Winter Sun in Southern Vietnam: Saigon, Mekong and Phu Quoc Island

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be whisked to your hotel on the banks of the river by private transfer. You’ll have two days to spend here in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. This effervescent city is Vietnam’s Capital of the South, and it’s as vibrant at night as it is during the day. You won’t be short of things to do here, so after a relax and refresh at your hotel, it’s time to get out and start exploring. Our local Concierge will be there to assist you, so if you’re keen to start sightseeing and discover the city’s exciting foodie scene, they’re full of recommendations.

Your third day is all about getting to know Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the beautiful central post office that was designed by Alfred Foulhoux, walk the halls of the Fito Museum of Traditional Medicine, or stroll along Ð?ng Kh?i Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, to take in colonial architecture, boutiques, art galleries and luxury hotels. If you’re interested in religious structures, head to the striking temple of Bà Thiên Hâu, in the city’s biggest Chinese quarter, or the pretty Ng?c Hoàng pagoda. For a real taste of local life, make your way to Bình Tây Market to browse the many stalls filled with produce, spices and clothing. You’re free to enjoy this city at your own pace, but if you’d prefer a little more guidance, we can arrange for you to have a tour of the city with a local.

In the evening, we’ve organised a scooter ride around the city so you can sample some of Ho Chi Minh’s best street food. On the back of a vintage Vespa, wind through the busy streets of colourful neighbourhoods and get your fill of local specialities such as bánh xèo: a crispy pancake stuffed with pork, shrimp, beansprouts and aromatic herbs. When you’ve had your fill, head to a café to round off the evening with a local concert.

Today you’ll leave the chaos behind as you make your way to the Mekong Delta and the charming city of B?n Tre. Your journey into the heart of the delta begins with a bike ride along peaceful country trails. Then, take a boat to a coconut plantation where you’ll have the opportunity to see what life is like at the water’s edge and sample some of their coconutty creations. After this, hop back on your bike and end up at a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional meal for lunch before continuing your ride along a tree-lined trail beside the Ba Lai River. You’ll arrive at your accommodation in Cân Tho by private transfer and you’ll have two nights to spend here on the banks of the H?u River (Bassac River), a major tributary of the Mekong. When you arrive, enjoy a spa treatment or take a dip in the pool before enjoying a delicious Vietnamese meal at the hotel’s restaurant.

Live like a local this morning as you head to the floating markets at dawn to sail between boats overflowing with bananas, rice, mangoes, pineapples, potatoes and even hot food. Your journey continues towards the arroyos (gullies) where you’ll float between banks lined with coconut palms to sample succulent fresh fruit in the shade of the trees. Lunch is served on a boat, a meal of local specialities such as papaya salad, fish in banana leaves, and chicken with lemongrass. Then, visit a sanctuary in the village of Khmer that’s home to a golden pagoda and a statue of a large reclining Buddha. If you like, we can also organise a Vietnamese cooking class before you head back to your hotel in Cân Tho.

Enjoy a well-earned lie-in today before your private transfer to the airport late morning, and a flight to the island paradise of Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, we’ll arrange another transfer to your charming home for the next three nights, nestled in a peaceful bay on the west coast of the island. This is the R&R portion of your trip, so let yourself disconnect from the stresses of life and reconnect with unspoilt nature, whether on the white sand beach or in the beautiful gardens. At the restaurant, tuck into some fresh, local cuisine.

You have two full days to make the most of Phu Quoc. While it’s tempting to spend the entire time lazing on the sand listening to the sound of the waves, there are plenty of other things to do here that really showcase the diversity of the island. Take a tour of a factory that produces Vietnam’s famous nuoc-mâm fish sauce, or head to a peaceful pepper farm to pick up one of their blends as a souvenir. The island’s national park, which occupies the north and centre-east of the island, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve. Here, you can hike, kayak or raft, or take to the crystal-clear waters to dive among coral, parrotfish, stonefish and blue ring angelfish, to name a few. Whatever you choose to do, return to the hotel for sunset to enjoy an aperitif as you watch the sun melt into the ocean.