Cruise along one of the world's mightiest rivers - the Mekong and enjoy a tapestry of sights and sounds. Rest on the upper deck of the "Bassac" luxury junk boat - a ‘floating hotel’ -  and enjoy a landscape of rice fields, sugar cane, forest and local life.
The Bassac is entirely built of wood, from the hull of an 80-foot-long rice barge. The 12 ensuite air-conditioned comfortable cabins are set in the front of the Bassac and well insulated so as to provide the passengers with a good night's sleep even if under way. They are entirely fitted with wood, and equipped as rooms in a good hotel. Owing to a large heat exchanger on the main engine, the Bassac produces enough hot water for many showers a day. There is also a living area and large sundeck for those sundowners!

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City at 8.30am and transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho, boarding Bassac at 12.00h. Welcome drink, introduction of the ship and crew, and check in the cabins. Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river whilst enjoying a delicious lunch on the upper deck. Swerve into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, viewing local shipyards on the way. You will then visit a village on the bank of Co Chien or Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the local inhabitants, and their hospitality.  We will then return back to the boat and relax at the open bar enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising through Mang Thit river before setting anchor in front of Phuoc Hau pagoda, in Tra On for overnight. (Lunch & Dinner)

Day  2: Mang Thit – Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City
Rise to the bustling sounds of Mekong river life. At 6.30am the boat will depart towards Cai Be. Enjoy breakfast while cruising the canals and observing the bustling morning river life
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.

Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft villages.  Transfer back  to Ho Chi Minh City and drop off at your hotel.  (Breakfast, Lunch)

Trip price: please enquire for availability and cost

Tour includes:
English speaking guide
All transportation and transfers 
One night on twin cabin, Bassac boat
Boat cruise
Meals as indicated
Admission fees and permits where applicable
Round trip transportation by private car to/from Saigon

Tour excludes:
Pre/post trip arrangement
Visa and visa arrangement
Travel insurance
Other personal expenses

Accommodation
Hotel & Local Home stay

Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle & Boat

Spending Money
Allow US$ 15 per day for incidentalsMoney Exchange: Ensure you local currency before leaving Saigon. At time of writing the exchange rate was 1 USD = 15,900 Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Fitness Requirements
There are no special fitness requirements to participate in this trip.

What to take
You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage; therefore it is in your own interest to pack as lightly as possible. We suggest a medium-sized backpack enough essentials for one nights away. We also recommend sandals and a pair of loose fitting comfortable long pants for the evenings.

Before you leave home complete the following checklist:
• Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months and warmer clothing for the winter months; sun hat.
• Travel Documents: Passport, visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets.
• Health requirements and travel insurance arranged.
• Flashlight/Torch, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.
• Money: Us dollars or travelers cheques and/or credit card.
• Raincoat or umbrella (winter months only, ask Buffalo Tours sale office to provide upon request).
• Cable lock or padlock for luggage.

Joining instructions
You will be collected from your hotel in HCMC and dropped back there at the end of the tour. Pick up time will be advised on confirmation of booking.

 

"He was an excellent tour guide and really made the trip so much more enjoyable. Always answered our questions and went out of his way."

 

Cid Gokalp, Australia