Hi everyone! I just did a Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh. namely, it was a 2 day 1 night cruise and if you wanted to experience the mekong delta the same way as a mekong delta day trip, this is how you do it. Having more than a single day, I hoped for more depth. This article is about my real experience of that mekong river trip. I will go into the journey itself and my views on it.
Day 1 Leaving Saigon Boarding the Cruise and Exploring Cai Be
Day 1 of my Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh began with leaving the congested concrete jungle behind. Moving into the safety of the waterways felt like leaving the chaos of daily life [and tradition, as much as possible] behind as we moved into the Delta.
Transfer From City To River
The cruise company’s comfy van picked me up early, around 8:00 AM, from my HCMC hotel. We picked up a handful of other passengers for the same cruise. The drive south-west was about two and a half hours. As we approached the Cai Be area of Tien Giang province, the landscape morphed from a dense cityscape of crammed buildings to flat, green rice paddies and fruit orchards. We pulled into the small, quiet boat landing along the river at around 11:30 AM.
First Impressions Boarding My Floating Home
Our cruise boat was waiting at the pier. Boarding was from about 11:30 to 12:00. It may not have been a huge ship, but a lovely old wooden boat, perhaps 10-12 cabins max. It was immediately like getting onto a comfortable mekong river small boat cruise. As we boarded, we were warmly greeted by the crew with drinks. I called up and checked in to my private cabin in a jiffy — it was compact, neat, had air-conditioning and a huge window ideal for river gazing. Here is where I would remain as a base for the Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh
Lunch And Relaxing Downstream Cruise
The afternoon from around 12:00 PM to around 4:00 PM was spent having lunch and lazily floating downstream. Shortly after we started cruising, lunch, which consisted of a few different tasty Vietnamese dishes, was served in the onboard dining area. It was very enjoyable eating while looking at the auspicious green riverbanks rushing by. Then, I spent literally hours just relaxing on the sun deck, watching the river traffic and life along the banks. You are prepared for this “slow” in your Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh.
Riverside Countryside Exploration
It docked a little before four with the shore at a small village. Our guide then led a brief walking shore excursion along quiet village paths. We passed local fruit orchards, traditional rural houses, and received a taste for the peaceful countryside atmosphere. The exploration lasted roughly an hour and a half. It was a nice opportunity to get our legs moving and to experience daily life up close.
Sunset Views From The Deck
We returned to the ship around 5:30pm. I took a seat on deck to unwind, as the heat of the day faded. One definite highlight was watching the sun set over the Mekong River landscape between then and around 7:00 PM. It was just before sunset, and yet another day passed without any trouble. Meanwhile the boat continued its slow riverine drift. This moment of peace, certainly added to the Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh experience.
Dinner And First Night On The Mekong
Dinner in the restaurant on the boat was available from 19:00 hours onwards. It was yet another multi-course Vietnamese dinner with fellow passengers. Onboard, it was calm and quiet after dinner, the boat securely anchored for the night in a peaceful stretch of the river. The key component of a mekong river overnight cruise is spending a night floating on the mekong. This 2 day mekong river cruise itinerary uniquely puts you on the water after dark, allowing you to experience the river’s sounds and atmosphere at night. I slept well, finding my cabin quiet.
Day 2 From Cai Rang Floating Market to Phu Quoc Island
Day two of the Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh began with an early start to catch the famed floating market, then we transferred on towards Phu Quoc island.
Early Morning River Views
I woke up before sunrise, at about 6:00 AM. Outside my cabin window, the river was still, misty. The boat was gently cruising away toward Can Tho as we spoke. Free tea and coffee were served on the deck. There is something peaceful about wandering the riverbanks coming to life as the sun rises.
Exploring Cai Rang Floating Market By Sampan
At about 7:00 of a.m. our main boat approached Can Tho and we jumped on smaller sampan boats helmed by locals. These small boats brought us to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. The activity level was high, and many boats were selling large quantities of pineapples, watermelons, pumpkins, and other produce. Smaller boats heeled between them, selling noodle soup and drinks. We drank coffee from a vendor boat. The trading did appear really active, and the unique cây bẹo advertising poles were a fascinating window into river commerce. Just today, this market visit made up the main part of this Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh. We sailed around the market with a sampan for about an hour.
