For 12 years our authentic Ben Tre Private Day Tour program has received rave reviews from discerning travelers around the world! When we started, there were very few boat tour options in the region, those which predated us were operating boats that were barely suitable for western tourists. Our fleet of day cruisers are 2 meters above the water and navigate the waterways with very little motion. Routinely, we are recognized for having the nicest and safest fleet in the Mekong Delta. Other operations will "show horse" pictures of their nicest boat, but on tour day, it is not the same cruise you expected. Our Ben Tre Private Day Tour completely avoids the commercial side of tourism in the Mekong Delta (staged vendors, shopping channels, touristy budget experiences with very little substance). On our program, you will experience the natural beauty of Ben Tre province, visit real local houses and see family run local business that date back generations as well as cruise the rivers with one of our top local guides and be served by our friendly local team. A short 2.5 hour car transfer delivers you to the pristine natural beauty that is Ben Tre Province. Known as “Coconut Island,” many of its people still rely on tradition and centuries old methods of production. Our program focuses on the Giong Trom and Huu Dinh districts, areas untouched by commercial tourism. We showcase the amazing local people, the villages they call home and the peaceful Rivers they use as a part of their daily lives. Depart from Saigon around 7:00 am and head south to Ben Tre province, famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. On arrival, meet with your guide and take a short walk through a local village to enjoy the landscape of local houses and gardens. Upon reaching the local pier, board your Mango Cruise and enjoy the river views as you cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province. As you arrive in a neighboring village, the cruise will first stop at a coconut processing operation that is owned by a local family. Learn about the many uses of the coconut which Ben Tre province is famous for. Then begin cycling with your guide through small village pathways with lush vegetation. Listen for “Hello!” from the friendly local people as we witness true local life away from the mass tourism operations. Reconnect with your Day Cruiser and Captain and transfer across the river to “Bao Island” and meet a local farmer. His family has a large Coconut Garden in a tranquil setting. Enjoy a fresh coconut and learn more about his life in the Mekong Delta. Return to your cruise and relax as your guide and captain will transfer you to one of the many beautiful canals found in the Mekong Delta. Board a rowboat and be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals. After our team rows you through the quiet canal you will arrive at the local house of Ms. Huong to enjoy tea. After your stop for tea, take a motorized cart to a nearby pier and cruise on your day boat to Mango Home. It is time for you to relax and enjoy a set menu lunch of local specialties, some grown organically in Mango Home Garden! Relax and have a walk around the lush garden setting. After lunch, continue your cycling trip to My Long to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made. After the visit, your car or bus (as arranged) will be waiting for you at the nearby road to return you to HCMC or your onward trip.