Private Authentic Mekong River Full Day Trip - Non Touristic Mekong delta

So glad we booked this experience. Our trip wouldn't be complete without it. Our guide got us from the hotel. We stopped at a religious temple where he explained about one of Vietnam's different religions. From then we went to get coffee and banh mi, and that was my favorite part of the trip. While we sat there at this non-touristy part of Vietnam, we had time to appreciate our surroundings while locals greeted us as they passed by. After that we went to the local market where our guide shopped for fruits for us to eat after lunch. We then had a bike ride through the fields and rural roads, where we tried fresh dragon fruit, and we had lunch at a family house. By then I was already happy with this experience, and we haven't been to the river yet. From there we went to the river, which was amazing. It's a long day, especially if you get traffic, but it's so worth it. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We would recommend this experience to everyone wishing to really see the real Vietnam.

Allow me to begin that I was traveling with my bi-cultural family of three from the USA – my husband is Vietnamese, and my daughter is 11. My husband and I have been to VN many times but this was my daughter’s first trip and we covered north (Hanoi) to mid (Hoi An) to south (Saigon) across about 3 weeks. I really wanted to make the trip memorable for her, as she identifies strongly with her Vietnamese side. That said I LOATHE traveling in large groups. Lucky for us it is incredibly affordable to do private tours in most of Asia – and THAT is the way to go. The review is adapted from my journey that I took immediately afterward (so I could remember more details). It’s long but thorough. If you are in the Saigon area and only have a just a few days or just one – this is a great choice because you cover so much ground. Hope it helps. ==== On New Year’s Day 2025, we set out on an adventure that had been on our Vietnam bucket list for years. At 8 AM, we met our incredible guide, Jerry, in the hotel lobby, ready for a jam-packed day of exploring the Mekong River Delta region away from the crowds and other tourists. While I knew the journey would be exhausting for me, I also knew it would be absolutely EPIC for my family. And it was. Our goal was to reach the Mekong Delta, but not by cramming onto a tourist bus. Instead, we embarked on a private, off-the-beaten-path experience, just our family and our guide, Jerry and driver Tom. Yes, Tom and Jerry. This made all the difference. Traveling in such a small group allowed us to blend in, move at our own pace, and experience the Mekong Delta in a way most visitors don’t. It was about a two-hour drive each way from District 1 – Downtown Saigon. First Stop: A Traditional Wet Market We began at a local wet market, a sensory overload of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and spices. Unlike previous market visits where vendors eagerly vied for our business, this market was refreshingly relaxed - allowing us to wander, sample, and select new fruits to try without pressure. It was such an enjoyable way to start the day. Jerry will also encourage you to get a Vietnamese coffee beforehand. A Hidden Gem: The Cao Dai Temple Next, Jerry took us to a Cao Dai temple, something I initially assumed would be “just another temple.” But when he explained that Cao Dai is a unique fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity, I was fascinated. It felt like a multi-denominational faith with an open and inclusive approach to spirituality. The best part? We had the temple entirely to ourselves. No crowds, no forced itineraries—just quiet appreciation. An Intimate Home Visit & Rice Wine Tasting From there, we traveled to a local family’s home in the countryside, where we explored their rice paddies, met their goats, and were introduced to their impressive collection of homemade rice wines infused with exotic flavors. The homeowner proudly shared his brews, some medicinal and some simply for enjoyment. Out of respect (and curiosity), I sampled apple, banana, and jackfruit wines—a fun and unique experience. I DID NOT however, try the Cobra wine – please do if you’re brave enough to. Scenic Motorbike Ride Through the Countryside After our visit, we hopped on motorbikes for a joyride through the rural backroads, winding through rice fields and narrow alleyways. The rice paddies were just weeks from harvest, stretching in golden-green waves around us. We paused to observe irrigation techniques and even crossed a wobbly makeshift bridge for a closer look (and, of course, some great photos!). Tasting Fresh Dragonfruit at a Local Farm Continuing on motorbikes, we arrived at a dragonfruit farm, where we tasted two different varieties straight from the source. The friendly farmer sat down with us, sharing stories and insights into his work. This was yet another moment where I felt grateful for choosing a private tour—the intimate, unscripted interactions made all the difference. A Home-Cooked Vietnamese Feast Returning to our host family’s home, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal, seated by a large picture window overlooking the rice fields, with dragonflies flitting around. One thing that stood out to me was how fresh and locally sourced the food was. Unlike the heavily preserved and mass-produced food back home, everything here was grown, harvested, and prepared fresh and without over processing— you could taste the difference. The Grand Finale: The Mekong Delta & Coconut Island By this point, I was already completely satisfied with our adventure. But we weren’t done yet! After a much-needed nap during the drive, we arrived at the Mekong River Delta. We boarded a motorboat, gliding across the legendary river before switching to small paddle boats, floating through a peaceful, picturesque canal. With hardly any other tourists in sight, it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves—a rare and magical moment. Landing on Coconut Island, we were immediately immersed in all things coconut. We watched women crafting small-batch coconut candies, sampled fresh coconut ice cream, and indulged in everything coconut-related. While this was the most touristy stop of the day, it was worth it for the unique experience. Before leaving the island, Jerry surprised us with what he called the “Vietnamese roller coaster”—a wild ride through the island’s narrow alleyways on a motorbike-turned-golf-cart hybrid. A hilarious and exhilarating way to cap off the day! Final Thoughts This day was beyond incredible—a full, immersive journey through Vietnam’s Mekong culture, nature, and traditions. Choosing a private tour away from the crowds allowed us to connect with locals, experience everyday life, and create unforgettable memories. By the end, we were completely exhausted but deeply satisfied. If you’re looking for an authentic, personalized, and adventure-filled way to explore Vietnam, I can’t recommend this experience enough! Now, time for a well-earned spa day. ==== A final thought about our guide, Jerry. He was the perfect guide for our family. He was in mid/late 20’s, very educated, his English was strong enough that we joked throughout the day. He was a joy to spend the day with – he was ready and willing to modify the itinerary to meet any and all of our needs. He was attentive and thoughtful throughout our very long day together. Not once did I feel like he was trying to upcharge, sell himself, or take us to places where the vendor was trying to swindle us (very common in most international travel tours). This may seem like a minor point, but it made all the difference to us – to just enjoy, relax, and not have to protect ourselves from tourist traps. I can’t recommend Jerry (and Tom) enough. We felt very safe and taken care of in their care.

I seldom write activity reviews, but this tour is deserving of a five star rating. Yes, you can do a crowded bus tour to the Mekong but, I would recommend for a few extra dollars, to do a small private group, back roads tour. It was jam packed with activities and I felt a more authentic experience was had. For riding the small farm trails on the back of a scooter, to eating just picked, sun warmed dragon fruit, to gingerly stepping thru a local wet market, this tour has it all! For the money spent we had a great 11 hour experience that my family really enjoyed. Bravo.!