Disembarking And Transfer To Rach Gia
We then returned to the main cruise boat around 8:30 AM for our last onboard breakfast. So, we packed up and got out of our cabins. The boat docked at a pier close to Can Tho city and we disembarked at 9:30 AM.
This was the completion of the river cruise portion of my Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh. A shuttle van, arranged through the tour package, was ready at the pier. Road Transfer to Rach GiaThen we began a long road transfer westbound toward Rach Gia, a coastal city in Kien Giang province. It took us about 3.5 to 4 hours for this drive. Packed lunch was simple on the drive.
Ferry Journey To Phu Quoc Island
It was early afternoon, around 1:00 PM, by the time we arrived at Rach Gia ferry terminal. We had bought the tickets as part of a tour package that included high-speed passenger ferry service to Phu Quoc Island. After a brief wait, we boarded the ferry, which departed sometime between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM (the schedule varies). The sea was relatively smooth and the crossing was moderately comfortable in a about 2.5 hours.
Arrival In Phu Quoc End Of Mekong Section
It took a ferry from Bai Vong port on Phu Quoc Island in the late afternoon (4:00 ~ 4:30 PM). As you disembark, the structured tour arrangements will come to an end. Passengers (me included), the organized onward transport (taxi, pre booked shuttle, etc) to their hotels/resorts on Phu Quoc was done by themselves. The ending of this part of my Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh, a journey from the inland waterways to the island destination.
Personal Assessment And Feelings About the 2 Day Cruise
So how did I feel overall about this 2-day Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh that combined river cruising with onward travel? Reading several mekong river cruise reviews beforehand undoubtedly helped prepare for the journey, but the experience itself was the best way to get a real feel for it.
What I Enjoyed:
- The Soothing Mossey Pace Onboard: For me, the greatest part was the slow, unhurried pace of cruising on the river itself, particularly on the first day and early morning of the second. Just sitting on the deck, looking at the scenery go by without the rush that’s usually involved in day tours, was really nice. Sleeping on the gently rocking boat was quite tranquil too.
- Unique River Perspective: Traveling on the water offers perspectives on and insights into riverside life – the stilt homes, the smaller boats, the greenery – that you will never understand from the typing of land travel.
- Ease (for the Package): Along the same lines, having the logistics guessed – the preliminary transfer from HCMC, the vessel, the food and drinks onboard your boat, moderated trips ashore, and an ensuing transfer to the Rach Gia ferry terminal – was absolutely simple, especially for a first-time visitor to the region endeavoring a multi-stoptrip.
- Cai Rang Market Hours: Spending the night here allowed us to visit the market during its prime morning hours. Those were pros I liked on my Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh.
Points for Consideration:
- Cost: Let me caveat that that this type of multi-day cruise is a big spend for the type of independent travel one might do using buses and local guesthouses. The mekong river cruise price is clearly linked to the all-inclusive nature (shelter, food, guiding tours, running the boat). You are buying the experience and the convenience.
- Standard Itinerary: Like other tour companies, most of the itinerary is predefined. The shore excursions were great, but there wasn’t much chance to explore on my own or spend extra time at places I was particularly intrigued with.
- Most Travel on Day 2: Day 2 was mostly a long travel day – the 3-4 hour bus transfer to Rach Gia & 2.5 hour ferry to Phu Quoc (not leisurely river cruising).
My Verdict: Was It “Worth It” / The “Best”?
