ITINERARY
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be -Vinh Long – Ride 50 km – L/D
Since we aim to provide you with the most authentic experience possible, we begin with a quick 45-minute transfer from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh to My Tho, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We start pedaling on paved rural roads through exotic fruit orchards such as star apple and sapodilla plantations. Further south along concrete canal paths, the vegetation grows denser and the streams merge into the larger branches of the Mekong River.
Rest stops are a visit to a busy local Vietnamese market as well as many other surprises along the way!
Lunch will be served by a lovely family in a village with ingredients bought from the nearby marketplace. Afterward, we board a private boat to An Binh Island where we have the afternoon free to walk around or relax by the home stay with a river view.
Day 2: Cai Be - Vinh Long - Can Tho Floating Market - Ride 50km – B/L
After a healthy breakfast, we begin a special day, part on the river and part on the bike.
First a boat exploration of the canal system of the Mekong that was once a super highway during the Vietnam War.
Next, we pedal into what for many in our cycling family is the most magic landscape of their Southeast Asian adventures.
Far from any tourists, we cycle into one of the untouched and authentic areas of Vietnam where local traditions still take priority in the daily lives of its residents. You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, alone with your bike, transported to another era when the world seemed simpler. As cyclists, we are blessed to be able to respectfully observe and participate in their daily life among the electric green rice fields and towering coconut trees. We will also have the unique opportunity to explore the ancient history, culture, and architecture of the Khmer people, one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Throughout the day, we will see temples and relics dotting the horizon.
Arriving at our lunch destination, we will welcome a respite from the sun with a locally- sourced meal prepared by a local family in Tieu Can Town who will share their rich history. After lunch, we will transfer 1 hour in a comfortable A/C equipped vehicle to a hotel in Can Tho. Be sure not to miss out on its rooftop views from restaurants in the city center!
Day 3 - Can Tho Floating Market and return to HCM - Ride 30km – B/L
After an early breakfast, more adventure awaits! Departing Can Tho, we will take an hour boat ride to explore the famous Cai Rang floating market. The floating market is a very colorful and lively place. You will be amazed to see how many small boats are anchored and the number of products sold.
After visiting the market you will hop on to the bikes and head off along the river.
The paved but isolated country roads host great views of more of the region’s colorful fruit orchards, often overhanging the paths.
Your Mekong adventure will come to an end at lunchtime and after a well-deserved lunch, you will transfer back to Saigon about 3hrs drive.