Small-Group Mekong Delta Experience by Speedboat

Your day starts with early morning transfer from your Ho Chi Minh City hotel to your speedboat at the central pier. As your boat sets off along the Saigon River, a light breakfast is served.

Your guide introduces you to the history and importance of the fertile Mekong Delta as your boat approaches its vast network of canals and channels. Known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the delta provides food, shelter and work for a large percentage of the nation.

Learn from your guide about the region's Buddhist spiritual practice when you stop at the ornately decorated Tuong Van Pagoda. Then continue your journey downriver to visit a colorful waterside market. Keep your camera handy for photo ops of mounds of goods, including exotic fruits, veggies and fish.

By midmorning, your boat reaches the watery expanse of smaller tributaries that splinter from the Mekong River. Glide under a canopy of tropical foliage as your boat winds through lush canals, and stop to explore key places with your guide. You'll enjoy a rowboat trip along small canals of the delta surrounded by coconut palms and visit a village to try fresh coconut and other produce, or sample fiery Mekong whiskey or wine.

Take a break from sightseeing over a relaxing lunch prepared by a private chef at a pagoda. Traditional dishes may include fresh spring rolls, caramelized pork, ginger chicken or elephant ear fish — a Mekong Delta specialty.

When you have finished lunch, visit a colorful Cao Dai Temple, and learn from your guide about the Cao Dai religion, which combines the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. Then visit a nearby orphanage run by Buddhist monks.

After your enlightening experience on the Mekong, start the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoying the scenery as you go. Upon arrival back at the pier, your guide returns you to your hotel.