For my particular needs – a comfortable multi-day introduction to the river itself and a proper opportunity to see Cai Rang market and a convenient connection to Phu Quoc afterwards – I felt a 2 day cruise was worth the investment. It met those targets, which is a minimum. But because a traveler invariably makes some choices along these lines and may be deciding which river cruises best fit a Mekong itinerary, it’s fair to ask if this is the best among mekong river cruises overall. If you want maximum independent exploration, deep cultural immersion (the cruising equivalent would be spending several days to several weeks in villages), or you’re on a shoestring budget, then this cruise format might not be the “best” fit for you, in terms of your cruise experience; which, of course, depends on your travel purpose.
- Who It Suits Well : In my opinion, this 2D/1N cruise model is well suited for:
- Travelers looking for an easy, beautiful introduction to life along the Mekong River.
- Couples or older travelers who enjoy included services, comfort and less logistical planning.
- Travelers who want to visit Cai Rang market early.
- For those who are departing from the Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc.
It could be less ideal for hardcore budget backpackers or those who prefer highly flexible, independent travel arrangements. Getting the full picture gives my personal mekong river cruise reviews overview On the whole I found this particular Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh novel and relaxing.
Practical Tips for Choosing and Taking a Mekong Cruise
Drawing on my experience with a Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh, here is some real-world advice if you are considering a similar multi-day cruise boat journey:
- Do Not Just Accept the First Mekong River Cruise: Research Mekong River Cruise Operators Indicated service levels (luxury, mid-range, etc.) of ships and types and sizes of their boats, routes offered, and price points based back from recent traveler reviews and official websites.
- Review Itinerary and Cabin Features: Request and review the **detailed daily mekong river cruise itinerary for the specific departure date you are considering. Use them to follow the exact route map, duration, included shore excursions (all of that information is included in the brochure), time spent cruising versus docked, and onboard activities mentioned there. Also, scrutinize the descriptions and photos of the various cabin categories — size, location, features of balconies matter – that are available and the prices.
- Cruise Booking Tip: Book Your Cruise: Popular operators and peak travel season means you should have your cruise booked in advance. Read the payment schedule and cancellation policy carefully. You may be able to find early booking discounts or special low-season mekong river cruise promotions occasionally but direct visits to operator home pages can search through their data.
- Look Beyond the Cruise: While the cruise I took was about sightseeing and relaxation, there are other types of river experiences available in the Delta. Dedicated mekong river fishing trips, for example, might be popular with folks who just want to angle, though these are usually separate from multi-day cruises and not part of the standard package.
- What to Pack: Take small, breezy clothes for hot and humid weather. Pack good sun protection (high-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses) and insect repellent. Wear comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. On board, dress is typically casual.
- Account for Additional Costs: The initial cruise fare is usually without certain expenses. Expect to pay for alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soft drinks (beyond the basic), tips for crew and guides, laundry, spa treatments (if offered) and personal purchases.
- Feather Expectations: A river cruise is a certain kind of travel style. Shore excursions are typically guided group tours with predetermined timetables. And just enjoy the feeling of being on the river, the idea of it being delivered right to you.
Taking these into consideration may assist you transform your trip on the Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh a lot more pleasurable and productive.
Conclusion A Memorable Mekong Cruise Holiday
Summarising my thoughts on these mekong river cruise holidays, my 2-day mini cruise gave me a different and mostly less hectic way to experience the Mekong Delta. This sort of Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh provides glimpses into river life and scenery that are difficult to comprehend from land alone.
Although the price tag is higher and the itinerary more stuctured, the convenience and opportunity to experience places like Cai Rang market in the early hours, as well as the calm of cruising and sleeping on the river after the fact, was worth it to me based on my objectives. There are many providers and itineraries.
From my time on the water, I highly recommend experiencing the Mekong in some way by boat if you visit the Delta. There’s a decent mekong river day trip option (if you don’t have time or a budget for an overnight trip like mine). Even though it will probably be faster and travel less distance, it still should give a good insight into life along the river, within reach nearly from HCMC or Can Tho.
Researching – comparing companies, reviews, the route and inclusions – helps you decide on the right Mekong river trip from Ho Chi Minh for you. In summary, mekong cruises tours and short boat trips are both unique ways to explore this interesting part of Vietnam.
