We had a fantastic time on this two day tour to the Mekong Delta. Our tour started with a group who were on a single day tour, and I could tell that when they left us behind to carry on they were quite jealous!
The first day included a visit to a Buddhist temple with giant Buddha statues, then continued on to the river. The boat journey across the river was too short but enjoyable. Once on the island there is a fruit stop, some traditional music, then catch a cart to the beginning of the canal where you board the sampan for a relaxing paddle through the palms. The honey tea stop is delicious, as is the coconut candy. Then back on the boat and across the river again. It feels like it all goes quite quickly! Then there is a long drive to the Tiny Garden Family Homestay for lunch, but boy is it worth it! The Vietnamese feast served and shared among the group is delicious, varied and very generous. It is a great, relaxing and social lunch with your group.
After an easygoing lunch, our single day tour companions departed and we were left to enjoy the the rest of our experience, which was really special.
Hieu's garden is a treasure with so many different food sources within it and a very picturesque setting too. The fishing experiences were really fun and eye-opening, and there was also plenty of time to relax in our own way. Dinner was another delicious feast of many dishes, including a fish that we had caught.
The sunrise bicycle ride through the village the next morning was very enjoyable. Unfortunately all the rice fields have been harvested, however we still enjoyed being among the busy locals going to school and work, having coffee and then pho for breakfast, and stopping by a beautiful lotus field and temple.
Back at the garden there was fruit and time to relax, then an opportunity to help prepare some food - rolling spring rolls, milling rice into rice milk, and making some little savoury cakes over coals. After yet another big feast for lunch it was time to return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overall we would absolutely recommend this tour. If you want to embrace the Mekong Delta as the food bowl of Vietnam and try a big range of homemade dishes then this is definitely for you. It is much more than just sightseeing, and particularly after the first morning there is plenty of time to relax as well - not regimented like other tour experiences. You also cannot help but be charmed by Hieu and his garden! You won't regret taking the time for this experience.
