For those who want to explore the southern part of Vietnam quickly, the Four Island Mekong Tour is a perfect choice. The Mekong tour allows you to experience the famous floating markets of the Mekong Delta, even when time is not on your side.
You’ll visit four islands and enjoy stunning countryside views while learning about the Vietnamese way of life. It’s an ideal activity for families, small groups, or couples looking for a fun day out. Moreover, the tour is conveniently located close to Ho Chi Minh City, making it easily accessible for anyone staying in the area.
In a single day, you can cruise the mighty Mekong River, marvel at the four Islands (although you don’t stop at them all) and divulge in some Vietnamese Food made by the locals on the Mekong. It’s a hectic trip within a 10-hour tour for every traveller to consider who ventures into the Southern Vietnam region.
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Booking a Tour to the Four Islands Mekong Tour
If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, consider booking a tour of the Four Islands Mekong. Luckily, this option can be found in many travel agencies throughout Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in the row of agencies at the back of the bustling Ben Thanh Markets.
With this tour in the Mekong, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful islands that dot the Mekong River and enjoy a delicious lunch for a surprisingly affordable price. Don’t miss out on this chance to see some of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes and create lasting memories.
Did you know you can also opt for non-mainstream and less-touristy local activities in Can Tho for other Mekong River options? LandedVibe for Can Tho has many well-curated activities for modern travellers in and around the Mekong Delta.
The Guide of the Tour
There’s something extraordinary about a great tour guide; this English-speaking guide was no exception. As we embarked on our journey along the Mekong River, he wasted no time captivating our attention with his wealth of knowledge about the area. His sense of humour only added to the experience, as we learned about the four islands most uniquely and engagingly possible.
What stood out the most was his professionalism; he spoke with confidence and authority, and it was clear that he took pride in his role as a guide. If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip along the Mekong River, this guide is someone you won’t want to miss.
Naturally, which tour operator you get depends on which group you are with on any given day. But I hear most go that extra effort to entertain their guest and give you the best value on your day trip from Saigon.
The Tour Rest Stop
The Tour Rest Stop is a haven for visitors taking bus tours through Saigon. This popular destination offers travellers the chance to take a break from the city and soak up the beauty of Vietnam. The lush gardens with a calming water feature and tropical-style cafés allow guests to relax serenely.
Plus, with the opportunity to snap pictures of the tropical landscape, it’s a must-visit spot for those seeking nature’s tranquillity. The Tour Rest Stop also serves as a gateway to the Four Islands Mekong tour, a scenic journey that includes a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River and a chance to explore the vibrant culture of rural communities.
Whether you want to unwind or dive deep into the local culture, the Tour Rest Stop is a perfect sanctuary to start your journey through Vietnam.
Ving Trang Pagoda Buddhist Temple
The Ving Trang Pagoda is a Buddhist temple on the Southern side of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The main attraction at the temple is the State of Budai, a famous statue among Buddhists—the Ving Trang Pagoda io known for its delicate structures and Souvenir Shopping opportunities.
Many tourists to Vietnam add a visit to the Ving Trang Pagoda to their itinerary to marvel at the beautiful Buddhist statue and take some pictures of the intricate structures. The pagoda is easy to find, and there are many markets nearby where you can buy souvenirs to remember your trip.
If you want to learn more about Buddhism or Vietnamese culture, visiting the Ving Trang Pagoda is an excellent way.
Cruising the Mekong River
Cruising the Mighty Mekong River is an incredible feeling; a well-known river begins in the Himalayas andgoesy through Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia before finishing in Vietnam. It’s an experience to be near a famous river in Southeast Asia and cruise on slow boats while admiring the views. The Mekong River is a must-see for anyone visiting Southeast Asia. The river is an integral part of the region’s culture and history.
The crocodile-filled section of the river around the Four Islands Mekong may not have the gorgeous scenery; the murky waters and the commercial boats can be a little off-putting as they are everywhere. It is essential to look past it and admire the Mekong for what it truly is. The Mekong River is an integral part of Southeast Asian culture and history. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
Coconut Candy Mekong Style
It is fascinating to watch the locals make their coconut candy without the luxuries of a factory, from shredding the coconut into powder to mixing and packaging. It is a detailed process with mainly female workers involved, who work quickly to get the job done and in a proficient matter.
