This morning, head out to untouched areas unknown to visitors in Ben Tre. Board the Apricot Mekong Cruise, featuring an open barge which allows the river breezes to flow freely. 
From our cruise, meander down the Mekong to observe local life play out along the river’s banks. Visit local families and see how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Visit a local farmer’s house where you interact with the host to understand his daily farming work.

It is a full day of interesting experiences: boat rowing through winding water-coconut canals, bike riding along lush rural roads, sampling tasty local cakes, tea with honey, and enjoying lunch served with Mekong specialties at our selected riverside restaurant. 
After lunch, you will continue driving to Can Tho where you will have the evening free.

Accommodations: Hotel in Can Tho  
Meal: Lunch 

Notes:
The cycling distance is around 4-5 km (2.4-3 mi), depending on your physical ability and duration you desire

Wake up in the early morning and board a local boat to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market. This is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, also the most popular one due to its location and accessibility. The waterway turns into a maze of hundreds of boats jostling for position: at present, the Mekong Delta comprises 25,000 km (15,534 mi) of rivers and canals which are used daily by 500,000 vessels of all sizes.

One of the more interesting activities to watch is the traditional “pole offering” used in trading: because there are so many boats, local sellers are forced to hang their fruits and vegetables on a long bamboo pole. As this is early morning, many floating boats offer breakfast to sellers and even visitors. Have your camera ready as this vibrant wholesale market on the water makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially from the unique vantage point of your boat.

Continue cruising to the hamlet of Ba Lang, where you will hop on a bicycle for an easy ride along narrow village lanes. One of the highlights includes crossing over wooden bridges and taking a local ferry ride with other commuters. Make a stop at a local home for a tea break and interact with the host. Located not too far from bustling Can Tho City, this village retained its bucolic beauty, typical of the countryside villages of the Mekong Delta where life is simple and slow with people living close to nature. You will be transferred to downtown Can Tho and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the riverbanks serving up delicious Mekong Delta specialties.

This afternoon, visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House, filled with features that represent rural areas of the Mekong Delta region during the 20th century. Built in 1870, the exterior looks French, but the interior is uniquely Vietnamese, and all five rooms are furnished with antiques. The house appeared briefly in the 1992 film The Lover, based on the novel of the same name by French author Marguerite Duras.

Accommodations: Hotel in Can Tho  
Meals: Breakfast, lunch 

Notes:
The cycling distance is around 6-12 km (3.7-7.4mi) depending on your physical ability and duration you desire

This morning, take a three hour drive northwest towards Chau Doc,  a colorful and sleepy town near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Arrive in Chau Doc at noon and transfer to your hotel for check-in. 

This afternoon, we will drive 45 minutes to the Tra Su Nature Reserve (open all year round, it is home to 70 different species of birds - bird observation is best between July and Feb). Travel by sampan through endless waterways flanked by mangroves and lush greenery, especially the dominant cajuput trees. This sanctuary covers an area of approximately 850 hectares (3.3 sq mi). A wide variety of colorful birds and other animals can be found here: storks, herons, bats, snakes and turtles.  Particularly interesting to watch are birds that can walk on water: because of their low body weight they do not fall through the densely grown floating habitats. 

Return to your hotel at the end of the day and spend the evening at leisure in peaceful downtown. 

Accommodations: Hotel in Chau Doc  
Meal: Breakfast