4-Day Trip To Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam - Review By Paul
Hello, It’s Paul ! I had the chance to discover the South of Vietnam through a 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam, organized with Autour Asia, an agency specialized in tailor-made travel. Between the bustle of Saigon and the gentle atmosphere of the Mekong Delta, this short stay offered me a fine balance between discovery, encounters and local immersion, perfectly embodying the spirit of an authentic journey to Southern Vietnam. I particularly appreciated the smooth pace of the program, which allows time to observe daily life and feel the unique atmosphere of the region. Through this review, I want to share my experience and my personal perspective on this trip, ideal for a first introduction to southern Vietnam.
Table of Contents
I. Overview of my 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam
These 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam were, for me, a progressive and very well-balanced discovery of the southern part of the country. I was looking for an itinerary that was both immersive, authentic and smooth, without multiplying unnecessary travel. Between the peaceful landscapes of the Mekong Delta and the contrasting energy of Saigon, this itinerary allowed me to understand different facets of Vietnam, in a short time but with great meaning.
Each stage brought a different atmosphere, without ever giving the impression of being rushed and I appreciated this gentle transition between river life, shaped by the water and by encounters and the more intense urban atmosphere of the city, as it is experienced during an organized Saigon Mekong trip. This stay offered me a sincere glimpse of southern Vietnam, through simple, human and well-balanced experiences.
II. Details of the 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam
1. Day 1: Arrival in Ben Tre - First immersion in the Mekong
I left the hotel early in the morning to reach Ben Tre, often nicknamed the kingdom of coconuts. Very quickly, the scenery changed: buildings gave way to quiet rivers, endless rows of palm trees and a noticeably slower pace of life.
On site, I began the day with an immersion by boat on a branch of the Mekong, one of those highlights that fully marked these 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. The progression was slow and silent, almost timeless, ideal for observing the life that unfolded along the water. This navigation also offered me the opportunity to explore the handicraft villages of Ben Tre, notably during a visit to a traditional brick kiln, recognizable by its conical ovens with orange hues. There, I discovered an ancient know-how, still entirely manual, using clay taken directly from the river.
The discovery continued in small coconut craft workshops, where I observed each stage of the fruit’s transformation, from the fresh coconut to local confections, an experience that naturally fit into this Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam itinerary. The gestures, passed down from generation to generation, made the experience particularly authentic and I took pleasure in trying to wrap a few candies myself. At lunchtime, I enjoyed some specialties in Ben Tre, such as delicately scented coconut rice and a fresh, crunchy coconut heart salad with shrimp and pork (gỏi củ hũ dừa tôm thịt), in a peaceful setting, before continuing the exploration of the delta.
At the end of the day, I set off on a bicycle ride through the countryside of Ben Tre, enjoying the soft light of the late afternoon and the sunset over the rural landscapes, an atmosphere that fully marked this 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. The small paths lined with coconut trees, the stilt houses and the calm of dusk offered a particularly authentic view of local life. After this soothing interlude in the heart of the delta, I then headed to Cai Be for the night, in order to rest and be fully ready to discover, early the next morning, another facet of the Mekong.
Accommodation (day 1): The Durian Lodge at Mekong, one of the best places to stay in Cai Be
2. Day 2: Cai Be - Mekong traditions and local life
After a peaceful night in Cai Be, I began the day at dawn by heading to the Cai Be floating market, an emblematic stop on this Ben Tre Cai Be Can Tho Saigon itinerary. More discreet than in the past, it retained an authentic atmosphere, with boats loaded with fruit and bamboo poles indicating the goods. Enjoying a coffee on the water, as the river slowly awakened, naturally fit into the peaceful continuity of the Mekong discovered the day before.
I then returned to dry land to visit the ancient village of Dong Hoa Hiep, one of the best things to do in Cai Be to understand local history. The century-old houses, blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with French influences, told the story of a prosperous and refined Mekong. Sitting in a carved wooden living room, over a cup of tea, I felt an almost timeless calm, heightened by the lush gardens surrounding these residences.
Lunch took place in a green setting, with simple local cuisine prepared from garden produce, a gourmet interlude that extended the immersion without breaking the peaceful rhythm of this 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. In the afternoon, I crossed over to Cu Lao Tan Phong (Tan Phong Island) to discover the countryside by bicycle. The narrow paths lined with orchards, the shade of the trees and the spontaneous exchanges with local residents made this ride a moment of great gentleness.
