Vietnam Travel Guide and Information: My Tho-Ben Tre Upper Mekong River Cruise Tour Package

If you haven't been to any South East Asian countryside, then having this river cruise is worth the time. On a personal note, however, this tour was a disappointment to me. Maybe because I'm from the Philippines, an Asian country,  this tour did not offer any "new sights" for me.

Vietnam Tour Day 2: 

Just like on our first day, we were fetched by a van at around 8:15 in the morning. Another hour was spent in getting other people who will also join the tour.

The city of My Tho is about 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh. It was a long drive considering that the traffic was very light. It is in My Tho where the river boats are docked.

Along the way, we stopped in a handicraft store where people with disabilities make wood engravements just like where we've been to the day before.

sample artwork

We then proceeded to My Tho City. Personally, there's nothing unique about this place. The port is located on the edges of the city proper.

striking a pose near the dock

We rode a motor-powered boat to get to the four islands. From the dock, it would take about 20 minutes to get to the first island. Take note, the Mekong River looks very dirty- brownish and muddish. Good thing it's not stinky.

First stop, we were treated with fruits grown in Vietnam- papaya, watermelon, chico, pineapple and star apple, together with tea. We were also serenaded with Vietnamese folk songs and music.

fruits, fruits, fruits!

vietnamese folk singers

Next stop is a short boat ride in the midst of a narrow river. Two people were rowing for us.

boat rowing or rowing boat?

Then we proceeded to the Honey Bee farm where we were shown how the bees make honey. We were also given sample organic sweets- ginger candies, banana chips, etc.

sticking my finger on a bee colony to get honey

After the Honey Bee Farm, we went to see Coconut Place. This is where various coconut products were showcased- coconut candies, bags, figurines, etc.

covering coconut candies

figurines made from coconut

From the Coconut Place, we rode a horse-drawn carriage to usher us into the place where we'll have our lunch.

elephant fish (optional lunch)

There were three girls in our tour who thought that we'll get to swim during the trip which did not happen. Just an opinion, you can forego this trip and choose instead to have another tour package.

EXPENSES:

10 USD - Tour package fee (Tropic Tour) with lunch
3-5 USD - Tips

REMINDERS:

1. Wear something light.
2. Bring water and a hat or cap.
  

Vietnam Travel Guide and Information: The Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnel Tour Package

Vietnam has a proud history of successfully resisting the US Forces. This was largely due to the genius creation of their tunnels. At the same time, Vietnam is also a melting pot of Asian religion such as Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Hence, its worth to visit the infamous Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Tunnels for historical and religious appreciation of Vietnamese culture. 

Vietnam Tour Day 1: 

The tour to the Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnel started at around 8:30 am when an airconditioned bus fetched us from our hotel. Another hour is spent from fetching other tourists in their respective hotels. So it was about 9:30 am when our bus was officially bound for Cao Dai Temple.

Along the way, we stopped at handicraft factory and store where people with disabilities create beautifully-crafted maches and engravements. For budget travellers, however, cheaper versions of these handicrafts can be bought in the city. 

making art pieces with egg shells

sample art pieces on lacquered wood

It was before lunch time when we reached Cao Dai Temple. Initially, I thought that Cao Dai Temple is just one big temple. I was surprised that Cao Dai Temple is actually a community of temples. There were even housings for volunteers and members of the community. The Cao Dai Temple is about 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh. 

the main temple of Cao Dai Temple

Footwear should be taken off before entering the main temple.  

leaving his footwear behind

We were just in time to witness their noon prayer. 

the devotees' at Cao Dai Temple

From Cao Dai Temple, it took us another hour and a half to reach Cu Chi Tunnels. (We also had our lunch first on a roadside cafeteria.)

There's an entrance fee of 2 USD in the vicinity of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Upon entering the area, we watched an old  20-minute video about the historical significance of the tunnels.

1

while watching a historical video 

 Then our tour guide showed us around the area including the various uses and sizes of tunnels, the traps and the shooting range. 

vietnamese trap made of sharpened bamboos

an entrance to a tunnel

a US tank captured by the Vietcongs

firing some shots

After an hour and a half, we were led into the tunnels to really experience going through them. It was the best part of the day!

inside the tunnel trail

It was almost 6:30 pm when we reached Ho Chi Minh after a day of peeking through the pages of Vietnamese history. 

Expenses:

10 USD -  Tour Package (Tropic Tours)

 2 USD  -  Entrance Fee to the Cu Chi Tunnels

 4 USD  -  Lunch

 1 USD  -  Share for the Tour Guide and Driver's Tip

17 USD  - Total Expenses

Reminders: 

1. Wear a light shirt. Sleeveless are not allowed in the temple. 

2. Wear a hat or bring an umbrella. 

3. Bring water!