Southern Vietnam Highlights Tour: 4 Days from Phnom Penh to Saigon

Discover the true essence of southern Vietnam on this 4-day cultural and nature journey from Chau Doc to Saigon, perfectly designed for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and a relaxed pace. From a scenic Mekong River speedboat journey from Phnom Penh, explore the spiritual charm of Chau Doc, the emerald waterways of Tra Su Cajuput Forest, and the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta in Can Tho.

Cruise through the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, stroll lush fruit gardens on Con Son Islet, and step back in time at the elegant Binh Thuy Ancient House. Blending river life, Khmer culture, colonial heritage, and gentle relaxation, this private tour offers a seamless transition from Cambodia into southern Vietnam—ideal for couples and mature travelers looking for meaningful local experiences.

Brief itinerary:

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH – SPEEDBOAT TO CHAU DOC – TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL [L]

Overnight in Chau Doc.

DAY 2: CHÂU ĐỐC – TRÀ SƯ CAPUJUT – CẦN THƠ – MUNIR ANSAY PAGODA [B/L]

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 3: CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – CON SON TOURIST SITES – BINH THUY ANCIENT HOUSE [B/L]

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 4: CAN THO – TRANSFER BACK TO SAI GON [B]

Details itinerary:

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH – SPEEDBOAT TO CHAU DOC – TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL [L]

Make your own way to Sisowath Quay Pier in Phnom Penh for the international speedboat to Vietnam. The boat departs at 12:30 PM, and you must arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes earlier for check-in procedures.

Enjoy a scenic journey along the Mekong River as you travel toward the Vietnam border. The trip includes approximately 4 hours cruising plus around 2 hours for border immigration procedures (processing time may be longer during high season).

Upon arrival at Chau Doc Pier, meet your Vietnamese tour guide and driver, who will warmly welcome you and take you for dinner at a local restaurant.

After dinner, transfer to your hotel in Chau Doc for check-in and a well-deserved rest. The rest of the day is free at leisure—you may walk around the riverside area, enjoy a café, or relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

DAY 2: CHÂU ĐỐC – TRÀ SƯ CAJUPUT – CẦN THƠ – MUNIR ANSAY PAGODA [B/L]

After breakfast at your hotel in Chau Doc, depart by car to the beautiful Tra Su Cajuput Forest, located about 30 km away. On arrival, board a motorboat, then a small sampan to glide quietly along the emerald-green waterways covered with water ferns. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you pass through dense cajuput trees, listen to the sounds of birds, and admire storks and herons nesting in the branches. Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view over the vast flooded forest and surrounding countryside.

After the visit, have lunch at a local restaurant with Mekong Delta specialties. In the early afternoon, continue your journey by road to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta (driving time about 3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the colorful Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple with its golden tower and intricate details, reflecting the strong Khmer cultural influence in the region.

Later, transfer to your hotel in Can Tho for check-in and free time to relax or explore the riverside promenade at your own pace.
Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 3: CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – CON SON TOURIST SITES – BINH THUY ANCIENT HOUSE [B/L]

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the pier for a morning boat trip to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most famous market in the Mekong Delta. As the sun rises, you will cruise among dozens of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and local products, watching vendors trading directly from boat to boat. This is a great opportunity to see the vibrant river life and take photos of the colorful floating stalls.

Afterwards, continue by boat to Con Son tourist area. Here you can walk through lush fruit gardens, learn about local river life and, depending on the season, taste some fresh tropical fruits picked directly from the garden. You may also experience some fun local activities such as feeding fish or watching traditional fish-raising methods along the waterways.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with Mekong specialties. In the afternoon, you return to Can Tho city and visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautifully preserved French–Vietnamese style residence that reflects the lifestyle of a wealthy family in the past. Take your time to discover its unique architecture and peaceful garden before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 4: CAN THO – TRANSFER BACK TO SAI GON [B]

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your hotel until your private driver meets you for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 3.5–4 hours).

Upon arrival, drop-off at your hotel.

___END OF SERVICES___

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast (check-in and check-out around noontime).

• Meals as indicated on the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner; Br: Brunch)
• 1-way speedboat ticket from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc
• Private air-conditioned car
• Sightseeing and entrance fees on tour
• Experienced English-speaking guides as indicated on the program
• 1 bottle of mineral water/per person/1 day 
• Cold towel on the car/van/bus
• Government tax

EXCLUSIONS

• Transfer from your hotel in Phnom Penh to Sisoquay Pier
• Vietnam/ Cambodia visa processing service
• Meals, drinks and other personal expenses
• International flights and domestic flight
• Travel Insurance of all kinds
• Payment transfer fee
• Tipping/gratuities (5$/person/day) and drivers (2$/person/day)
• Optional excursions and activities
• Others not mentioned in the itinerary

LIST OF HOTELS USE:

*Important Note: All hotels are subject to change to the similar ones