THE SOUTHERN SIX: A Tet Voyage to the End of Vietnam

Tet in the Mekong Delta is a sensory overload. It is a kaleidoscope of yellow apricot blossoms, the smell of incense and coconut candy, and the rhythmic chug of boat engines. We are leaving the quiet streets of Saigon for the vibrant, biological heart of the south.

This 3-day expedition is a marathon through six provinces. We will float through the commerce of Cai Rang, pray at the Khmer temples of Soc Trang, and stand at the very edge of the country in Ca Mau. It is a journey of rivers, religion, and roots.

The River, The Pagoda, and The Cape

DAY 1: The Four Holy Beasts & The Night Cruise | My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho

Points of Interest: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son Islet, Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The Experience: We depart Saigon as the sun rises. First stop: Vinh Trang Pagoda, a architectural mix of East and West. Then, we hit the water. We cruise past the four islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. We row small sampans through narrow canals in Ben Tre, the kingdom of coconuts. We visit bee farms and candy workshops, tasting the sweetness of the delta. The Evening: We arrive in Can Tho, the capital of the west. Dinner is served on a yacht cruising the Hau River. We listen to Don Ca Tai Tu music as the city lights reflect in the water. It is elegant, cultural, and deeply relaxing.

Suggestions:

The Food: At the bee farm, dip the honeycomb in the tea. It’s fresh, warm, and sweet.

The Music: The folk songs on the boat are not just entertainment; they are the history of the river people. Listen closely.

DAY 2: The Floating Market & The Southern Tip | Can Tho – Soc Trang – Ca Mau

Points of Interest: Cai Rang Floating Market, Som Rong Pagoda, Ca Mau Cape.

The Experience: We wake up early for Cai Rang Floating Market. It is chaotic, colorful, and loud. Boats throw watermelons and pineapples to each other. We eat breakfast on the river. The Culture: We head south to Soc Trang to visit Som Rong Pagoda. It is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, with a giant reclining Buddha that dominates the skyline. The Climax: We drive to the end of the map. Ca Mau Cape. We take a boat through the mangroves to the GPS coordinate 0001. We stand at the prow of the country, looking out at the sea where the sun rises on the East Sea and sets on the West Sea. Evening: Dinner and sleep in Ca Mau city.

Suggestions:

The Photo: At Ca Mau Cape, find the monument shaped like a ship. It symbolizes Vietnam sailing into the future.

The Breakfast: In Cai Rang, get a coffee from a floating vendor. It’s strong, sweet, and served with a smile.

DAY 3: The Prince & The Purple House | Bac Lieu – Hau Giang – Saigon

Points of Interest: Father Diep Church, Prince of Bac Lieu House, Purple House (Can Nha Mau Tim).

The Experience: We visit the pilgrimage site of Father Diep, a place of miracles. Then, the Prince of Bac Lieu House. This French colonial mansion was built by the most famous playboy in the south, a man who once burned money to boil an egg. It is a glimpse into a bygone era of extreme wealth. The Viral Spot: On the way back, we stop at the Purple House. It’s a film set turned Instagram phenomenon. Everything is purple. It’s quirky, fun, and very Tet. The Return: We lunch in Hau Giang and drive back to Saigon, arriving in the evening with a phone full of photos and a stomach full of Mekong food.

Suggestions:

The History: Ask the guide about the stories of the Prince of Bac Lieu. They are wilder than fiction.

The End of the World

It happens on Day 2 at Ca Mau Cape. You walk through the mangrove forest, the roots tangling like a wooden web in the mud. You reach the observatory. You look out. There is nothing but sea and sky. You are standing at the southernmost point of Vietnam. Behind you is the entire length of the country; ahead of you is open ocean. It is a moment of profound geographical significance.

The Delta Secrets

The "Bun Nuoc Leo" Rule: In Soc Trang, try Bun Nuoc Leo (Noodle soup with fermented fish broth). It is pungent, savory, and the defining taste of the Khmer culture in the delta.

The Mangrove Mosquito: Ca Mau is famous for its forests, which means mosquitoes. Bring repellent. The view is worth the bite, but it’s better without the itch.

The Playboy's House

Walking through the Prince of Bac Lieu's house, I touched the imported French tiles. They were cool under my hand. The guide told us he owned the first car in the south and had a private plane. But the house feels empty now, a museum to excess. It made me realize that while wealth fades, the stories—the burning of money, the races with the king—remain vibrant in the delta's folklore.

The South is Calling

Tet is the time to go home, or to find a new home on the river. The mangroves are green. The temples are golden. You need to stand at the edge of Vietnam and look out at the sea. 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.