Located in southern Vietnam, Sa Ðéc is a French colonial river port as well as an agricultural trading center. Prior to the 19th century, it was one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta. Today, it is a sleepy, laid-back town where tree-lined streets invite easy strolls and old villas are surrounded by orchards and markets selling flowers. The childhood home of Marguerite Duras, one of France’s best-known authors, Sa Ðéc gained attention as the setting of her autobiographical novel The Lover, which chronicled her affair with the son of a wealthy Chinese businessman.
A feast for the senses, Cải Bè is a Vietnamese enclave nestled among the lacework of waters of the Mekong Delta. Surrounded by fruit orchards, this small town with a charming village air boasts remarkably preserved old houses in its Đông Hòa Hiệp Commune. Village life here centers on the waters of the delta, with local homes built on stilts along the shore. The region is also known for Cải Lương, a Vietnamese-style folk opera that mixes ballads and theater with storylines focused on rural life.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Sa Ðéc & Mekong Delta by Sampan
Take a sampan tour through the canals of the Mekong Delta for an up-close view of life in its colorful backwaters.
Cái Bè Village
For the quintessential Mekong Delta experience, board a local sampan to the village of Cái Bè.
