Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic two-hour drive to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, and the capital city of Ben Tre Province. We will be passing through lush rice paddies and fruit farms. Upon arrival at the An Hoa Bridge, board your private wooden boat for a fascinating river excursion to remote parts of the Mekong Delta. You will also travel to a local factory to learn the traditional methods used in making coal from the coconut’s hard-shell. 

Continue crossing two tributaries of the Mekong River, 30 kms (18.5mi) from the Eastern Sea, and arrive at Tam Hiep Island, the cradle of grass jelly herbs. It has been said that the jelly herb leaf has great medicinal properties. Board a sampan for a ride along the narrow canals. Afterward, walk to a local farmer’s house where you will interact with the host to understand his daily farming work. 

Hop on a bicycle for an easy ride in a peaceful village to observe the rustic lifestyle, among fruit orchards and friendly locals. Stop at a local farmer’s garden with a specialty of the region called “lá sâm.” The host will help you explore his lavish garden and pick some leaves and show you how to make special herbal jelly. In Vietnam, one of the popular uses of this leaf is a refreshing drink called “sương sâm”, in which this green jelly is mixed with sugar and banana extract and is served over crushed ice. 

After lunch with specialties of the region in a mellow atmosphere, check into your homestay. Your lodging will be representative of traditional Mekong architecture; you are never too far away from the river, and you’ll be surrounded by green gardens with tropical fruit trees. The rest of the day is at your leisure or you can choose to explore the island on foot or bicycle with some stops en route at a local bonsai garden or a bee farm. This evening, help your host prepare an authentic home-style dinner using fresh produce grown in the family garden.   

Accommodations: Homestay in Ben Tre (Ut Trinh), Private Room 
Meals: Lunch, dinner 

Notes:
The cycling distance is around 4-5 km (2.4-3mi), depending on your physical ability and duration you desire 
The exploration can be done on foot or tri-motorcycle instead of a bicycle.

After partaking in a simple breakfast prepared by your host, hop on a bicycle for another ride on the narrow village lane. Visit a local wet market to see how local villagers trade daily goods. You will be astounded at the variety of produce on display: fresh water chestnuts, taro root, straw mushrooms, and green papayas just to name a few.  You’ll also find dried herbs and spices and there will be desserts!!

Stop at a local workshop to see how the locals weave scraps of fabric for carpets. It takes about an hour and a half to make a small mat. This is a craft which is passed on from generation to generation. Return to your homestay, check-out and say goodbye to your host. Transfer by boat to the pier where a vehicle is waiting for you to return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodations: None
Meal: Breakfast