Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, this 6-day itinerary works well as a bookend to your Vietnam trip, especially if you’re continuing onward to Cambodia. If you’re not, simply stop at the border. From floating markets and nature sanctuaries to incredible pagodas and mountain summit views, expect to be busy; there’s a lot to see and do.
Stupas at Ang Pagoda. Photo © Dana Filek-Gibson.
Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, make your way to the delta, specifically Vinh Long. See Day 1 of The Mekong Delta via Ho Chi Minh City for a suggested itinerary for today.
The Mekong Delta
In the morning, take a boat to Cai Be floating market. Head there early, as much of its vibrancy is lost by late morning. Relax while your vessel meanders down narrow canals and back up the river to An Binh. From here, catch a ferry back to Vinh Long and take the bus to Sa Dec. Perhaps the most photogenic town in the Delta, Sa Dec is worth a visit to see the house of Huynh Thuy Le, the richly decorated Kien An Cung Pagoda, and Sa Dec’s famous flower gardens.
Hop on a bus headed for Cao Lanh (or hire a car to drive there) and find accommodations for the night. Those pressed for time can also take a direct bus from Vinh Long to Cao Lanh.
Plan for an early start, as you’ll want plenty of time to reach Tram Chim National Park before late morning for the best bird-watching. Keep an eye out for red-headed sarus cranes, the world’s tallest flying bird, along with the 230 other bird species found here. After your tour, head back to Cao Lanh to check out the local Nguyen Sinh Sac Memorial Park and Do Cong Tuong Temple.
A stork in Tram Chim National Park. Photo © Dana Filek-Gibson.
In the morning, depart for Chau Doc. You’ll arrive around noon, leaving the rest of the day for relaxing and exploring this small border town. Grab lunch near Chau Doc’s local market before making the trip out to Sam Mountain. Scale the many steps to the top by passing through Tay An Pagoda or hitch a xe om ride to its summit.
On your way back down, swing by Cave Pagoda and the Temple of Lady Xu. In the afternoon, book a boat trip for the following morning through one of the local hotels. Evenings in Chau Doc are a tame affair, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation as the sun goes down.
Take a guided ride on the Bassac River (Hau River), passing fish farms and floating houses, as well as Chau Doc’s floating market. Upon returning to shore, wander around Chau Giang District, home to the town’s Cham community and the green-and-white minaret of Mubarak Mosque or kick back near the waterfront. Victoria Chau Doc is a great place to unwind, with a top-notch bar and restaurant, as well as a riverside pool.
The Mubarak Mosque serves Chau Doc’s Cham Muslim Community. Photo © Dana Filek-Gibson.
For your last day in Vietnam, motor out to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, awash with flooded forests of cajuput trees and feathered residents. Enjoy a peaceful rowboat ride and the views from its soaring watchtower. Avid history buffs and nature enthusiasts can carry on to Ba Chuc or explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon; cross into Cambodia the following day.
Excerpted from the First Edition of Moon Vietnam.