On the taste, if coconut candy itself, it’s okay, but they are cheap, and why not reward those hard-working women by purchasing a pack of six? They could make great gifts for relatives who love their candy back home. The hard work in creating these candies is worth the purchase, and you would be supporting local businesses. So next time you need a sweet treat, consider checking out the local coconut candy.
Unicorn Island
Unicorn Island is one of the many enticing islands on the Mekong River. It’s here where most of the tour activities take place. From learning how to make and try honey tea to posing with a giant python snake, there’s plenty to do on Unicorn Island.
One of the day’s highlights is when the local villagers take the group on a canoe ride through the canals. Surrounded by palm trees and local housing, it’s a welcome relief from the heat. Plus, being in full shade protects against getting too sunny.
While more enjoyable amongst pretty scenery, the canoe ride can get annoying when the villagers beg more for a tip than letting their guests enjoy it. Nonetheless, it’s still an experience worth having whilst on Unicorn Island.
Food of the Tour
A basic lunch is served to the group on Tortoise Island, where we had the marinated pork with rice and vegetables, but I hear the menu can change depending on the day. If you still feel hungry after the initial meal, you can purchase extra food or drinks at your own expense.
After lunch, you get a good hour to wander Tortoise Island, where resting crocodiles can be seen caged in large numbers, and a few market stalls that sell local souvenirs. The best part is the hammocks, which get a good workout, with a few of the group getting a bit of a shut-eye after a feed.
Fruits of the tour and a Vietnamese concert
A bit of fruit with tea was the last on the Four Islands Mekong tour list. You are treated to a marvellous performance of Vietnamese music by the locals, with the show running for about fifteen minutes andvariousf artists performing in the mini-concert.
Even though Vietnam has experienced many years of war and conflict, it is still an incredibly hospitable and wonderful country to visit, with so much natural beauty and friendly people. The enjoyable performance contains a few basic instruments, their unique soothing voices and beautiful women dressedtraditionallys. It is a fantastic cultural experience to end a day before heading back home and sleeping on the bus through the chaotic Vietnamese traffic.
The music performance is indicative of this, being a relaxing way to finish off a tiring but fun-filled day of sightseeing. If you ever have the chance to visit Vietnam, go on the Four Islands Mekong tour – an experience you will treasure and remember for years.
After embarking on the four-island Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh City, there is no doubt that this is an experience you don’t want to miss. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, we explored the stunning natural beauty and fascinating culture of each of the four unique islands. From watching traditional weaving techniques to trying out exotic fruits and taking in the breathtaking landscapes, every stop of this tour offered something new and exciting.
So, if you’re looking for a way to immerse yourself in the beauty of southern Vietnam, the four-island Mekong tour is a must-see.
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Need accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City? Check out Booking.com!
Thanks I might try this! Do you think it would be suitable for a vegan? Also do you know anything about travelling down the Mekong delta into Cambodia?
Thanks
Hannah
Hi Hannah. The food was pretty basic, and while I can’t be completely sure I think they do accommodate Vegans. Although there are other menus you can choose from and while you have to pay for that the cost is small.
As for Mekong Delta, not a great deal I know about it but if you are going to book a tour, do it in a travel agency in Vietnam and not online. You will save a heap. Cheers.
“divulge in some Vietnamese Food.”
Yum!
Indeed. Cheers for comment.
I’m going to vietnam this summer! wish i had enough time to do 4 days on the mekong 🙁 but your trip looked amazing!
Sorry to confuse, it was only a one day trip to the four islands
Hi Anthony,
Look at that snake charmer 🙂 Really fun time you had there. I hear ya on the tour guide. Thank goodness we always get good ones. We toured Inle Lake in Myanmar 3 months ago. Our guide was engaging, helpful, polite, generous and super knowledgeable. In addition to speaking fluent English which is a must to avoid outright awkwardness.
Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
Hi Ryan. Thanks for your comment. It was a great day out with the family. I have never seen a better guide than the one we had on tour.