Floating market of the Mekong Delta on the way to Phu Quoc Vietnam

Double Tropical

This is a doubly relaxing trip, combining the exotic Mekong Delta with the tropical island of Phu Quoc Vietnam. The Delta is one of the most breathtaking areas in the south of Vietnam- a traveller must-see. During this module, you'll sail lazily through the emerald delta before rounding off your journey with a few days on idyllic Phu Quoc Island.

The locals will give you a friendly wave as you drift through the narrow waterways on your way to the sun bleached beach of Phu Quoc Vietnam. You'll visit lively floating markets with huge assortments of colourful produce, and you'll anchor alongside an orchard for a short musical performance from the villagers. All the while, you'll weave slowly towards Phu Quoc, an amazing island certain to give you a taste of truly tropical Vietnam.

Best time to visit is from October until May, the rest of the year is rainy season.

Duration:	4 days - 3 nights offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from Ho Chi Minh City	Accommodation:	1 night in a simple but comfortable hotel in the Mekong Delta and 2 nights in a wooden bungalow on Phu Quoc Island accommodation categories 2-3-4
Price:	from $399 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes:	transport, accommodation with breakfast, guided excursions as described in text
Transport:	air-conditioned minibus and boat	Excludes:	all other meals and drinks, internal flight back to HCMC (although this can be added)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh- Mekong Delta - Cantho

Your laid back journey to Phu Quoc island will begin in Ho Chi Minh City. You'll be collected from your hotel by comfortable coach, and soon you'll leave the city behind, seeing quickly the pace of life beginning to slow down and you'll get your first glimpses of the magical Mekong Delta. You'll pass women washing clothes on the banks, men fishing for their lunch, and cheerful children splashing about in the water. You'll travel over the river in boats in small groups.

Daily life will pass you by while you sail through small villages, past rice paddies and when you visit family businesses that refine rice or make candy from coconuts. You'll visit the floating market bursting with colourful sights, dizzying aromas, and raucous cries from salesmen. Boats fully laden with all kinds of exotic fruit lay closely toegether at the market. All the salesmen together offer quite a colourful sight to see. While sailing through the maze of canals you'll visit one of the many islands in the Mekong, Vinh Long Island, where you will have an opportunity to explore the island by bicycle. There is not a lot of time to stop for lunch so we recommend tasting the Mekong Delta specialities throughout the day. During the afternoon you'll sail to Can Tho in approximately 3 hours, arriving at sunset. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as low water levels, this portion of the trip will be conducted by mini bus.

The boat will then take you to a modern, comfortable hotel. In Can Tho you'll be able to enjoy a drink on the riverbank with wonderful views of the dazzling delta.

Phu Quoc Vietnam and Mekong Delta floating markets

Day 2: Cantho - Cai Rang - Rach Gia

Today you'll visit the floating market of Cai Rang by boat. This market is more frequently visited by tourists than the Cai Be market, however it is also one of the most important and largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. In order to get close to the activities, you'll transfer onto a bamboo rowboat. You'll sail amidst all of the boats peddling their wares. Each boat features the goods sold on the boat on a long pole on which each type of fruit and vegetable is speared. Boats sail criss-cross through the market in search of the products they need at the most affordable price. You'll enjoy docking along side these floating market stalls and doing some haggling of your own. After visiting the floating market you will be transferred to Rach Gia, en-route to Phu Quoc Vietnam.

Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Island

This afternoon in Rach Gia, you'll take the 3hr ferry journey across to Phu Quoc Island, nicknamed the Emerald Island for its tropical green treasures. It also has magnificent beaches, some of the very best in Vietnam. Whilst on the island, you'll stay in a beach resort on peaceful Ong Lang Beach. This is a spectacular stretch of ivory beach on the west side of the island, fringed by palm trees providing some welcome shade.

During the dry season, from December to June, the temperatures can soar so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. You'll especially need extra protection from the sun in the months January and February. With clear blue skies and calm seas, this is a fantastic place to get away from it all. Feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes as you sip on a cold beer. Perfect. Duirng the summer months July and August, the island can receive quite a bit of rainfall, so it may not be possible to dive during these months.

During your stay on Phu Quoc Vietnam, you'll spend the night in tastefully decorated cabins that exude charm and warmth. The owners of the resort are very friendly, and you can certainly expect a very warm welcome. There is an excellent restaurant with a magical seaview for romantic sunset meals and tasty fresh fish is regularly on the menu.

Day 3: Phu Quoc Island

Today, you can just stretch out on the white sandy beach or rock gently in a hammock under the palm trees with your nose in a book. If you're feeling lively, you can swim in the azure waters, snorkel, or even take a dive to explore the underwater world. There is a diving school on the island, and it's very easy to arrange lessons. If you'd like to try diving on Phu Quoc Vietnam, just let us know and we'll organise everything for you.

More restless travellers can explore the tropical wilderness of interior Phu Quoc Island. In 2001, almost 70% of the island was declared to be a national park, so the ecosystems on the island have been completely preserved. It is also mountainous and almost completely covered in rainforest, with a number of natural springs for a quick refreshing dip. The best known and most accessible spring is called the Suoi Da Ban (also called Stony Surface Stream).

Naturally you can also decide to spend your time on Phu Quoc Vietnam in a hammock with a good book.

Day 4: Phu Quoc Island

Today marks your last day on Phu Quoc Island as well as the last day of this module. It's easy to extend your stay on Phy Quoc Vietnam by a few more days if you wish, just let us know and our experienced travel specialists will make the arrangements.

If you are leaving the island, you'll check out of your resort and make your own way back to Ho Chi Minh. We can arrange a flight back to the mainland for you. Ask us about prices and more information.

If this is the end of your Vietnam trip, we would strongly recommend that you spend a final night in Ho Chi Minh City before catching your international flight home. This will eliminate any chance of missing your flight. Alternatively, if you're planning to head north, we would suggest that you spend a few days in the classic town of Hoi An, with its eager tailors and charming streets. Click here for a description of our Classic Hoi An module.

WARNING: You must not dive within 24 hours of flying.

Phu Quoc Vietnam - Hammock time on the Island

A peek at your accommodation

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