Before leaving Cai Be, I devoted the last hours of the day to visiting a few local craft workshops, an experience that fully fit into these 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. There, I observed the making of puffed rice and rice crackers using ancestral methods, passed down with patience and pride. These simple and sincere exchanges gave the end of the day a deeply human dimension. In the late afternoon, I then set off toward Can Tho, where I spent the night. This gentle transition helped preserve the rhythm of the journey and allowed me to calmly prepare for discovering, the following morning, the living heart of the Mekong Delta.
Accommodation: KP Hotel Can Tho (day 2)
3. Day 3: Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta
After the night spent in Can Tho, I woke up very early to reach the river still wrapped in mist. In continuity with the discoveries of Ben Tre and Cai Be, this morning marked a highlight of the Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam itinerary with one of the most emblematic moments of the delta: the Cai Rang floating market. At dawn, dozens of boats loaded with fruit and vegetables gathered on the water. I had breakfast directly on a nearby boat, a bowl of hủ tiếu served while the boat gently rocked. Observing the exchanges, the floating cafés and the bamboo poles indicating the goods gave a very vivid picture of the Mekong’s river-based economy.
Back on dry land, I continued the morning with a visit to a traditional hủ tiếu noodle-making workshop located not far from the market, a stop that fully fit into this 4-day Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam itinerary. There, I discovered how rice was transformed into fine noodles, still by hand, through precise gestures passed down for generations. The tasting on site, simple and flavorful, naturally extended the morning experience and reinforced this close link between the river, agriculture and local cuisine.
After lunch, the pace slowed. I took time to observe daily life along the river before heading, in the mid-afternoon, to the Binh Thuy ancient house, an emblematic stop of an authentic trip to Southern Vietnam. This elegant residence, blending French influences with traditional Vietnamese architecture, offered a soothing contrast to the lively atmosphere of the floating market. The antique furniture, period tiles and carefully maintained garden created a hushed, almost timeless atmosphere.
At the end of the day, I left Can Tho with the feeling of having touched the heart of the Mekong Delta, a highlight of these 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. In the early evening, I set off toward Saigon, a journey of about four hours that marked a gradual transition between the river world and urban bustle. Upon arrival, I settled into the hotel and enjoyed a welcome moment of rest, ready to discover, the following day, a completely different facet of Vietnam.
Accommodation (day 3): Sanouva Saigon Hotel, best 3-star hotel in Saigon
4. Day 4: Journey to Saigon - Contrasts and urban energy
After arriving in Saigon the previous evening and a restorative night’s sleep, the contrast with the Mekong was felt as soon as I woke up. Here, the pace quickened. The noise of traffic, the bustle of the streets and the surrounding energy immediately set the tone: Saigon was an intense, vibrant and deeply urban city.
I began the day with a walking tour through the historic center, ideal for easing into this energy without rushing, in continuity with this 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam. The Saigon Central Post Office served as a first striking landmark. Inside, I took time to observe the old maps, the period counters and the vast metal framework that recalled the city’s colonial heritage. Just opposite, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon naturally imposed itself along the route. Its red-brick architecture and shaded forecourt offered a calmer pause in the heart of the urban bustle.
At lunchtime, I took a gourmet break around the typical flavors of Saigon. A well-chilled ice milk coffee opened the moment, followed by a cơm tấm and a bánh mì enjoyed on the go. Simple and flavorful dishes, perfectly in tune with the rhythm of the city and the daily life of its inhabitants.
In the afternoon, I continued on foot toward Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, an emblematic stop of this 4-day Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam itinerary. The atmosphere gradually changed: more open, more modern, driven by the energy of Saigon’s youth. Between contemporary buildings, lively cafés and street performers, I regularly paused to observe the life that unfolded along this wide pedestrian avenue. This walk allowed me to sense a Saigon turned toward the future, creative and in constant motion.
This final day naturally brought the journey to a close. After the gentleness of the Mekong and an immersion shaped by the rhythm of the water, returning to the urban energy of Saigon made it possible to grasp the full diversity of southern Vietnam. A strong yet coherent contrast, giving these 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam a balanced and memorable ending.
