh – Can Tho( 65KM)
Day 8: Cantho – Saigon (30KM)
This region is flush with wildlife, historical sights, and incredible landscapes. The River of Nine Dragons, as locals know the area, is where the Mekong splinters into nine separate branches, crisscrossing low landscapes before reaching the sea. Life moves much more slowly here and is often surrounded by water. You’ll find even homes, farms, and markets take on an aquatic adaptation in the Mekong Delta.
Cycling through villages to experience the daily life of the locals.
Kayaking through canals to see the real Mekong river life.
Tasting all Mekong local cuisine.
Staying overnight at a local homestay.
Visiting all historical sites and much more is waiting for you to discover.
Cycling through villages to experience the daily life of the locals.
Kayaking through canals to see the real Mekong river life.
Tasting all Mekong local cuisine.
Staying overnight at a local homestay.
Visiting all historical sites and much more is waiting for you to discover.
Day 1: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Homestay
Leaving Saigon at 8 A.m for Mekong Delta. It takes about 1, 5 hours to peaceful Mekong countryside where we start biking to explore these idyllic landscapes.
Bicycle through many colorful Dragon fruit orchards, passing beautiful and green paddy fields. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Afternoon, we will have around 2hrs kayaking through the island to experience Mekong river life. Overnight at local homestay.
Cycling distance: 30 – 40km – Kayaking: From 01 hour.
Day 2: Vinh Long – Tra vinh (B, L, D)
Early wake-up is needed as we will paddle on the Mekong River to see the Sunrise and follow by the local morning market.
Late morning Today, we start riding on 4 islands to observe the daily life of the locals. Arriving in Cholach township at noontime for lunch. Spend time here learning how the locals planting and caring Bonzai trees which makes this place famous for ornamental.
Then, we will have long-distance biking along Co Chien River, one of the branches of the Mekong river. arrive Tra Vinh in the late afternoon. Overnight in Tra Vinh.
Cycling distance: 50 -60km – Kayaking: 01 Hour
Day 3: Tra Vinh – Soc Trang – Bac Lieu (B/L/D) (70 km)
Tra Vinh and Soc Trang are pleasant local routes. The dirt track is ideal for cycling, a concrete vein weaving its way through the vibrant green scenery. Ride on local trails through farmlands and little charming villages, Khmer temples, primary schools in rural villages. Overnight in Bac Lieu Town.
Day 4: Bac Lieu – Rach Gia (B/L/D) (80 km)
The highlight of today’s cycling is to explore a network of natural creeks through removed villages and rice paddy fields, small local floating markets on your way cycling to Vi Thanh. We cycle on small asphalt countryside roads, through huge rice fields, villages along rivers, share space with locals on small ferries before we finish today’s ride. Then we get on the van/bus for a transfer to Rach Gia.
Day 5: Rach Gia – Tra Su – Chau Doc (B/L/D) (75 km)
Today’s cycling will be off-road cycling. We ride on path, single track across villages and wild grass fields, cajeput forest along the river as you racing with local cargo boats. Then we follow a single track along the eucalyptus field to the mountain and hilly single track and country back roads in the Mekong Delta with lots of farming activities such as farmers harvesting chili, tapioca, and corns.
We finish the day by taking a boat trip to visit Tra Su Cajeput. Overnight in Chau Doc Town
Day 6: Chau Doc – Cho Moi – Cao Lanh (B/L/D) ( 70 km)
The Ride today is toward Cao Lanh via Cho Moi Town, a homeland of Hoa Hao Buddhism holy temple. afternoon cycle ride to the Monastery, which was built 120 years ago by the French. The first monastery building site was established in 1874 in Indochina. We will continue to explore many islets and end up at Cao Lanh. Overnight in Cao Lanh
Day 7: Cao Lanh – Sadec – Can Tho (B/L/D) (65 km)
Cao Lanh is a big city and also a new town after the Vietnam war. The drowsy former capital of Dong Thap province, Sa Dec is a comparatively peaceful city of tree-lined streets and fading colonial villas. The ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le is where we have lunch after your guide lead you cycling on village routes through the Sadec flower plantation. In this afternoon, your guide will plan a shady unique dirt track so you can enjoy the scenery to Can Tho City.
