Vietnam culture week: Saigon, the Mekong and Cu Chi

The tour

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, this culture week moves between the city and the surrounding region: markets, street food and colonial-era landmarks, then the Mekong Delta, Tay Ninh and the beach at Vung Tau. Each day adds another layer to the picture, from the buzz of the city to the calm of the countryside.

Alongside the visits, a language and culture class teaches you basic Vietnamese and everyday customs, and karaoke nights with the group do the rest. A homestay night in Can Tho and a stop with a family in the delta leave room for real encounters.

The tour is for adults with an interest in history, food and local life, who want to understand Vietnam without rushing from one sight to the next.

What makes it different

Vietnamese class and karaoke night
Cai Rang floating market and rice noodles
Homestay night in Can Tho
Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Tunnels
A day by the sea at Vung Tau

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival and walking tour

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, a guided walk to a local temple and church, tasting street snacks along the way. Free evening.

Day 2: Coffee culture and Vietnamese class

Start the day like a local with strong coffee and a fresh bánh mì, then explore Saigon’s street flavours. In the afternoon, a language and culture class covering basic Vietnamese, traditions and customs. Karaoke night with the group.

Day 3: The Mekong Delta

Head to My Tho: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Unicorn Island, honey tea, coconut sweets and local fruit, then a sampan ride along palm-lined canals. After lunch, a ride through the countryside in a vintage xe lam and on to Can Tho for a homestay night.

Days 4 and 5: Cai Rang, Tay Ninh and Cu Chi

An early start for Cai Rang floating market, breakfast bought from a vendor’s boat, a rice noodle workshop and a stop at a family home before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. The other day takes you to Tay Ninh for the midday prayer at the Cao Dai Temple, then on to the Cu Chi Tunnels, with their underground passages and wartime relics.

Day 6: Vung Tau

A two-hour trip to Vung Tau: Thuy Van Beach, lunch, the Christ statue, Thang Tam Whale Temple, the White Palace and Cape Nghinh Phong. Back to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast and end of the programme. The airport transfer is not included but can be added as an option.

On site

Accommodation

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (two-star from day 4) and one homestay night at a three-star guesthouse in Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta.

Meals

Breakfast and lunch every day, dinner on the first evening, and breakfast only on the last day.

Arrival

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on day 1, with a transfer to your hotel. The airport transfer at the end of the week is not included but can be added as an option.

Included

Airport welcome and transfer
Accommodation in hostels and hotels
Meals (breakfast and lunch)
All activities described in the itinerary
24-hour assistance and supervision
Donation to the project

Not included

Flights
Travel and repatriation insurance
Return transfer

Cultural tour in Vietnam