Mekong Delta Back Roads

Leaving HCM in the morning for a day cycle begins in Ben Tre, on arrival in rural villages around 10:30 am. The area we cycle to explore today is Ben Tre’ countryside. It has bike paths crisscrossing its land, linking the town to the village. We will ride on the track through water palm village and share space with locals on little ferries, sometimes not enough room for a group of 8. Relax your legs on the last ferry taking you to the different side to Tra Vinh city.

Morning bicycle riding allows you to get close to Khmer farmers. Cross peaceful rice paddy fields on concrete paths, and pedal through villages with beautiful views of the countryside in surroundings. You will have some stops home of local to experience the living of Khmer. You will have your photo taken at Khmer temples and spend time walking to understand the difference between Theravada and Mahayana branches of Buddhism. In the afternoon, we cycle on the back road through fruit orchards and vegetable fields and cross some mall natural creeks with locals on the ferry. These ferries are the daily means of transport in rural areas. Have a short transfer to Can Tho city in the late afternoon.

After breakfast at the hotel, we checked out for a boat ride to Cai Rang floating market. Most locals from rural areas row their sampan boat to carry farm products to this market very early morning. All activities are in action; sellers and buyers exchange goods from boat to boat. You could see many little boats move up and down and try to find good dealers for business. Then we have a half day cycling to explore the countryside of Phong Dien and end up bike pedaling at the Binh Thuy ancient house. Return to Saigon by van.