Ho Chi Minh City: Review of Ben Tre & Can Tho Tour (Less Touristy)

So, you’re after something a little bit different, right? Like, a trip that swerves the usual crowds and lets you get a real taste of Vietnam? That’s almost why I looked into the ‘From Ho Chi Minh City Less Tourist 2d Tour Ben Tre Can Tho’ – because, like your, I wasn’t into battling hordes of camera-wielding folks. Basically, I wanted authenticity. It seems these two areas are near Ho Chi Minh City.

Why Ben Tre and Can Tho? My Kind of Escape

Honestly, before this tour, Ben Tre and Can Tho were just places on a map to me. What made them stand out? It might be their promise of a genuine Mekong Delta experience. Is that because lots of travelers rave about the Mekong Delta, yet some spots feel, that is, a little staged, and in some respects, a bit too busy. You know, these provinces still offer a calmer vibe, an opportunity to witness local life playing out without so many tourists around, actually. That really appealed to my soul; a proper peep into how things are done in the area.

Think winding waterways where boats putter past, so think lush green landscapes, and the kind of atmosphere that just invites you to slow down. That’s almost Ben Tre. It could be a place famed for its coconut production; therefore, I heard they make some tasty sweets using this stuff. Can Tho is rather bigger, actually, known for its floating markets, a great spot to see trade and local life, actually.

Two Days of Drifting Along the Mekong: Highlights

Two days may not sound like a huge amount of time, yet trust me, very much is packed in. By the way, I made some awesome memories. Typically, you see, most tours like your often kick off early from Ho Chi Minh City, which is sometimes why there is a drive to Ben Tre. From there, it feels as if the adventure genuinely begins on the water. A boat takes you through these narrow canals, like your getting peeks into local workshops making coconut candy and rice paper. Plus, if you’re nice, they’ll probably even give you samples to try, actually!

Think small restaurants along the riverside providing tasty dishes. In the afternoon, like your often hopping on a bike and cycling through the villages is common, which is that it allows you to soak in the atmosphere at a far slower pace. At the end of the day, anyway, many trips head to Can Tho. Getting an evening wandering along the waterfront, finding something yummy for dinner, so just experiencing the city as the sun goes down is very soothing.

Day two centers, or rather, quite revolves around Cai Rang Floating Market, easily the most popular one in the Mekong Delta. You can see dozens of boats crammed together, traders selling their goods, plus, and it might be breakfast from the boats that provide tasty noodle soups. It is basically a photo-perfect and, seriously, experience that I suggest trying out! After the market, usually you’re able to check out local noodle factories, anyway see how they make this Vietnamese staple. Finally, trips typically head back to Ho Chi Minh City during the late afternoon. That feels a fair whirlwind trip.

Less Touristy Vibe: Did it Deliver?

Now, for the big question: does this tour genuinely feel ‘less touristy’? I might suggest, it mostly did. Of course, there will usually be others traveling with you and some popular spots draw tourists, just like Cai Rang Floating Market. Although, by veering off the major tourist routes through smaller canals and cycling paths, so you could find yourself much closer to daily life than you would suspect. That really did feel quite unique.

For what it is, it might be the feeling that this tour gave me, so the sensation of peering into something authentic rather than a pre-packaged show for tourists, literally. Basically, local interactions are easier; therefore, those fleeting glimpses into family businesses seem that much real. If your aim involves moving beyond the standard tourist snapshots, typically a tour like this is right up your alley.

What to Expect, and What to Bring

Firstly, this is southeast Asia; thus, think humidity! That, it is likely you’ll get quite hot! Bring light, airy clothing to make things bearable and a hat to shield yourself from the sun. Secondly, and more of that, consider sunscreen! That intense sunshine beams off the water and can definitely get you unexpectedly. Next, usually comfortable footwear will be key, literally, you’re apt to be doing lots of walking and possibly cycling. So just slip-on shoes work too!

You see, it will assist you, so learn several simple Vietnamese phrases. Knowing “hello” (xin chào) and “thank you” (cảm ơn) might make people very willing to provide assistance. Also, naturally, bringing along insect repellent helps protect your skin against biting bugs close to rivers. More of that, and more importantly, don’t forget your camera! Those memories on waterways need documenting, actually! Finally, always a portable charger works wonderfully because snapping all day might make the battery fall off pretty quickly.

Is this Mekong Delta Tour for You? The Lowdown.

Do you dislike large tourist crowds and prefer some down-to-earth cultural immersion? Very good; then yes, very possibly. Basically, those after something truly luxurious? That Mekong Delta is beautiful and you may very well enjoy something calmer. In summary, remember that you want this, very simply look into hotels on offer.

Essential Tips to Maximize Your Trip

• Book Ahead: Particularly during peak season, these more intimate tours fill up quicker.
• Be Open: Embrace opportunities to sample weird snacks and meet locals; they might very well turn into trip high points.
• Pack Light: Space within boats is very small. That means you might well feel relieved if only bringing necessary belongings
• Bargain Respectfully: That trading will be expected at the markets, although get that sweet place with good manners.

Tour FAQs

Is the tour physically demanding?

Actually, some mild cycling, walking, plus short boat trips might occur. Overall, just keep your mobility expectations for those wanting leisurely trip, fairly.

Is there Wi-Fi available?

Most likely there’s WiFi that many Hotels as well as some Restaurants sometimes provide. Those wanting always to have access purchase SIM card local and those seem reasonably affordable.

Could Vegetarians as well as Vegans Enjoy that food

Very much! It’s likely several Tour operators do accommodate all forms food preferences; this assists communicate those needs while reserving tickets and those could prepare meals fit specific requirements fairly.