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Itinerary 6 Days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc - Review By Sarah

Hello everyone, my name is Sarah. I am passionate about rural tourism and meaningful travel experiences. During my 10 days in southern Vietnam, the 6 days in the Mekong Delta offered me far more than a simple itinerary: a slow pace of life, generous nature, and encounters filled with rare sincerity. Through the itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I chose to travel differently, taking my time: drifting along rivers, cycling through the countryside, visiting ancient temples, and sharing simple moments with local residents. It was a gentle, authentic, deeply human journey… and unforgettable. I invite you to relive these emotions with me, day by day.

I. Overview of my 6-day trip to Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc

I experienced this itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc in December, an ideal period when the delta breathes softness. The mornings were cool and bright, while the afternoons were calm, perfect for slowing down and observing local life.

In Ben Tre, the peaceful rivers and coconut palms seemed to invite contemplation. In Sa Dec, the floral atmosphere and preparations for Têt brought joyful and colorful energy. As for Chau Doc, I found there a subtle balance between spirituality, nature, and quiet reflection. This journey allowed me to experience the delta in all its richness: river cruises, cycling excursions, culinary discoveries, and sincere moments of sharing.

Throughout this 6 days itinerary Mekong Delta, I enjoyed a complete immersion at the heart of the region: cruising along the rivers, cycling through the countryside, tasting local specialties, and gently discovering cultures and landscapes.

II. My 6-day itinerary Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc

Day 1 – Cruise on the Tien River & Discovery of the Four Sacred Animal Islets (Tu Linh)

My itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc began early in the morning with departure from Ho Chi Minh City. After about one and a half hours on the road, I arrived at the My Tho pier for breakfast before boarding the boat to explore the Tu Linh islets. The boat glided slowly along the Tien River, lined with lush green water palms. Sitting at the front, I let the gentle breeze brush my face while the rowers shared stories of their daily lives, with that simplicity so characteristic of the delta. At that precise moment, I understood that these 2 days in Ben Tre would be guided by slowness and authenticity.

The first stop of my trip to Ben Tre in 2 days was Con Long, where I strolled through orchards while tasting fresh fruit directly on site. I then headed to Con Lan, a peaceful islet imbued with the typical rural charm of southern Vietnam. There, I visited a traditional beekeeping farm, closely observed the honey production process, and enjoyed an infusion of honey and pollen, delicately scented and naturally sweet.

Visiting Ben Tre and discovering Con Lan, I particularly enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride, slow and peaceful, along shaded village paths. This visit ended with the deep and authentic melodies of đờn ca tài tử, allowing me to connect more closely with the cultural life of southern Vietnam.

Lunch by the river, featuring Ben Tre specialties with rustic yet well-balanced flavors, made this day even more fulfilling.

In the afternoon, I stopped at Con Quy, green and tranquil, before ending the day at Con Phung, an essential stop when visiting Mekong Delta. There, I visited the historical site of Dao Dua, which preserves many unique spiritual constructions associated with Nguyen Thanh Nam. I then discovered a traditional coconut candy workshop, observed every step of the production process, and tasted candies that were still warm, infused with the fragrance of fresh coconut. I also took part in several traditional folk games, bringing a joyful and lively atmosphere to the end of the day.

As evening fell, I returned to the homestay, enjoyed a dinner rich in local flavors, and rested in a peaceful setting, gently closing this first day of 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc with emotion and serenity.

Day 2 – Cycling through Ben Tre countryside & Discovery of Craft villages

The second morning in Ben Tre, during this itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, began softly. Under pleasantly cool weather, I cycled through the countryside, breathing in the fresh air and observing the slow rhythm of river life. Small tree-lined paths, birdsong at dawn, and the warm smiles of local people made this ride incredibly soothing.

Leaving the countryside, I headed to the Cai Mon orchard, nicknamed the "paradise of fragrant flowers and sweet fruits" of Ben Tre. I walked among fruit-laden trees and tasted ripe fruit freshly picked. Lunch at the orchard, featuring simple yet flavorful southern dishes, perfectly completed my 2-day trip to Ben Tre. I also had the opportunity to wear a traditional ba ba outfit, paired with a kằn rằn scarf, and to share a moment of everyday life with local residents.

My Mekong Delta 6 day trip continued toward the craft villages of My Long, renowned for rice paper production, and Son Doc, famous for its puffed rice crackers. I was fortunate to closely observe each step of the process, from mixing the batter to cooking and sun-drying. I fully realized the meticulous care and craftsmanship of local artisans. These crackers, delicately scented with rice and coconut, seemed to carry the very soul of rural Ben Tre.

At the end of my trip to Ben Tre, I returned to the homestay to pack my bags, say goodbye to my kind hosts, and then set off toward Sa Dec, carrying precious memories with me.

Overnight in Sa Dec.

Day 3 - Sa Dec Flower Village & the Ancient Huynh Thuy Le House

On my first day in Sa Dec, my 6-day itinerary Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc began with a visit to Sa Dec Flower Village, the true horticultural capital of the Mekong Delta. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the vastness of the site and the diversity of thousands of flower varieties, blooming vibrantly throughout the year.

Sa Dec Flower Village immediately caught my attention thanks to its stilt cultivation method: flower pots were placed on bamboo structures, while water flowed below through small canals, creating a unique and poetic setting. As I wandered along the flower-lined paths, I felt the slow rhythm of daily life and the quiet craftsmanship of local residents.

Continuing my 6 days in Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I headed to Happy Land Hung Thy. There, I took part in several traditional activities such as cycling across a monkey bridge, crossing balance bridges and swinging bridges, as well as ziplining above the river. After these lively and joyful moments, I enjoyed lunch on site, savoring rustic local dishes.

