THE RIVER RHYTHM: A Tet Fugue to the Heart of the Deltaw

Tet in Saigon is quiet, but Tet in the Mekong Delta is a riot of life. It is the sound of oars slapping the water, the smell of coconut candy bubbling in copper pots, and the sight of flower boats painting the grey river with bursts of yellow and red. We are trading the empty streets of the metropolis for the rich, biological density of the river.

This 2-day expedition is a quick, potent injection of culture. We will float through the commerce of Cai Rang, walk the bamboo paths of Thoi Son, and lose ourselves in the Spring Tourism Area of Hau Giang. It is a journey back to the roots of the south, where the water dictates the pace of life.

The Islands, The Market, and The Flowers

DAY 1: The Four Holy Beasts | Saigon – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho

Points of Interest: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son Islet (Unicorn Island), Coconut Candy Workshop, Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The Experience: We depart Saigon at dawn. First stop: Vinh Trang Pagoda. It’s a architectural cocktail—part French colonial, part Roman, part Khmer, and entirely Vietnamese. We board a boat at My Tho. We cruise past the four islets named after the holy beasts: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. We land on Thoi Son (Unicorn Island). The Climax: We step into small rowing sampans. The nipa palm fronds close over our heads, creating a green tunnel. It is silent, cool, and intimate. We visit a Bee Farm, sipping honey tea while bees buzz lazily around us. We cross into Ben Tre, the kingdom of coconuts. We watch candy being made by hand, the smell of caramelizing sugar filling the air. We ride a horse cart down a village road, feeling the slow rhythm of island life. The Evening: We arrive in Can Tho. Dinner is served on the Ninh Kieu Yacht. As we eat, the boat drifts along the Hau River, the lights of the city reflecting in the water. It is a moment of pure Tet magic.

Suggestions:

The Tea: At the bee farm, don't be shy. Hold the honeycomb frame for a photo. The bees are gentle.

The Music: When listening to Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern amateur music), close your eyes. It’s the soul of the river expressed in song.

DAY 2: The Floating Commerce & The Spring Garden | Can Tho – Hau Giang – Saigon

Points of Interest: Cai Rang Floating Market, Rice Noodle Village, Spring Tourism Area (KDL Mua Xuan).

The Experience: We wake up before the sun. We boat out to Cai Rang Floating Market. This is not a show; it’s a wholesale market. Boats are piled high with watermelons, pineapples, and Tet flowers. We eat breakfast on the boat—a bowl of Hu Tieu steaming in the morning mist. We visit a traditional noodle factory to see how "Pizza Hu Tieu" is made. The Finale: We head to KDL Mua Xuan (Spring Tourism Area) in Hau Giang. It’s a floral explosion. Sunflowers, cosmos, and water lilies bloom in unison. We paddle kayaks on the lake or try our hand at folk games. It’s a joyful, colorful end to the trip. The Return: We lunch on rustic Mekong specialties before driving back to Saigon, recharged by the river energy.

Suggestions:

The Breakfast: At Cai Rang, buy a coffee from a floating cafe. The woman will hand it to you across the water. It tastes better than anything in a Starbucks.

The Photo: The sunflower field at KDL Mua Xuan is the money shot. Wear bright colors to contrast with the yellow.

The Silence of the Sampan

It happens on Day 1. You step off the big tourist boat and into a small wooden sampan. The rower pushes off. Suddenly, the noise of the big river fades. You are in a narrow canal, surrounded by nipa palms. The light filters through the leaves in dappled patterns. The only sound is the dip of the oar and the rustle of the wind. In that moment, surrounded by green, you understand why people have lived on this water for a thousand years.

The Delta Secrets

The "Pizza Hu Tieu" Rule: It sounds like a gimmick, but it’s delicious. It’s a deep-fried noodle patty topped with savory ingredients. It’s crunchy, salty, and totally addictive.

The Floating Market Flag: Look at the bamboo pole (Cay Beo) on each boat. Whatever is hanging from the pole is what they are selling. If you see a pumpkin hanging, they sell pumpkins. It’s the oldest advertising system in the world.

