I arrived in Ben Tre in the late morning, greeted by a smiling guide who immediately immersed me in the warm atmosphere of the Mekong. This departure marked the beginning of my 24h Mekong Delta tour, organized with the help of the Vietnam travel agency – Autour Asia, and from the very first moments, I felt that the adventure would be memorable. We boarded a small wooden boat, gliding gently along canals lined with water palms. The discreet hum of the engine mingled with the laughter of children playing on the banks, giving an impression of a simple yet vibrant life.
During this crossing, I observed locals working in their coconut groves, fishing with rods, or transporting baskets filled with tropical fruits on their boats. Each scene seemed to tell a story of patience and harmony with nature, so different from the constant bustle of Ho Chi Minh City I had left just a few hours earlier.
The attentive and passionate guide took the time to explain the importance of the coconut in the local economy. I tasted fresh juice prepared on-site, served directly in a green coconut. This simple, refreshing, and authentic moment was enough to make this first immersion in the Mekong unforgettable.
After the boat ride, I visited a family workshop producing coconut candy. I observed every step of the process, from caramel cooking to hand wrapping. The sweet aroma filled the air and reminded me of childhood memories.
Then, I walked through a village to discover the weaving of mats from palm leaves. The locals, very welcoming, invited me to try. I clumsily wove a few rows, provoking kind laughter from them.
These simple activities gave their full meaning to the 24h Mekong Delta tour, as they allowed me to understand villagers’ daily lives and create a genuine human connection.
Lunch was served in a family house on stilts, by the river, a typical stage of the 24h Mekong Delta tour. The table was generously filled with traditional dishes: grilled fish, crispy spring rolls, fragrant sautéed vegetables, and fluffy white rice.
What particularly struck me was the famous “elephant ear” fish, fried whole and presented upright on a wooden board, almost like a culinary artwork. I enjoyed it with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a slightly sweet sauce. The combination of textures and flavors was surprising, both simple and refined.
More than the meal itself, it was the warm atmosphere and conviviality of this family that moved me. I felt as if I had been invited not as a tourist, but as a relative sharing an authentic moment of life.
In the afternoon, I hopped on a bicycle to explore the narrow paths crossing rice paddies and orchards. The light breeze, the birdsong, and the smiles of the locals I met along the way gave this ride an atmosphere of total serenity.
The guide explained that cycling was the best way to discover the landscapes of the delta. Pedaling slowly, I took the time to admire the small traditional houses and the wooden bridges that connected the canals.
This immersion in the heart of nature allowed me to understand better why so many travelers choose a 24h Mekong Delta tour to escape the turmoil of big cities.
As night fell, I joined a small walk around the village, an activity often offered during my 24h Mekong Delta tour. The streets were calm, lit by a few oil lamps, while frog songs echoed in the air.
I sat for a moment by the river, contemplating the moon’s reflections on the water. This deep silence strongly contrasts with big cities. It was a moment of pure relaxation, almost meditative.
Sleeping in the Mekong Delta was not just a stage of the trip, but a true pause in time.
The next day, I woke up at dawn to visit a floating market. Boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and flowers created a colorful painting on the water. Sellers shouted their prices, children played on the board, and the aroma of phở soup perfumed the air.
I enjoyed a Vietnamese coffee prepared directly on a boat. This unique moment symbolized the very essence of the 24h Mekong Delta tour: the encounter with a living, authentic, and warm culture.
Before leaving, I visited an orchard where rambutan, mangosteen, longan, and durian grew. I tasted each fruit, amazed by the freshness and diversity of the flavors.
The orchard owners proudly explained their daily work, proof of the strong bond between locals and their land. This direct contact left a lasting impression on me.
Accommodation: Tam Hiep Homestay
At the end of the day, I joined Tam Hiep Homestay, a traditional house in the heart of a peaceful village, included in the 24h Mekong Delta tour. The family’s welcome was warm, with a sincere smile and a cup of green tea.
The room was simple but clean, equipped with a fan and a mosquito net. The wooden walls and the view of the garden created an authentic atmosphere. In the evening, I shared a family meal with my hosts, exchanging stories despite the language barrier.
The price for one night at Tam Hiep Homestay was 350,000 VND (about ≈ 14 USD), a very affordable rate for an unforgettable human experience.
Through Mr. Bueno’s testimony, the 24h Mekong Delta tour appears as a unique experience, far richer than a simple excursion. Organized by the Vietnam travel agency – Autour Asia, this 24-hour journey combines the discovery of sublime landscapes, encounters with local families, and the charm of authentic accommodation like Tam Hiep Homestay. Each moment, from the floating market to cycling trips, tells a story where simplicity and humanity prevail. This account highlights a sincere, generous, and deeply endearing Vietnam. For any traveler seeking authenticity, this tour is an ideal gateway into the fascinating world of the Mekong Delta.
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