My 2 days in Sa Dec would not be complete without exploring the ancient Huynh Thuy Le House. Beyond the famous love story linked to French writer Marguerite Duras, the residence deeply impressed me with its subtle harmony of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles, giving it an appearance that is elegant, historic, and profoundly captivating.

As night fell, a stroll along the Sa Dec riverside and a steaming bowl of hủ tiếu gently brought this day to a close.

Day 4 - Local life in Sa Dec & Cultural and spiritual traces of the Chinese community

On the second day in Sa Dec, during the itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I discovered Sa Dec Market, a place that truly reflects the daily life of the Mekong Delta’s inhabitants. While strolling between the stalls, I easily found a wide variety of fresh, ripe fruits that could be enjoyed on the spot or purchased as souvenirs. I bought a few typical local items, marking another stage of my 6-day itinerary Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc.

My 2 days in Sa Dec continued with a visit to Kien An Cung Temple (Ong Quach Temple), an ancient Chinese temple located in the heart of Sa Dec. More than a century old, the temple stood out with its vibrant colors while maintaining a solemn and peaceful atmosphere. The well-arranged worship spaces, old brick walls, and timeworn roofs offered a true moment of tranquility in the middle of the city.

I then stopped at the Thien Hau Goddess Temple, dedicated to the protector deity of sailors and an important spiritual site for the local Chinese community. The finely carved sculptures on the columns and roofs testified to the cultural richness and historical value of this iconic landmark of Sa Dec.

After lunch, I packed my belongings, said goodbye to Sa Dec, and continued my journey toward Chau Doc. Only 2 days in Sa Dec, yet intense enough for this city to leave me with gentle, poetic, and deeply soothing memories.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 5 - Sacred Sam Mountain: pilgrimage, cable car & Chau Doc night market

On the fifth day of my 6-day itinerary Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I dedicated the entire day to exploring the Sam Mountain complex, a place that is both sacred and rich in historical and cultural value, emblematic of Chau Doc.

In the morning, I visited Tay An Co Tu Pagoda. I was deeply impressed by its original architecture, which harmoniously blends Indian, Islamic, and traditional southern Vietnamese pagoda influences. Right next to it stood the Thoai Ngoc Hau tomb, dedicated to the great mandarin who played a key role in the development and protection of An Giang Province. Surrounded by enclosure walls and large centuries-old trees, the site radiated a calm atmosphere filled with respect and contemplation.

Continuing my itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I then went on a pilgrimage to the Ba Chua Xu Shrine of Sam Mountain, a major spiritual site deeply rooted in the religious life of Chau Doc’s inhabitants. The shrine stood out for its curved roofs, finely carved decorative motifs, and its sacred, tranquil atmosphere. Around lunchtime, I enjoyed a meal near the shrine before continuing my visit.

In the afternoon, I took the Sam Mountain cable car to reach the summit and visit the Jade Buddha Temple as well as the Ba Stele (Bệ Bà). From above, the panorama was breathtaking: endless rice fields, the Vinh Te Canal, the Seven Mountains range (Thất Sơn), and the immense 81-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved into the mountainside. After descending, I approached this monumental work, impressed by the delicacy and devotion that marked its creation.

I then visited Hang Pagoda (Phước Điền Tự), an ancient temple nestled against the mountainside, offering a peaceful setting, open views, and a remarkably harmonious natural environment.

In the evening, I strolled through the Sam Mountain night market, wandering among handicraft and souvenir stalls before savoring local specialties. The lively atmosphere and enticing aromas made this trip to Chau Doc particularly memorable.

Day 6 - Tra Su cajeput forest & Cam Mountain: End of the journey

I began the final day of my 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc with a visit to Chau Doc Market, one of the must-see stops during my 2 days in Chau Doc. The market vividly reflected local culture, with numerous stalls offering fermented fish paste, vegetables, fruits, dried products, and clothing.

Around 9 AM, I headed to the Tra Su cajeput forest, one of the most famous in Vietnam, located west of the Hau River. Seated in a small boat, I followed the slow rhythm of the female rowers dressed in their ao ba ba, gliding through narrow waterways covered with bright green duckweed. The tranquility, fresh air, and rich ecosystem offered a rare and precious sense of relaxation.

After lunch at a local restaurant, I continued in the afternoon toward Cam Mountain, often referred to as the roof of the Mekong Delta. I took the cable car, soaring above Thanh Long Lake while admiring sweeping views of the Seven Mountains range. Upon reaching the summit, I successively visited Thuy Liem Lake, Van Linh Pagoda, the Great Buddha Pagoda, and the 32-meter-high statue of the Laughing Buddha Maitreya, radiating serenity in the heart of a peaceful environment.

The final stop of my 2-day trip to Chau Doc was Ta Pa Pagoda, a temple with distinctive Khmer architecture, perched atop Ta Pa Mountain amid a still-wild mountainous landscape. The calm atmosphere, cool breeze, and pure air allowed me to conclude this itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc with a profound feeling of lightness and inner peace.

At the end of this Mekong Delta 6 day trip, I returned to Ho Chi Minh City.

Reflecting on this itinerary 6 days Ben Tre Sa Dec Chau Doc, I fully realized the richness of the slow and authentic experiences offered by the Mekong Delta. I sincerely thank AUTOUR ASIA, a travel agency in Vietnam, for its support and for allowing me to discover a Mekong that is simple, profound, and deeply human. Beyond landscapes and visits, this Mekong Delta excursion left me above all with a rare sensation: having slowed down, listened, and truly felt. The whisper of the rivers, the kindness of the locals, and the silence of spiritual places shaped a gentle yet deeply moving itinerary. If you dream of a sincere journey, far from the hustle and bustle, the Mekong Delta will, in turn, know how to touch your heart.