The Coconut Monk

On the way back from Ben Tre, the guide will point out the relics of the Coconut Monk on Phoenix Island. He was an eccentric mystic who ate only coconuts and prayed for peace during the war. His sanctuary stands as a testament to the strange, spiritual tolerance of the Delta—a place where history, religion, and eccentricity blend as seamlessly as the river currents.

The River is Waiting

Tet is the time to return to the source. The flowers are blooming. The markets are full. The water is calm. You need to taste the honey tea and hear the morning bustle of Cai Rang. Pack your hat. The bus leaves at 05:45 AM.

Notes (Additional Information)

Children’s tour prices:

Children under 5 years old: Free of charge. Parents or accompanying adults are responsible for the child’s meals, accommodation, and entrance fees (if any). Each pair of adults may accompany one child under 5 for free; the second child and beyond must purchase 50% of the tour price.

Children from 5 to under 10 years old: 75% of the tour price. Includes meals, a seat on the bus, and shared accommodation with family. Each pair of adults may accompany one child aged 5 to under 12; for the second child, parents are advised to purchase an extra single bed.

Children 10 years old and above: 100% of the tour price and full adult services.

Payment and Cancellation Policy

After confirmation, guests must pay at least 50% deposit to secure the booking, and the full 100% tour cost must be paid no later than 10 days before departure.

If guests do not complete payment by the required full-payment deadline, they will be considered to have voluntarily canceled the tour and will forfeit all deposit(s).

Airplane / train / high-speed boat tickets are issued immediately after registration, payment, and submission of personal details (full name, date of birth, etc.). These tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable: no name changes, no refunds, no date changes, and no itinerary changes.

Cancellation penalties after registration:

After deposit or payment, or more than 15 days before departure: 30% of tour price

10 days before departure: 50% of tour price

7 days before departure: 70% of tour price

5 days before departure: 100% of tour price

All cancellations must be made directly with the Company or via fax, email, or text message and must be confirmed by the Company. Cancellations by phone are not accepted.

As this is a shared group tour, the company is responsible for gathering enough participants (minimum 20 adults). If fewer than 20 adults register, the company will notify guests at least 3 days before departure to arrange a new departure date or provide a full refund of the deposit.

Deposit dates, payment dates, cancellation dates, and tour change dates do not include Saturday and Sunday.

In force majeure cases (terrorism, riots, natural disasters, floods, etc.), depending on actual circumstances and guest safety, the company may cancel or adjust the itinerary to an alternative program of equivalent value. If the new program incurs additional costs, guests must pay the difference. Both sides must make every effort to minimize losses due to force majeure.

For changes in flight schedules or transportation delays caused by airlines, railways, or ferry operators, the company is not responsible for any additional expenses such as meals, accommodation, transport, or tour guide services.

Important Information for Tour Participants

On the departure date, guests must gather at .......... at ..........

The company is not responsible for late arrivals.

Some activity sequences and details (flight time, train time, boat schedule, etc.) may be adjusted depending on actual travel conditions (weather, traffic, etc.).

Hotel/resort check-in and check-out times: after 2:00 PM for check-in and before 12:00 PM for check-out.

The tour guide will inform guests of specific meeting times and locations on the afternoon before departure.

Please sit in the seat assigned at the time of tour registration.

Please bring light and compact luggage.

Personal documents, money, and valuables must be self-kept. The company will help search for lost items but is not responsible for compensation.

Guests are advised to bring a compact umbrella for sun and rain, and wear sports shoes or sandals with back straps for easier movement.

Please follow the tour guide’s timetable to avoid delays affecting the whole group.

For health and food safety reasons, please do not bring outside food into restaurants or hotels. Bringing beverages may require hotel/restaurant approval and may incur an additional fee.

Before leaving your seat or location (bus, restaurant, sightseeing spot, shop, hotel room, etc.), please check your belongings carefully—wallet, purse, bag, camera, camcorder, phone—to avoid loss or inconvenience during the trip.

Be cautious while walking at sightseeing areas; do not stand or climb in unsafe places. Be careful when moving on boats or ferries. When crossing the street, follow traffic laws. Families with children must supervise them closely at all times.