The Mekong Delta

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your excursion begins at the pier where you'll board your air-conditioned vehicle for the approximately three-hour journey to My Tho Island in the Mekong Delta. You'll travel through the lush tropical countryside, passing small villages, verdant rice paddy fields and acres of rubber trees.

Upon arrival at the Mekong Delta, you'll board a motor launch for a cruise along the winding canals that comprise much of this rich brown waterway system. The canals teem with river traffic, ranging from dugout canoes and barges to houseboats and ferries. Look for the eye symbol painted on the bows of the boats to protect them from evil spirits.

To access the smaller canals of My Tho Island, you'll take a four-person sampan ride. Be sure to try the local fruits as you'll get a chance to sample a tropical assortment during your visit to My Tho, which is famous for its tropical fruit plantation that produce longans, grapefruits, jackfruits, bananas and mangoes.

Once on land at My Tho Island, you'll visit a traditional Delta home and learn Vietnamese traditions and Delta customs. See the family altar, a typical kitchen and the common areas. Often, there are three generations of one family living under one roof.

You'll also take a tour of a coconut-candy factory. Visit the house where the candy is made and learn the process of this sweet sticky candy production. Vietnamese coconut candy is a sweet treat that comes in many flavors, including made with peanuts, durian fruit or sesame seeds. It also makes a great souvenir.

During your walk through the village, enjoy entertainment by local singers singing traditional Vietnamese folk songs. The musical accompaniment includes a one-string Vietnamese instrument called a "dan bau."

Afterwards, you'll be served traditional Mekong Delta cuisine at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant for lunch before leaving My Tho to return to your ship.

Special Notes:

This tour involves extensive walking as well as entering and exiting small motor launches. Not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

The journey to My Tho is approximately three to four hours each way depending on traffic.