Journey Through South Vietnam’s Traditional Craft Villages 4 days

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis where modern energy meets timeless culture. After your arrival and check-in at the hotel, get ready to dive straight into the local rhythm with a thrilling culinary adventure on scooter.

At 17:30, your local driver-guide will greet you at your accommodation and whisk you off into the evening buzz. Cruising down Saigon’s vibrant streets on the back of a scooter, you’ll pass illuminated boulevards and glide by landmarks like the towering Bitexco Financial Tower, a shining beacon in the city’s skyline. The rush of scooters, neon lights, and the savory aroma from roadside vendors all blend into an exhilarating urban symphony.

Your first taste of authentic Saigon begins in Chinatown. Here, the streets come alive with the scents of sizzling woks and incense drifting from intricate Chinese temples. Wander through these lively alleys, marvel at the fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese culture, and try your hand at haggling for small souvenirs or snacks. Be sure to sample local street food classics like hủ tiếu, Chinese-style dim sum, or bánh bao.

As the night deepens, the tour takes you to the city’s floral heart - the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. Founded in 1987, this bustling market is a kaleidoscope of color and fragrance. Under glowing lights, florists unload fresh blooms from trucks, filling the air with the scents of lilies, orchids, and marigolds. This is also a hidden gem for street eats, where you can taste Cambodian-influenced specialties and desserts found nowhere else in Saigon.

By 22:00, your scooter weaves its way back through the humming streets to return you to your hotel. With a full stomach, a camera roll of neon-lit snapshots, and the wind still fresh in your hair, you’ll finish the day having truly felt the pulse of Saigon by night.

Morning

Start your morning with a warm greeting from your local guide at 08:00 as you set off to uncover the rich tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic metropolis where French colonial charm meets modern-day vibrancy. Today’s journey will take you through iconic landmarks, spiritual sanctuaries, bustling markets, and hidden artisan enclaves.

Begin at the Reunification Palace, a symbol of Vietnam’s turbulent past and its journey toward unity. Wander through grand conference halls, presidential chambers, and lush gardens as your guide shares gripping stories of the Fall of Saigon and the palace’s pivotal role in ending the Vietnam War.

From there, step into the sobering corridors of the War Remnants Museum. The curated exhibits and photographs offer a powerful perspective on the realities of conflict, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and strength.

Continue to the architectural legacy of the French colonial era at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture. Built during the French colonial period, this cathedral is a symbol of the city's rich history and a place of serene beauty.

Just next door, the Old Post Office’s grand arched windows, vaulted ceilings and antique telephone booths will transport you to another era.

NOTE: Due to ongoing maintenance, the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed to visitors until further notice.

Afternoon

Pause for a leisurely lunch before diving into the spiritual side of the city with a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda. Founded in the 18th century, this tranquil sanctuary invites you to admire its seven-tiered stupa, ancient statues, and quiet courtyards filled with incense and prayers.

Next, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Thien Hau Pagoda, nestled in the heart of Chinatown. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, this ornate temple is adorned with ceramic dioramas and wooden altars, offering a window into the traditions of the Chinese-Vietnamese community.

As the sun begins to set, venture into District 5 to explore a hidden cultural gem - a traditional lantern village. In this cozy craft studio, artisans will guide you through the delicate process of making paper toys and lanterns, a cherished tradition especially vibrant during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Create your own colorful piece to take home as a memory of your day immersed in the soul of Saigon.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, filled with the sights, stories, and creativity that make this city unforgettable.

Morning

Begin your day early at 07:00, as your guide and driver warmly welcome you at the meeting point in Noi Do Wharf or Youth Cultural House. You'll then embark on a scenic journey heading southwest to An Giang Province, gateway to the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. As the cityscape gives way to lush countryside, enjoy views of river tributaries, fruit orchards, and local life unfolding along the roads.

After a short breakfast stop, the group makes its way to Cho Moi Commune, home to the century-old My An Wicker Village. This traditional village has been crafting hand-woven wicker goods for over 100 years. Walk among local artisans as they transform bamboo and rattan into intricately woven baskets, trays, and household items. You’ll witness how cultural pride and skilled hands shape each piece, sustaining a craft that’s deeply rooted in the soul of the Mekong region.

Continue your journey to the nearby Hoi An Leaf Hat Craft Village - not to be mistaken for the town of Hoi An. This quiet but storied village dates back to the 1930s and has long been dedicated to crafting “non la”, Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. You’ll gain a rare look at how these timeless symbols are made, with layers of palm leaves sewn delicately into shape - each hat a graceful blend of function, history, and Vietnamese identity.

From there, the car continues toward Long Xuyen, a charming riverside city in An Giang. You’ll enjoy a quintessential Mekong experience - crossing the Hau River by An Hoa Ferry. The Hau River, one of the nine dragons of the Mekong, carries the legacy of generations. As you drift across on this humble but vital ferry, you’ll feel the pulse of the Delta, where water is both road and livelihood.

Upon reaching Phan Nam Farm, you’ll dive into hands-on rural life. At this eco-friendly farm, roll up your sleeves and join locals in catching fish from a pond - a joyful, muddy, and truly Vietnamese experience. Then explore the farm’s organic vegetable and fruit gardens, grown with clean, sustainable methods. Afterward, relax and refuel with a fresh farm-to-table lunch, surrounded by the peaceful Mekong landscape.

Afternoon

Around 14:00, check in to your hotel in Long Xuyen, where you can rest or enjoy some free time to wander and enjoy the specialties in this Delta city on your own.

Evening

Regroup for dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor authentic local flavors. After dinner, the night is yours to explore or relax before a restful overnight stay in Long Xuyen.

You will start the day at 6:30 with a breakfast at the hotel. At 8:30 , meet at the hotel lobby for check-in and transfer to Van Giao Commune to visit Tra Su Melaleuca Forest – a typical wetland forest of Vietnam, known for having the longest bamboo bridge through the forest in the country.

During your visit, you’ll engage all five senses: admire the rich natural scenery, touch the clear blue water, listen to the sounds of birds, smell the faint fragrance of melaleuca and water lilies, and enjoy the specialty dishes of An Giang province.

At 12:30, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, the bus will pick you up and transfer you back to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way, the tour guide will stop so you can purchase local specialties and have dinner at your own expense.

The trip ends with your return to Ho Chi Minh City, expected around 21:00. See you again soon!