The extension begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where you meet your local tour leader at the airport or your hotel (if your main tour finishes in Ho Chi Minh City).

Fully acquainted, you transfer (approximately three to four hours) to the river-land town of Cai Be, our first stop in the Mekong Delta.

Take it easy this evening, relaxing into Delta life and enjoying the traditional hospitality. We stay in a simple guesthouse built in the local style.

Accommodation: Phuong Thao Homestay (or similar)

After breakfast, we board a traditional sampan, a flat-bottomed wooden fishing boat, to cruise along the Delta canals. Passing many orchards and friendly local people, we also stop to see cottage industries, such as rice paper and coconut candy, with a chance to sample the produce.

After lunch in a restaurant, we head deeper into the Mekong Delta, driving to the small border town of Chau Doc.

Our lodge for tonight is on Sam Mountain, a holy peak sacred to followers of Buddhism and local folk religions. We then visit the Lady Xu Temple, which faces the peak, to see the statue of Lady Xu (make sure to ask your tour leader about its fascinating story!).

Then, we turn our attentions to the summit of Sam Mountain, heading to the top of the holy peak for a magical sunset and views stretching into Cambodia.

This evening, enjoy the remote location of our lodge, perhaps with a dip in the pool and an excellent meal at La Giang restaurant.

Accommodation: Victoria Nui Sam Lodge (or similar)

After breakfast, transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Chau Phong, known for its silk-weaving artisans.

After, transfer (one hour) to the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a vibrant flooded ecosystem of dense cajuput groves, water lilies and abundant birdlife. Here, we enjoy a three-hour exploration of the forest by canoe, which is helmed by a local guide, and a stroll along the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam.

Disembarking, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the forest, then transfer (approximately two hours) to the Mekong Delta town of Long Xuyên, where you spend the night and have a free evening to explore.

Accommodation: Hoa Bing Hotel 1 (or similar)

Wake early this morning to visit Long Xuyên by boat with your tour leader. It’s one of the few floating markets that remains relatively unchanged, despite a reduction in size, offering you the chance to watch a river trading hub, where residents sell local goods. An authentic glimpse into traditional Mekong Delta life.

After, check out of the hotel and transfer (approximately four hours) to Ho Chi Minh City, where the extension ends.

Please note: If you wish to be dropped at Ho Chi Minh City airport, please do not book a flight departing before 4pm.