Embark on an unforgettable journey as we unveil the vibrant soul of Ho Chi Minh City and immerse ourselves in the enchanting allure of its floating market. Over the course of four days, we'll delve into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this dynamic city and its surrounding treasures. From bustling streets to tranquil waterways, join us as we discover the essence of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.

A 4-Day Journey: Ho Chi Minh City To Mekong Delta Floating Markets

Day 1: Immerse in Ho Chi Minh City's Vibrant Culture and Historic Landmarks

Start your adventure with a captivating tour of Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis known for its vibrant street life and historical landmarks. Wander through the lively streets filled with colorful markets, ancient temples, and colonial architecture. Visit iconic attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Reunification Palace. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you sample delicious street food and mingle with friendly locals.

Day 2: Delve into History: Exploring Cao Dai Church and Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City

Escape the urban hustle and bustle as we journey northwest to Tay Ninh Province to explore the fascinating Cao Dai Church and witness the daily midday service of Caodaism. Established in Tây Ninh city since 1926, Caodaism is a monotheistic religion boasting approximately 3 million followers, making it the third-largest religion in Vietnam.

After a cultural immersion at the Cao Dai Church, we indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our adventure to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Delve into Vietnam's wartime history as you watch a gripping documentary detailing the creation and use of these intricate tunnels by the Viet Cong.

Experience the underground life firsthand as you walk through a section of the tunnels, gaining insight into the challenges faced by soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we make a brief stop at the famous Ben Thanh market for a glimpse of local life and some souvenir shopping.

In the evening, unwind aboard a boat restaurant as we cruise along the serene Saigon River, enjoying a sumptuous dinner amidst stunning city views.

Day 3: Tranquil Escapes: Ben Tre and Can Tho Adventures from Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a scenic journey to Ben Tre and Can Tho on the third day of your adventure. Cruise along the picturesque Mekong Delta, admiring lush landscapes and traditional villages along the way. Explore the charming town of Ben Tre, known for its coconut groves and rustic countryside. Indulge in local delicacies, take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, and learn about traditional crafts such as coconut candy making. Continue your journey to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you can relax and unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Day 4: Captivating Floating Markets: Discovering the Vibrant Essence near Ho Chi Minh City

On the final day of your tour, experience the vibrant energy of the floating markets near Ho Chi Minh City. Rise early to witness the bustling activity as local traders converge on the waterways to buy and sell goods. Cruise along the river, marveling at the colorful boats laden with fresh produce and handicrafts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you barter with local vendors and sample delicious Vietnamese snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the unique sights and sounds of these iconic markets before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Top 6 Floating Markets in Vietnam that you shouldn't miss!

Cai Be floating market

Location: Cai Be province is approximately around 80 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City through the 1A expressway.

Transportation: From district 1, you may schedule a private tour of the Cai Be floating market or use taxis to get there. Once you reach the Cai Be bridge, locals will gladly point you in the direction of the floating market if you just ask.

Boat rental: Since Cai Rang is a tourist destination, it provides a variety of visiting options, including boat rentals. You may join a 2-hour cruise on a big boat with a tour director for $2 per person, or you can charter a private boat for a party of 10 for $25.Don’t be discouraged by the distance from Ho Chi Minh City.

Nga Bay floating market in Hau Giang

Time to visit: The market typically opens at 7 a.m so you will need to stay overnight.

Location: Nga Bay district is 60 kilometers from Can Tho.

Transportation: You may reach Can Tho by bus, which will take around four hours. You may purchase your ticket at the Phuong Trang bus office, located at 272 De Tham, District 1, or online at https://futabus.vn. The one-way fare is around $5.50, and departures occur every 4-5 hours every day. You may rent a private vehicle or taxis to transport you to Nga Bay province from Can Tho (about 30km from the city center).

Boat rental: The cost of renting a rowboat varies based on the number of passengers; thus, joining a group with others will assist minimize the cost.

Nga Nam market – Soc Trang

Time to visit: The Nga Nam market opens at 3 am, reaches its peak at 5 am, and closes at 8 am; you should remain overnight.

Transportation: the bus is the most popular and easiest method to reach Nga Nam market, with one-way tickets costing between $8 and $9. After eight hours, you will reach the Ca Mau city center and then transfer to a shuttle bus that departs every twenty minutes from the Ca Mau bus station.

Boat rental: A small boat rental will cost you $1 and will enable you to explore the whole market.

Other notice: For better transportation, you could go to Ca Mau province instead of Soc Trang.

Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho

Time to visit: Remember to set your alarm since the market opens at 5:00 a.m.

Transportation: the most convenient method to reach Can Tho is via bus from Ho Chi Minh City. You may reserve a one-way bus ticket at vexere.com for as little as $5, with a variety of options. Cai Rang is about 6 kilometers from the city core of Can Tho and 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu station. On Inspitrip, you can also arrange a real Cai Rang floating market.

Boat rental: The cost of renting a private boat to visit the market is around $15.

Long Xuyen market – An Giang

Time to visit: The Long Xuyen market is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so you should arrive early.

Location: Along the tranquil Hau river, two kilometers from the city of Long Xuyen and two kilometers from the market’s entrance.

Phong Dien floating market

Phong Dien is the finest floating market in the Mekong Delta since there are fewer powered vessels and more rowing boats. It is far less busy than the Cai Rang floating market and draws significantly fewer visitors. Between 6:00 and 8:00, the market is lively with a variety of local activities.

Venture to the southwest region of Vietnam, the exclusive home of the unique floating market experience. Escape the urban hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in something truly fresh. If you find city markets mundane, floating markets offer a refreshing alternative. Don't miss out on this quintessential aspect of Vietnamese culture. Begin your journey today and craft unforgettable memories in the enchanting Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Explore more here: