Vietnam Tours

Southern Essence

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AVT21 - 12 days
Saigon – Mekong – Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Phu Quoc Island – Sai Gon
  •  +84989191859
  • sales@asiavietnamtravel.com
  • asiavietnamtravel.com
Travel Expert Mr.Tim Pham

This 12-day Southern Essence offers the ultimate blend of South Vietnam's vitality, tranquility, and tropical luxury. Starting in the dynamic heart of Saigon, we dive into its history and energy before gently transitioning into the timeless pace of the Mekong Delta, the region's agricultural heart. The Southern Vietnam tour culminates with a generous five-day escape to Phu Quoc Island, offering pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and a perfect opportunity to unwind by the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This itinerary is designed for those who appreciate cultural exploration followed by complete, serene relaxation.

Booking My Tour

Day 1 Day 1 — Arrival in Saigon • Welcome Dinner (D):

Welcome to Saigon, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub. Your private guide for this Southern Essence tour will warmly greet you at the airport and ensure a seamless transfer to your comfortable hotel for check-in. Take this time to rest and refresh after your long Southern Vietnam tour.

In the evening, gather for an elegant Welcome Dinner featuring authentic southern flavors, marking a relaxed and delicious beginning to your Vietnamese adventure.

Do You Know? Before 1975, Saigon was famously celebrated as the "Pearl of the Far East", a city whose sophistication and nightlife rivaled that of Paris and Hong Kong. It was the most modern metropolis in Southeast Asia, where grand boulevards were lined with chic boutiques, luxury hotels like the Continental and Caravelle, and a fleet of iconic blue-and-white Renault taxis. The city was a cultural trendsetter, home to a legendary music scene and a fashion-forward population that blended high French couture with the elegant Vietnamese Ao Dai. Even today, beneath the neon lights of the modern skyscrapers, you can still feel the lingering soul of that "Golden Era" in the city's timeless colonial architecture and its residents' enduring passion for the finer things in life.

Stay: 4-star Hotel

Day 2 Day 2 — Half-day Saigon City Tour • Vespa Night Ride (B/L)

Begin your Southern Essence second day with a focused tour of Saigon’s profound history, visiting the Reunification Hall and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. The Southern Essence tour continues into the vibrant maze of Chinatown, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.

After enjoying lunch, you are free in the afternoon and prepare for the evening’s highlight: hopping on a vintage Vespa for a spirited night ride. This unforgettable Southern Vietnam tour takes you deep into the city's youthful rhythm and hidden street food scenes.

Stay: 4-star Hotel

Day 3 Day 3 — Saigon → Can Tho • Poolside Relaxation (B)

Today, we travel south to the tranquil Mekong Delta, where the pace of life gracefully slows with the river's rhythm. Upon arrival in Can Tho, you will check into your accommodation and immediately feel the serenity of the Southern Vietnam tour.

The afternoon of the Southern Essence is dedicated to unwinding - relax by the pool, enjoy a cool drink, or take a gentle stroll along the riverbank as local boats glide quietly past. This smooth transition prepares you for the deep cultural immersion ahead.

Do You Know? The Mekong Delta is affectionately known as Vietnam’s "Rice Bowl" and "Fruit Kingdom", thanks to its incredibly fertile soil deposited by the Mekong River over thousands of years. In the heart of the delta, Can Tho serves as the agricultural epicentre, where the land is so productive that it supplies over 50% of Vietnam’s rice and 70% of its tropical fruits. The region is home to hundreds of varieties of fruit, from the famous "King of Fruits" (Durian) to sweet pomelos and dragon fruits. It is often said that in the Mekong, you don’t even need to plant a garden, simply drop a seed into the earth, and the generous spirit of the river will turn it into a feast!

Stay: 4-star Ecolodge

Day 4 Day 4 — Cycling in the Countryside • Hosted Family Lunch (B/L)

Embrace the Delta's charm with a guided bicycle ride through winding village paths, shaded by coconut palms and fruit orchards. Along the Southern Essence trip, you’ll visit a Cao Dai temple and a local farmer’s home for a cooking demo on traditional treats. The day culminates with a personalized, Hosted Southern-style Lunch shared with a local family, offering fresh, home-cooked dishes and genuine hospitality.

Stay: 4-star Ecolodge

Day 5 Day 5 — Cai Rang Floating Market • Leisure Day (B)

Rise early for one of the region's most iconic experiences: the magnificent Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the vibrant trade where merchants sell produce directly from boat to boat - a living, colorful snapshot of life on the river.

Then, return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. The remainder of this Southern Essence day is entirely at your leisure to relax by the pool or explore Can Tho’s local markets at your own pace.

Stay: 4-star Ecolodge

Day 6 Day 6 — Flight to Phu Quoc Island (B)

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Can Tho Airport for your convenient domestic flight to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. Known for its pristine tropical beauty, the island marks a luxurious shift in your itinerary.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your selected resort for check-in. The evening is free to enjoy your resort’s amenities or watch the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.

