Explore the heart of the Mekong Delta at your own pace on this self-guided cycling adventure. With GPS maps and telephone support, you’ll have everything you need to navigate the winding waterways, Khmer villages, and lush coconut groves of southern Vietnam.
From Saigon, cycle through rice paddies and floating markets, cross islands formed by the Mekong’s many tributaries, and immerse yourself in local culture. Highlights include Ben Tre’s “Coconut Kingdom,” the Khmer temples of Tra Vinh, and the bustling Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho.
With a mix of homestays and comfortable hotels, this journey offers the perfect balance of adventure, independence, and cultural immersion.
Itinerary
Cycling Distance: 48 km
Meals Provided: Dinner
Accommodation: Ut Trinh Homestay in Ben Tre
We start the trip with a transfer out of the city and Long An province, which is the north edge of the Mekong Delta. Today's journey is designed through small villages and rice paddies. You will also pass by some of the largest dragon fruits in Vietnam. Mekong Delta is famous for its rich soil and plentiful produce. Finishing up the journey in Cho Gao town, translated into English as “Rice Market”. As the name suggests, this is the place where most of the rice grown in the Delta gathers before being transported to Hochiminh City and abroad. You could take a bit of time to sit by rivers and watch cargo boats go by. Sometimes, it could be as busy as a bee hive.
Some attractions along the way:
- Vam Nhat Tao historical relics: This place celebrates an event happening in 1861. Led by Nguyen Trung Truc, the locals managed to burn down a French battleship, named L’Esperance.
- Óc Eo Archaeological Sites
- Hàng Cau Vua Tân Trụ: Trails of happiness
Cycling Distance: 45 km
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Maison du Pays de Ben Tre
You are going to traverse some of the largest islands made by the Mekong rivers. The terrains will be varied as you cycle on land, across multiple bridges, or taking a ferry here and there. This area belongs to Ben Tre province, and is often called “The Coconut Kingdom” for a reason: “There are millions of coconuts growing everywhere you go”. The last section involved biking on narrow islands where you could see the water on either side. It gives a strange feeling to be on land while you are in the middle of the river.
Cycling Distance: 42 km
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cuu Long Hotel
Leaving Ben Tre is for another cruise along many small canals and country roads. Into Tra Vinh, a Khmer-cultured rich land where tens of thousands of Khmer ethnic call it home. You will notice a change in Buddism Pagodas’ architecture here. Tonight's accommodation is located at the heart of Tra Vinh city, a small and charming town. Treat yourself to many local dishes.
Cycling Distance: 59 km
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Suonsia Homestay
Take a deeper look at the Khmer culture while you explore further into Tra Vinh. You will have a chance to visit the 800 year-old pagoda “Ang Temple- Ba Om Pond”, which is the signature of Khmer Buddhist worship in the Mekong Delta.
Cycling Distance: 56 km
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel
The fifth day is when you head to the central city of the whole Mekong region. Can Tho is known as the trading hub of the delta, where you could find everything. The night market, which is located by Ninh Kieu Quay, is a famous area for taking a walk, getting some fresh air, and enjoying some local food.
Cycling Distance: No Cycling
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: not included
After an early breakfast, you can get onboard to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market and see the unique way of life and trade on the river system. Coming back from this trip will conclude your tour with Mr Biker Saigon. We ask that you drop off your bike and all the rental gears at this [location] before 12pm.
Can Tho has an international airport that can easily connect you to your next destination. Should you need to come back to Saigon, let us know and we could arrange a private transfer for you.
