Off-Grid Vietnam: Saigon to the Mekong

Tour/Activity , Vietnam

Your Travel Experience with ARRIVAL

Day 1

ARRIVAL

You touch down in Ho Chi Minh City (Airport transfers not included) and boom – straight into Cholon, the old Chinese quarter. Markets humming, incense swirling. Binh Tay Market throws you into the deep end, but in the best way. Later, you’ll rise above it all at the Bitexco Tower. The whole sprawl of Saigon spreads beneath you – chaos and beauty in equal measure.

Bitexco Tower Sky Deck

Begin your trip with a bird’s-eye view of Saigon from the Bitexco Tower Sky Deck. From 178 metres up, the city sprawls beneath you – a buzz of bikes, buildings and endless energy. A perfect intro to the chaos that awaits below.

Cholon Market Walk

Hit the ground walking in Saigon’s Cholon district – a sensory overload of incense, motorbikes, sizzling street food and Taoist temples. Explore Binh Tay Market and duck down alleyways where daily life hums with colour, culture and centuries of Chinese-Vietnamese heritage.

EMM Saigon Hotel (or similar)

A bright, playful spot in central Saigon with retro-modern flair and all the comforts you want after a long-haul flight or Mekong adventure. Think rooftop drinks, colourful rooms and a quiet escape just minutes from the action.

Day 2

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (or similar)

This riverside retreat wraps you in quiet. Wooden floors, wide verandas, and views that drift into Cambodia. It’s where you slow down, watch the water move and feel like a traveller, not a tourist.

Sa Dec Stopover

Take a slow wander through Sa Dec – a peaceful riverside town where time lingers. Browse vibrant flower markets, spot colonial mansions and enjoy the kind of quiet beauty that feels worlds away from Saigon’s bustle.

Day 4 - 7

Victoria Can Tho Resort (or similar)

Tucked along the riverbanks, this French-inspired retreat mixes colonial charm with tropical ease. Palm-shaded gardens, cool tiles underfoot and a pool made for lazy afternoons. The perfect base for floating markets and slow mornings.

Day 5

Cai Rang Floating Market

Rise before the sun and boat into the Mekong’s most iconic market. Cai Rang floats to life with vendors trading breakfast soups, fruit and household goods boat-to-boat. It’s noisy, chaotic and unforgettable – a real slice of river life in motion.

Noodle Workshop

Step into a riverside village and learn the art of making Hu Tieu noodles from scratch. Roll, slice, steam – and then slurp. This hands-on workshop connects you to the flavours and rhythms of the Mekong, one humble bowl at a time.

Can Tho Street Food Tour (Optional)

Hit the backstreets of Can Tho with a local who knows every hidden noodle shack and sizzling grill. This evening tour dives deep into the city’s snack scene – think bánh xèo, grilled skewers and bites you’ve never heard of but won’t forget. Come hungry. Extra costs apply.

Day 6

Cycling Through the Delta (Optional)

Pedal past emerald rice paddies, brick kilns and quiet canals on two wheels. It’s the friendly waves, dusty trails and a glimpse of daily Mekong life that make this one special. Extra costs apply.

Vietnamese Cooking Class (Optional)

Get behind the wok with a hotel chef and dive into the secrets of Vietnamese home cooking. Learn the balance of sweet, salty, sour and spice – then eat what you make. Think hands-on, not high-brow. No experience needed, just appetite. Extra costs apply.

Day 7

EMM Saigon Hotel (or similar)

A bright, playful spot in central Saigon with retro-modern flair and all the comforts you want after a long-haul flight or Mekong adventure. Think rooftop drinks, colourful rooms and a quiet escape just minutes from the action.

Cai Be Princess Cruise

Board the elegant Cai Be Princess and drift through Mekong backwaters. Stop at stilted homes, visit village workshops, and feast at Le Longanier – a colonial-era villa tucked into the jungle. It’s slow travel, elevated.

Day 8

Departure

No schedule today. Sleep in, grab a bánh mì, walk until you get lost. Say goodbye to Vietnam – or maybe start planning the next leg.