Day 8: Can Tho – Vinh Long – HCM (B/L) (30 km)
The highlight of your last day is to have a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market. Then you will have half-day cycling to Vinh Long on a real back road before we return to HCM by vehicle. Ends of our wonderful Mekong Adventures.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Homestay
Leaving Saigon at 8 A.m for Mekong Delta. It takes about 1, 5 hours to peaceful Mekong countryside where we start biking to explore these idyllic landscapes.
Bicycle through many colorful Dragon fruit orchards, passing beautiful and green paddy fields. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Afternoon, we will have around 2hrs kayaking through the island to experience Mekong river life. Overnight at local homestay.
Cycling distance: 30 – 40km – Kayaking: From 01 hour.
Day 2: Vinh Long – Tra vinh (B, L, D)
Early wake-up is needed as we will paddle on the Mekong River to see the Sunrise and follow by the local morning market.
Late morning Today, we start riding on 4 islands to observe the daily life of the locals. Arriving in Cholach township at noontime for lunch. Spend time here learning how the locals planting and caring Bonzai trees which makes this place famous for ornamental.
Then, we will have long-distance biking along Co Chien River, one of the branches of the Mekong river. arrive Tra Vinh in the late afternoon. Overnight in Tra Vinh.
Cycling distance: 50 -60km – Kayaking: 01 Hour
Day 3: Tra Vinh – Soc Trang – Bac Lieu (B/L/D) (70 km)
Tra Vinh and Soc Trang are pleasant local routes. The dirt track is ideal for cycling, a concrete vein weaving its way through the vibrant green scenery. Ride on local trails through farmlands and little charming villages, Khmer temples, primary schools in rural villages. Overnight in Bac Lieu Town.
Day 4: Bac Lieu – Rach Gia (B/L/D) (80 km)
The highlight of today’s cycling is to explore a network of natural creeks through removed villages and rice paddy fields, small local floating markets on your way cycling to Vi Thanh. We cycle on small asphalt countryside roads, through huge rice fields, villages along rivers, share space with locals on small ferries before we finish today’s ride. Then we get on the van/bus for a transfer to Rach Gia.
Day 5: Rach Gia – Tra Su – Chau Doc (B/L/D) (75 km)
Today’s cycling will be off-road cycling. We ride on path, single track across villages and wild grass fields, cajeput forest along the river as you racing with local cargo boats. Then we follow a single track along the eucalyptus field to the mountain and hilly single track and country back roads in the Mekong Delta with lots of farming activities such as farmers harvesting chili, tapioca, and corns.
We finish the day by taking a boat trip to visit Tra Su Cajeput. Overnight in Chau Doc Town
Day 6: Chau Doc – Cho Moi – Cao Lanh (B/L/D) ( 70 km)
The Ride today is toward Cao Lanh via Cho Moi Town, a homeland of Hoa Hao Buddhism holy temple. afternoon cycle ride to the Monastery, which was built 120 years ago by the French. The first monastery building site was established in 1874 in Indochina. We will continue to explore many islets and end up at Cao Lanh. Overnight in Cao Lanh
Day 7: Cao Lanh – Sadec – Can Tho (B/L/D) (65 km)
Cao Lanh is a big city and also a new town after the Vietnam war. The drowsy former capital of Dong Thap province, Sa Dec is a comparatively peaceful city of tree-lined streets and fading colonial villas. The ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le is where we have lunch after your guide lead you cycling on village routes through the Sadec flower plantation. In this afternoon, your guide will plan a shady unique dirt track so you can enjoy the scenery to Can Tho City.
Day 8: Can Tho – Vinh Long – HCM (B/L) (30 km)
The highlight of your last day is to have a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market. Then you will have half-day cycling to Vinh Long on a real back road before we return to HCM by vehicle. Ends of our wonderful Mekong Adventures.
Countryside Adventures
Tour Cost Includes:
Accommodation based on Twin/Double Sharing with daily breakfast.
High quality Trek/Giant Bikes with helmet. ( Road and E-bikes are available at our bike Store. Additional charge 30USD per day.)