III. Practical tips for your trip to Southern Vietnam
To fully enjoy your Southern Vietnam trip and experience a journey that was both comfortable and authentic, here were a few practical tips to keep in mind when preparing for your trip:
Choosing the right period: It was recommended to travel between November and April, during the dry season. The climate was more stable, travel conditions were more pleasant and activities on the Mekong took place in good conditions. The rainy season, from May to October, also remained possible, with showers that were often short and unpredictable.
Adopting a smooth pace: For an itinerary such as 4 days in Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam, it was best to avoid overloading the days. Favoring nearby stops, end-of-day transfers and visits concentrated in the morning helped ensure travel without fatigue.
Waking up early for the Mekong: In the delta, some must-see experiences, especially floating markets, took place at dawn. Early wake-ups allowed full enjoyment of these authentic moments, before the heat and bustle set in.
Planning suitable clothing: Light, breathable and covering outfits were recommended, especially for boat trips, cycling excursions, or temple visits. A hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes were essential.
Getting around easily: In Saigon, using applications such as Grab, Be, or Xanh SM made travel simple and secure. In the Mekong, local boats and bicycles were preferred for a gentler immersion, while walking was ideal in city centers.
Staying open to encounters: Taking time to interact with local residents proved valuable. A smile, a few words, or a break in a local café often offered a deeper understanding of the culture and greatly enriched the Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam discovery, well beyond long conventional visits.
Managing the Mekong - Saigon transition: Anticipating the shift from the calm of the delta to urban bustle was important. Planning a night of rest in Saigon before sightseeing helped fully appreciate the contrast without excessive fatigue.
As I closed this 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam, I realized how this short getaway had revealed the full diversity of the southern part of the country, through a Ben Tre Cai Be Can Tho Saigon itinerary that was both coherent and well balanced. Between the tranquility of river landscapes, simple encounters along the water and the intense energy of Saigon, each stage allowed me to feel a Vietnam that was both vibrant and deeply human. What I retained above all was this fair balance between discovery and time to observe, without ever rushing. Thanks to Autour Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, whose guidance and organization gave meaning to every moment of the route, I experienced a smooth and authentic journey. This trip left me with strong images and lasting sensations, like an invitation to return and further explore southern Vietnam.
You might be interested in:
- 15 days in Vietnam and Phu Quoc
- 2-week itinerary in Vietnam extension to Phu Quoc
- Saigon Phu Quoc 7 days trip
- 3 days in Ben Tre Can Tho
- Saigon Travel Guide
- Southern Vietnam 8 days
- South Vietnam Tours
The main highlights of a trip to Southern Vietnam in 8 days lie in the diversity of experiences it offers across the region. The journey combines the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where you explore historical landmarks and enjoy a rich culinary scene, with an immersive discovery of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre and Can Tho, including the iconic Cai Rang floating market and authentic river life. The itinerary then gently shifts toward relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Ninh Thuan, providing a peaceful contrast to the earlier cultural and urban experiences. This well-balanced combination of city life, river landscapes and coastal scenery makes the 8-day journey both enriching and memorable.
To efficiently organize 15 days in Vietnam and Phu Quoc, the ideal approach is to build a progressive itinerary from north to south, alternating between cultural discoveries, nature and relaxation. Start with Hanoi and its surroundings (Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay) to immerse yourself in the history and iconic landscapes, then continue toward the Center (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) for a balance between heritage and a gentle pace of life. The logical next step leads to the South, with Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre, Can Tho, Cai Rang floating market) for a more human and local approach. End with several days in Phu Quoc, dedicated to beach relaxation. Prioritizing well-distributed travel, overnight stays and the support of a local agency helps maintain a fluid, comfortable rhythm that is well-suited for families.
Yes, this trip is perfectly suited for families with children as well as seniors, provided the itinerary is slightly adjusted. The 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern Vietnam focuses on short travel distances and low-intensity activities, such as Mekong River cruises, cycling on flat terrain and visiting local villages or ancient houses. Schedules can be adapted to avoid overly busy days and private transfers ensure optimal comfort throughout. This flexibility allows everyone to fully enjoy the journey in a serene and secure environment.
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