Mekong Explorer - Set Departure Tour on November, 2009 November 14, 2009

Saigon - Vinh Long - Chau Doc - Can Tho - Saigon
4-day tour with over 3-day biking
Biking grade: Introductory
Group size: 10 persons
From US$ 312 per person

If one wants to get to know an area, biking is a real delight. Our biking trip is truly an opportunity to participate in the everyday life of the Mekong Delta. We can pedal amid schoolchildren, ride behind women with squealing pigs tied on their bicycle, or talk with men biking to work in suits. On this special trip, we ride through beautiful areas of lush fruit orchards, endless paddy fields, lively floating market and busy canals.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sai Gon - My Tho - Vinh Long

Leave hotel for Long An at 8.30 am. We drive around 1hr to reach Long An, where we begin our interesting biking day over a picturesque area of expansive rice fields, luxuriant fruit orchards and plenty of small canal. After 2hr biking we will reach My Tho, a quiet town by the bank of the Mekong River . Lunch break in My Tho before riding to Vinh Long, the capital of Vinh Long Province which lying between two big branches of the Mekong River . From My Tho to Vinh Long we ride on small paved roads running through a vast expanse of rice field. Upon arrival in the small town of Cai Be we take an interesting boat trip to cross the mighty Mekong River to reach a village on a small island in the middle of the river, where we spend the night in a local home. The home stay will be an unforgettable experience and can give you a unique insight into the culture of the locals. A fantastic dinner with local delights is cooked by the family.

Summary
Transfer: 40 mins
Biking: 2 hrs in the morning & 3 hrs in the afternoon. Ride on flat country road, partly unpaved road
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Vinh Long

Day 2: Vinh Long - Chau Doc

After breakfast we say goodbye to the family and cross the Mekong River on boat. We will take a bus transfer to the peaceful town of Sa Dec, which is famous for its many nurseries of flower and bonsai. Here we begin riding to Cho Moi, a small town known for its rich groves of fruit. The ride in the morning is on the smooth paved road along the Mekong . Lunch in Cho Moi before taking more biking in the afternoon to reach Chau Doc, a pleasant little town near the border. We will have a panoramic view over the vast plain of the Mekong Delta and far into . Dinner in local restaurant and enjoy an orientation tour of Chau Doc by xe dap loi (pulling cyclo). Overnight in hotel.

Summary
Biking: 2 hrs in the morning & 3 hrs in the afternoon. Ride on smooth paved road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc town

Day 3: Chau Doc to Can Tho

Breakfast in town and begin our biking to Long Xuyen, the capital of An Giang Province. The morning ride is on good national road along the Mekong . Today the traffic is a bit busier but the biking is not less interesting as we riding along one of the busiest section of the Mekong River . Lunch in Long Xuyen Town and then continue riding to Can Tho, the economic, cultural and transportation centre of the Mekong Delta. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Summary
Biking: 3 hrs in the morning & 3 hrs in the afternoon. Ride on smooth paved road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho City

Day 4: Can Tho - Saigon

Early get up for a great boat trip to one of the busiest floating market in Southeast Asia . We will see a lively and colorful market on a large bend of the river. Boat trip back to town for breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast cross the Mekong on public ferry and ride to Vinh Long. Lunch on the way and bus transfer to Saigon in the afternoon. Tour ends in Saigon.

Summary
Biking: 2-hr ride on smooth paved road
Boat trip: 2.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

Official Website: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/