OVERVIEW

This Vietnam day tour ventures off-the beaten-path to 'The Island of Coconuts'. The verdant terrain of Ben Tre Island is teeming with fruit orchards, waterways, rustic villages and rolling rice fields. Situated close to Ho Chi Minh City this tour is a leisurely excursion - take a boat trip up the Mekong passing river craft and local cottage industries on route, before weaving along lovely country lanes by bicycle passing through coconut groves and villages.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Arrive in the town of My Tho where you will take a boat trip over the Tien River to Ben Tre Island. As you cross over the river (a branch of the Mekong) you will pass sand barges and small sampan fishing boats, an insight into daily life on the Mekong Delta.

Half way across the river you will stop at Phoenix Islet where you will encounter  local families making coconut rice paper as well as handicrafts made from coconut shells. From here continue to Tan Thach where you'll pick up your bicycle and begin your 8-km ride through the coconut groves and remote villages, along the way observing the simplicity of life on the Mekong.

Stop for a traditional style Vietnamese lunch by a tiny tributary of the Tien River. After your meal take a leisurely boat trip passing by an eclectic mix of Mekong style boats laden with sand, fruit, fish, coconuts - this is as close as it comes to life on the river. Delve back in time stopping at the small family run cottage industries that trade in coconuts, as well as traditional salt making workshop, a grass mat weaving hamlet and a brick kiln factory. This Vietnam tour offers a truly unique insight into rural Vietnamese life.

At the end of the afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City. (L)

PRICING: in US Dollars per person

Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

Our Services Include:

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking local guide
• Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

Our Services do not Include:

• Vietnam visa  arrangements (a visa to Vietnam is compulsory for most nationalities)
• International and Domestic Flights (quoted separately )
• Meals other than mentioned above.
• Camera/video entrance fees
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tips etc..)
• Travel insurance (*)
• Any service not mentioned above.