All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D =Dinner
Lunch in midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
Mechanic throughout the tour
Boat trip, local ferry
Back up AC vehicle for a complete tour ( Bus, + Truck for a group size from 06 -12 Riders)
01 English speaking Local Guide for a group size 02 -08. For group size from 09 -12, we do provide 02 Cycling Guide.
Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
All road and transport taxes.
Tour Cost Excludes:
International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Other personal expenses
Tips and Gratitude for Driver/Boat captain and Local Cycling Guide. We suggest a minimum of 03USD per person per day for our Driver and 08USD for a local Cycling Guide.
Travel insurance.
Any Hard and Soft Drink with meals.
Countryside Adventures Team.
Special Discount will be valided until December,31th,2024. Please contact our team for further information for this Offer.
Package cost per person in US Dollars:
Group size: 02 Persons: 1320 USD per person.
Group size: 03 -05 Persons: 1120 USD per person.
Group size: 06 -10 Persons: 995 USD per person.
Countryside Adventures Team.
TRIP PROFILE
BIKING GRADE
Moderate Grade means these tours involve in moderate both activities and flexible for a private group,
Please note physical required activities from 03 – 05 hours per days,
Who suits: Recommended for moderate travelers, Families, who love outdoor activities.
Activity: 3-5 hours most days
Distances per day: Kayaking for day 1,2: from 01 – 02 hours – cycle 20 – 45 miles (or 32 – 72km) most days.
Road conditions: Mekong Delta is as flat as a pancake. Most of our routes are villages, countryside concretes roads mix with tarmac roads which are comfortable for riders to experience the Mekong countryside.
Bikes
The bikes you will be riding are well-known such as Trek/ Giant or Cannondale makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 27- 29 speed gearing, Disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case, let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Safety
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Guides
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE BIKING DAYS
A typical biking day starts at about 7.30 am after breakfast. Lunchtimes can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5:00 pm. During the biking, we will have short breaks for rest, snack,s and photographs.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH?
Original passport – compulsory
Suitable, familiar shoes/ a pair of string back sandals or slippers. *
A small backpack with rain cover. *
Cycling shoes *
Regular cycling gloves *
Your own Helmet best fitting your head size – often give more comfort or using ours.
Clothes:
Base-layers, short sleeve cycling jerseys *
Long sleeved cycling jerseys *
Padded cycling shorts x 2, incl. 1 pair of baggies
100% cotton, comfortable underwear (top/bottom).
A light sweater or jacket.
Sleeping clothes (top/bottom).
Several pairs of socks.
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. *
Light raincoats.
Toiletries – woman’s sanitary products.
Anti-insect repellent.
Common medicines in your personal first-aid kits.
GoPro Camera – optional – to record details of your journey.
GPS mobile phone with multi sockets – optional – to entertain and keep contact with your family or fellow passengers.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Health
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.
Weather
There are two main seasons in the Mekong Delta: a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature in both seasons is generally comfortable, although some months (November to February) are considered more comfortable for traveling.
Dry Season: December to April
From December to the end of April, Vietnam gets a break from all the rain. During this season, while occasional rains still occur, you can expect clearer blue skies, brilliant green landscapes, and lower levels of humidity.
The average temperature from December to February in the Mekong Delta ranges from about 22ºC at night to about 32ºC in the daytime.
It starts to get hot in March with a temperature of about 34ºC in the daytime and it reaches its highest temperatures in April and May (about 35–38ºC in the daytime).
This season is excellent for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and experiencing the local culture. On nice days local musicians will often sit outside and play their instruments. If you are feeling adventurous you can try walking between the villages or simply take a relaxing boat ride in the shade of the trees.
Rainy Season: May to November
The rainy season begins in May and continues through most of November. While rainy, this is also the hottest time of the year and the humidity is often uncomfortably high. The heaviest rainfall occurs in June and July.
Food
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from non-cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat, and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint, and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger, and lime juice. There are numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice-based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit (bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons, and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee, and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Drink
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Solo Travelers
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
HOTELS AND HOMESTAY
In big towns, we use the finest 3-star with the central location. Please contact us if you prefer a higher hotel category. In remote areas, we use the best hotels or guest houses available.
Homestay in villages is basic in terms of bedding conditions and amenities. The toilet is usually a western style.
GENERAL BOOKING INFO
Booking
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
Deposit
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Balance
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
Cancellation Policy
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team