Do You Know? Phu Quoc is home to the world’s most coveted fish sauce, often called the "Champagne of Vietnam". What makes it so special is the island’s specific breed of anchovies, which are salted directly on the fishing boats to lock in freshness. The sauce is then aged for up to a year in giant vats carved from ancient Boi Loi wood, creating a deep amber color and a rich, "umami" flavor that is naturally high in protein. In 2012, it became the first Vietnamese product to receive the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning that just like true Champagne must come from France, authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce can only be born on this magical island!

Stay: 4/5-star Beach Resort

Day 7 Day 7–11 — Phu Quoc Extended Beach & Leisure Retreat (B)

Indulge in five full, glorious days of sun, sand, and sea in this tropical paradise in Southern Essence. Phu Quoc is the perfect locale for complete relaxation, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets. You have ample time for swimming, reading, or indulging in the resort’s fine dining and spa treatments. If you seek adventure, optional excursions to local pearl farms, pepper plantations, or the national park are readily available for this Southern Vietnam tour.

Stay: 4/5-star Beach Resort

Day 8 Day 12 — Return to Saigon • Departure (B)

Enjoy a final, leisurely island breakfast before checking out. Your private transfer will take you to Phu Quoc Airport for your domestic flight back to Saigon (HCMC). Upon arrival in Saigon, you will connect seamlessly with your scheduled international departure flight, ending this memorable Southern Essence tour!

  • Saigon’s Pulse: Experience the city's energy through an immersive Half-day City Tour followed by an unforgettable Vespa Night Ride, exploring hidden street food corners after dark.

  • Mekong Immersion: Cycling through the serene countryside, participating in a cooking demo, and sharing a genuine, hosted lunch with a local family in Can Tho.

  • Floating Market Authenticity: Rise early to witness the vibrant, authentic trade and colorful chaos of the Cai Rang Floating Market.

  • Extended Island Escape: Enjoy five full days of personalized leisure on Phu Quoc Island, renowned for its crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and luxury resort options.

  • Seamless Logistics: Convenient domestic flights connect the major hubs, ensuring a smooth transition from the river life to the tropical coast.

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Inclusions

  • Accommodation: Twin-shared room at selected High-Quality 4-Star Hotels, Eco-lodges, and Cruise Ship as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers; all local specified transport (Vespa, Cyclo, Bicycle, Boat/Cruise).

  • Flights: Domestic flights (Economy Class) as specified in each program (e.g., Saigon/Can Tho - Phu Quoc; Hue - Hanoi).

  • Guides: Professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and dedicated English-speaking local Guides in each region.

  • Meals: Meals as indicated in the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner), including authentic local and hosted meals.

  • Activities & Fees: All entrance fees to attractions, sites, and experiences (e.g., Cooking Class, Floating Market, Boat Trips, Vespa Ride).

  • Service: Bottled water on bus/transfers.

Exclusions

  • Flights: International flights to/from Vietnam.

  • Visas & Insurance: Visa fees (if applicable)

  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance (highly recommended).

  • Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and local service providers.

  • Meals & Drinks: Meals not mentioned in the itinerary; all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during meals unless specified.

  • Personal Expenses: Personal spending (minibar, laundry, spa services, optional tours beyond the itinerary).

Remarks:

- Guests should be healthy and in good physical condition

- Weather conditions may impose changes in the program or the cancellation of certain activities

- Guests need to bring a copy of their passport, visa page with a stamp

- AVT Travel reserves the right to adjust our prices if any changes in tax & gasoline prices increase in All Destinations.

- No reservations are made yet.

Payment Policy:

- Pre-payment 100% (after services confirmed, arrival 30 days in advance).

- Deposit 30% (after services are reserved to guarantee the booking).

- Payment can be made by Bank Draft or SWIFT transfer payable to our Bank A/C.

- All Bank service charges will be borne by the payee.

- If payment is by credit card, an additional 3 or 4% will be added to our tariff rates.

- American Express / Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

- Bank draft or cashier’s cheque to be mailed to

- Company cheques or personal cheques are NOT acceptable.

Refunds or Cancellation:

- Tour and transfer deposits are fully refundable if the amendment/cancellation is received more than 20 days in advance. Hotel deposits will be refunded according to the individual hotel's cancellation policy.

- No refund for all flight fares after tour confirmation

- Cancellation fees will be levied according to the time cancellation is made.

- No refund or reduction will be made to any member of GROUP/F.I.T. who breaks the journey from the scheduled itinerary.

Disclaimer:

AVT acts as an intermediary between transportation and airline companies, hotels, tourist offices, and all other contractors providing services for tourists. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disasters, political action, and unrest must be borne by the clients. Programs and tour prices are based on the situation at the time of printing this proposal and could be subject to change due to local conditions.

Participation in our tour programs implies the client’s agreement to the above. We reserve the right to amend or alter any of the conditions herein without notice from time to time and at our sole discretion.

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Southern Essence

Southern Essence

This 12-day journey offers the ultimate blend of South Vietnam's vitality, tranquility, and tropical luxury. Starting in the dynamic heart of Saigon, we dive into its history and energy before gently transitioning into the timeless pace of the Mekong Delta, the region's agricultural heart. The adventure culminates with a generous five-day escape to Phu Quoc Island, offering pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and a perfect opportunity to unwind by the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This itinerary is designed for those who appreciate cultural exploration followed by complete, serene relaxation.

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