Cái Bè, Vietnam

  • Floating market with fresh produce on boats

A feast for the senses, Cái Bè is a Vietnamese enclave set among the lacework of waters of the Mekong Delta. Surrounded by orchards, this small town boasts well-preserved old houses built in the typical style in its Đông Hòa Hiệp Commune. From the delta, visitors can witness how life here unfolds from the river, where old world commerce still survives; craftspeople trade and sell their produce and wares in small floating markets. The region is also known for Cài Luong, a Vietnamese-style folk opera that mixes ballads and theater with storylines focused on rural life.

Sa Ðéc, Vietnam

  • Boat navigating tropical river surrounded by greenery

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 lively town where tree-lined streets invite easy strolls and old villas are surrounded by orchards and markets selling produce and fish. 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.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Fishing boats in serene coastal harbor

Cái Bè Village

For the quintessential Mekong Delta experience, board a local sampan to the village of Cái Bè.

Included
Fishing boats in serene coastal harbor

Cái Bè Village

Duration: 3 hours      

Experience Daily Life in the Delta

For the quintessential Mekong Delta experience, board a local sampan to the village of Cái Bè. The waterways of the Mekong were once a thriving commercial hub, bustling with farmers selling their wares. Today, although it is a more tranquil affair as most vendors veer toward more modern transportation, you will observe local life as your sampan cruises through a village. As you glide along, hear stories of the history of the market, and the importance of the local cottage industries to villagers. Disembark your boat and head to a factory to witness the production of rice paper, coconut candy and pop rice candy. Visit a local garden where you enjoy fresh fruit and some tea. Enjoy time to engage with locals as you browse these delicious offerings. After, board your sampan for the return journey to your ship, passing the local cathedral as you go.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Rural river scene with lush rice fields

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.

Included
Rural river scene with lush rice fields

Sa Ðéc & Mekong Delta by Sampan

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      

From Floating Markets to Romantic Dalliances

Take a sampan tour through the canals of the Mekong Delta for an up-close view of life in its colorful backwaters. You will board your small boat with a local guide, who will navigate the scenic waters to best advantage. Be on the lookout for local children playing in the water or fishermen casting their nets. Return to Sa Ðéc to explore the busy open air markets. You will also see the romantic home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the titular character in Marguerite Duras’s beloved autobiographical novel The Lover. Born in 1914, Duras grew up here in Sa Ðéc and carried on a fated affair with him while she was a teenage girl in French colonial Vietnam. During your visit, you will admire the unique mix of French and Chinese architecture and see the beautifully preserved courtyard of this treasured national relic site. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.