Mekong Delta Explorer Cycling Loop – 10 Days

The morning ride from the tranquil countryside of Bac Lieu to Ganh Hao covers lush farmlands and coastline, offering fascinating insights into local life along the Mekong Delta coasts. Along the way, we witness how villagers cultivate fresh seafood and vegetables in the fertile fields, meet lively roadside vendors selling breakfast specialties, and hear traders advertising their goods through crackling loudspeakers mounted on mopeds. The route also passes impressive wind power farms, creating a striking contrast between rural traditions and modern development.

Upon arrival in Ganh Hao, we’ll savor a delicious local lunch before taking a one-hour shuttle transfer to the vast wetlands of Ca Mau. In the afternoon, continue exploring untouched villages, scenic mangrove forests, and picturesque nipa palm plantations, connected by small ferry crossings. Here, slender long-tailed engine boats remain the primary means of transportation, adding to the authentic charm of the region. We conclude the day on the outskirts of Ca Mau City, followed by a short transfer to the city center.

Today’s activities will be more relaxing yet still full of unique experiences. After breakfast, travel approximately 1.5 hours by shuttle to Nam Can District, where we will board a canoe. Enjoy a one-hour speedboat adventure through the vast mangrove forest at Dat Mui National Park. Capture photos at Vietnam’s southernmost landmark—the southernmost tip of the country.

Upon arrival, check in at the national flag tower at the southernmost point, a symbolic landmark of Vietnam. Then, embark on a small boat ride to explore the mangrove forest, cruising along hidden rivers and creeks while experiencing the lives of fishermen in Dat Mui.

Savor a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant, featuring freshly caught regional specialties. In the late afternoon, return to Ca Mau by shuttle, where the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.

Miet Thu has remote hamlets located about 12 km from the sea, running parallel to the coastline. The villages stretch from U Minh Forest along the Trem River to Tac Cau in Rach Gia. In the past, reaching Miet Thu was challenging, as it was accessible only by small boats or long-tailed motorboats. 

In the past, Miet Thu was known as a place filled with mosquitoes and wild animals. Mosquitoes buzzed like the sound of flutes, and leeches were as plentiful as noodles. People once lived surrounded by the tranquil sounds of monkeys and birds—but this is no longer the case today. Still, the area offers a glimpse into the traditional, peaceful, and simple life of southern farmers.

Today, however, access is much easier, thanks to asphalt back roads and winding, well-paved paths that connect village to village, along with convenient waterways. Most locals make their living through agriculture, livestock, and fishing.

The river remains central to daily life here. You can expect to see a variety of boats—from grocery boats and cargo vessels to water taxis and family long-tailed sampans—crisscrossing in every direction.

Today’s biking distance is flexible, allowing you to slow down and fully experience the sights, smells, and flavors of local life. The route includes several ferry crossings, and we will transfer to Rach Gia

After breakfast, we’ll take a-1.5 hour shuttle transfer along QL80 to a small town. From there, we’ll hop on our bikes and begin the day riding on paved roads alongside canals. After a few kilometers, we’ll turn onto narrow paths, cycling through Khmer villages, crossing rice paddies, and continuing toward fishing villages, viewing the karst landscape along the way.

Along the coast, we’ll make several stops to admire colorful fishing boats and capture plenty of photos. We’ll then continue along gently rolling terrain toward the karst mountains, stopping at pagodas before enjoying a coffee break by the beach at Hon Phu Tu in Kien Luong. The morning ride covers approximately 24 km.

This area is home to numerous spirit pagodas visited by local pilgrims throughout the year, offering a great opportunity to explore and experience local culture. We’ll have a local lunch here before resuming our ride toward Mo So Cave.

Following the coastline, we’ll turn onto dirt trails through beautiful farmland, cycling over rolling hills, crossing canals, and riding along smooth paths through rice paddies en route to Mo So Cave. After the visit, we’ll continue pedaling on paved roads that reconnect with the coast, where we can relax our legs and enjoy a scenic shuttle ride along Vietnam’s southern coastline to Ha Tien.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel. In the morning, we’ll explore the vibrant countryside of Ha Tien on a loop, experiencing the daily life of fishermen and local communities—both Vietnamese and Khmer/Cambodian—along the frontier.

Starting from the hotel, we’ll head toward the Giang Thanh River to view colorful fishing boats and meet women repairing fishing nets in village settings. We’ll cycle through the fresh air along the river, surrounded by lush forest, and observe small long-tailed motorboats moving along the canals.

As we approach the mountains bordering Cambodia, the terrain becomes more rustic, with dirt paths winding through quiet hamlets shaded by palm trees. We’ll take breaks for sightseeing at the karst mountains, visit the ruins of Xa Xia Pagoda, and learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge period.

We’ll then ride toward the coast and continue cycling to Mui Nai Beach. Afterwards, we’ll follow the coastline back to Ha Tien town.

After lunch in town, we’ll take a 1.5-hour shuttle to Ba Chuc for a short visit to its memorial, which commemorates more than 3,000 victims. From there, we’ll resume cycling along gently rolling paved roads, passing cassava plantations, before continuing onto dirt paths through farmlands and palm groves.

The final stretch leads us back onto paved roads toward Tra Su Forest. Here, we’ll explore the natural reserve by slow motorboat and traditional rowed sampans. We’ll then transfer to Chau Doc and check into the hotel.

Spend the whole day relaxing by the pools. From the top of Sam Mountain, you can take in breathtaking views of the scenic countryside and the Cambodia border region.

After a hearty breakfast, check out and take a short transfer to Chau Doc pier. From there, board a private motorboat for a two-hour cruise to visit a floating village where catfish are farmed on the river. Stop to observe how locals raise the fish before continuing to a Cham village, where you will walk through the community and see how traditional sarongs are made, reflecting the customs of the Cham people. Visit the mosque before returning to the boat and heading back to Chau Doc pier.

Next, hop on your bikes and explore the vibrant countryside along the Bassac River, passing small local markets, vegetable fields, stilt houses, and fish farms along rural paths. Share the ferry with locals as you cross the Bassac River, then visit Hoa Hoa Pagoda. Continue riding along narrow paths, crossing small bridges and waterways.

Today’s ride concludes in a small town after another ferry crossing of the Bassac River. From there, transfer for about an hour to Long Xuyen for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a-1.5 hours shuttle transfer to Can Tho.

After breakfast, take a motorboat ride to the Cai Rang Floating Market, where your boat will cruise slowly through the market. After the visit, we will take a one-hour shuttle to Vinh Long and enjoy the final day’s adventure exploring An Binh Island and the Cai Be countryside. 

Along the way, you will cross several ferries, stop at fruit orchards, visit an ancient house and a local workshop, and have lunch at a local home before a 2.5-hour shuttle back to Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends.