Day Tour | Con Chim – Tra Vinh | Authentic Mekong Village Life – Community Experience | Breakfast & Lunch | Vietnam
- Cycling through the pristine countryside of Con Chim
Wandering under the cool coconut trees, visiting local homes, and experiencing the peaceful and authentic rhythm of life in the truest Mekong Delta.
- Eat healthily – live slowly – experience authentically
A day as a true country dweller. Making your own cakes, preparing ginseng leaves, savoring the nectar of mangrove flowers, and gathering around a traditional meal with ingredients grown in the garden, naturally cultivated without chemicals.
- The riverside atmosphere of the Mekong Delta
Sitting in a boat along the riverbank, enjoying the cool coconut water, listening to the wind blowing through the mangrove trees – a moment of peace hard to find amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Be captivated by the vibrant Khmer culture of Tra Vinh
Visiting Ao Ba Om, the Southern Khmer Culture Museum, and Ang Pagoda – discovering the unique matriarchal story, the magnificent pagoda architecture, and the cultural blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences.
- A day of "traveling to cherish"
More than just a sightseeing tour, it's a journey back to the simple, peaceful charm of the Southern Vietnamese countryside – to cherish even more the simple country meals, the gentle people, and the tranquil pace of life on Con Chim Island.
Package Options
Product Info
The Con Chim Island Community Tour in Tra Vinh (1 Day) is a journey cycling through pristine countryside, visiting local homes, making traditional leaf cakes and ginseng leaf tea, enjoying honey from the mangrove flower, and savoring a traditional meal with ingredients grown in the garden without chemicals. You'll also get to ride a boat along the river, enjoy refreshing coconut water, and explore the unique Khmer culture at Ao Ba Om, Ang Pagoda, and the Southern Khmer Culture Museum. This is a slow-paced, authentic experience that will leave you with beautiful memories of the Mekong Delta. Book your tour now to fully experience the genuine and unique charm of Con Chim Island!
— Tour Info —
- Meeting Point: 28/13 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Departure time: 05:00 (Please arrive 30 minutes early.).
- Returning time: 19:30
- MORNING: DISCOVER CON CHIM ISLAND – A COMMUNITY TOURISM EXPERIENCE IN TRA VINH
05:00: Departure to Tra Vinh. A vehicle and tour guide will pick you up at the office or in Districts 1, 3, and 4. Begin your journey to Tra Vinh – a place where Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese cultures intertwine.
08:00: Enjoy a Tra Vinh specialty breakfast.
Upon arrival in Tra Vinh, start your day with a warm bowl of noodle soup, fragrant with lemongrass and galangal, paired with crispy roasted pork and fresh banana blossoms – incredibly delicious. If you are hesitant about the fish sauce, other light and healthy options like hu tieu, banh canh, or vegetarian dishes are also available.
09:00 – 09:15: Arrive at Phuoc Vinh ferry. Cross the ferry (15 minutes) to Con Chim – a small, hospitable island village where villagers preserve their pure, traditional customs.
09:15: Receive bicycles and begin your sightseeing.
Ms. Ba Sua's House – Making Traditional Leaf-Covered Cakes (5-minute bike ride)
Join Ms. Ba in making traditional leaf-covered cakes. Afterwards, enjoy a hot platter of cakes steamed over a wood fire, dipped in rich coconut milk – an unforgettable taste of simple, delicious food on the island.
Especially, Ms. Ba Sua's house retains its old-world charm with its thatched roof and unique dragon-scale patterned earthen floor. Upon entering, visitors immediately feel the cool, airy atmosphere unique to this traditional Southern Vietnamese house.
Enjoying Pure Honey from Mangrove Flowers (10-minute bike ride)
Learn about the mangrove forest ecosystem along the river – where bees naturally collect nectar from mangrove flowers seasonally.
Enjoy kumquat tea with pure honey harvested from mangrove flowers, a subtly sweet and fragrant drink with the aroma of the brackish river breeze.
Ms. 3 Van's House – Experience Crushing Ginseng Leaves (5-minute bike ride under cool coconut trees)
Guests will be guided in crushing ginseng leaves – a refreshing and cooling treat, harvested from the gardens of people in the Mekong Delta.
Guests will be guided in crushing ginseng leaves – a familiar herb in the gardens of Southern Vietnamese people, often used to make cooling jelly. The finished product will be served by locals during lunch, as a refreshing jelly to help cool down and replenish energy after a bike ride.
- NOON: EAT HOMEMADE RICE - SOAK YOUR FEET IN HERBAL SOAK - GRILL EGGS - SHRED COCONUT WATER
11:30: Lunch
Enjoy a simple country-style meal with dishes cooked in the traditional way. Vegetables and fruits are harvested from the garden, naturally grown without fertilizers or pesticides, preserving the natural sweetness of the soil.
After lunch, enjoy a refreshing dessert of homemade ginseng leaf jelly – a light and refreshing treat that complements your culinary experience at Con Chim Island.
12:30: Co Ri's House | Herbal Foot Soak & Clay-Baked Eggs
Cycling for about 15 minutes to Co Ri's House. You will soak your feet in traditional herbal water to improve blood circulation, relax your feet, and relieve fatigue after cycling and sightseeing.
Before soaking your feet, you will participate in a hands-on experience making clay-baked chicken eggs – a familiar traditional dish of the islanders. From kneading the clay to burying the eggs in the embers, you will learn more about how the locals care for their health using simple ingredients.
After a relaxing foot soak, enjoy a hot egg with a warm cup of tea for a soothing and comforting feeling. This combination helps replenish energy, keep you warm from the inside, and restore energy using the local natural health care method.
13:15: Ms. Lien's House – Making Coconut Jelly & Relaxing by the River
Entering Ms. Lien's house, you will be amazed by the giant, lush green gourd trellis – a unique check-in spot at Ms. Lien's house.
After a few conversations, you and Ms. Lien's family will experience splitting coconuts. Then, board a boat docked by the river, sit and enjoy the cool breeze and savor the refreshing coconut jelly mixed with coconut milk and fragrant roasted peanuts.
13:45: Return to the ferry terminal. Cycle for about 15 minutes back to the ferry terminal.
14:00: Cross the Phuoc Vinh ferry. End of the Con Chim Island tour, continue exploring the center of Tra Vinh.
- AFTERNOON: EXPLORE KHMER CULTURE IN TRA VINH | Ao Ba Om Lake – Khmer Museum – Ang Pagoda
14:15: Arrive in the center of Tra Vinh, beginning the journey to explore the unique culture of the local community. Visit Ao Ba Om, the Khmer Culture Museum, and Ang Pagoda – a cluster of historical sites situated side-by-side like a “heritage village.” Here, cultural values are still present in daily life, from ancient trees to moss-covered pagoda roofs. Strolling under the shady canopy, occasionally hearing the sound of pagoda bells, brings a unique sense of peace characteristic of Tra Vinh.
Ao Ba Om
The first stop is a famous scenic spot with its calm waters reflecting centuries-old trees, creating a peaceful and mystical scene.
According to legend, this place is associated with the story of Mrs. Om – an intelligent Khmer woman who led the women to victory in a pond-digging competition against the men, thus gaining the right to choose her own path in marriage. The name Ao Ba Om therefore became a symbol honoring her and reflecting the matriarchal cultural imprint of the ancient Khmer people.
Guests are free to stroll under the ancient trees, explore, and take souvenir photos.
Southern Khmer Culture Museum
Guests continue to the Khmer Culture Museum, a few steps from the pond – home to hundreds of valuable artifacts, images, and documents about the life, beliefs, art, and festivals of the Southern Khmer community. Through this, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the unique cultural identity of this region.
Ang Pagoda
Ang Pagoda concludes the tour – the oldest pagoda in Tra Vinh, bearing the mark of traditional architecture influenced by Angkor culture with its exquisitely curved roofs. The ancient golden hues are hidden beneath the green of the ancient trees, creating a beauty that is both majestic and approachable. In this tranquil space, guests have the opportunity to experience the unique spiritual culture of Theravada Buddhism.
15:15 – 15:30: Depart for Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, the group can stop to buy Tra Cuon sticky rice cakes in Tra Vinh city center, as a way to "package" a little taste of home to take back as gifts.
7:30 PM: Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City. Farewell to our guests. End of the program and see you again on future trips.
—
- Luggage Info:
Each passenger is allowed to bring:
- 1 luggage/suitcase (under 16 inches (44x32x22cm)
- 1 small bag (backpack and handbook)
- In case passengers carry luggage that is not by the regulations (larger, bulkier) or carry second luggage, the garage will surcharge VND75,000/luggage
05:00: Departure to Tra Vinh. A vehicle and tour guide will pick you up at the office or in Districts 1, 3, and 4. Begin your journey to Tra Vinh – a place where Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese cultures intertwine. 08:00: Enjoy a Tra Vinh specialty breakfast. Upon arrival in Tra Vinh, start your day with a warm bowl of noodle soup, fragrant with lemongrass and galangal, paired with crispy roasted pork and fresh banana blossoms – incredibly delicious. If you prefer not to have strong fish sauce, other light and healthy options like hu tieu, banh canh, or vegetarian dishes are also available.
Co Ba Sua's House – Making Traditional Leaf-Wrapped Cakes (5-minute bike ride) Join Co Ba in making traditional leaf-wrapped cakes. Afterwards, enjoy a hot platter of cakes steamed over a wood fire, dipped in rich coconut milk – an unforgettable taste of simple, delicious food from the island. Especially, Co Ba Sua's house retains its old-world charm with its thatched roof and unique dragon-scale patterned earthen floor. Upon entering, visitors immediately feel the cool, airy atmosphere unique to this traditional Southern Vietnamese house.
Enjoy pure honey from mangrove flowers (10-minute bike ride) Explore the mangrove forest ecosystem along the river – where bees naturally come to collect nectar from mangrove flowers seasonally. Enjoy kumquat tea with pure honey harvested from mangrove flowers, a subtly sweet and fragrant drink with the aroma of the brackish river breeze.
Ms. 3 Van's House – Experience Crushing Ginseng Leaves (5-minute bike ride under cool coconut trees) Guests will be guided in crushing ginseng leaves – a refreshing and cooling treat, harvested from the gardens of people in the Mekong Delta. Guests will be guided in crushing ginseng leaves – a familiar herb in the gardens of Southern Vietnamese people, often used to make cooling jelly. The finished product will be served by locals during lunch, as a refreshing jelly to help cool down and replenish energy after a bike ride.
12:30: Ms. Ri's House | Herbal Foot Soak & Clay-Baked Eggs Cycle for about 15 minutes to Co Ri's house. Guests will enjoy a foot soak in traditional herbal water to improve blood circulation, relax the feet, and relieve fatigue after cycling and sightseeing. After the relaxing foot soak, enjoy a hot egg and a warm cup of tea for a light and comforting feeling. This combination helps replenish energy, keep you warm from the inside, and restore energy according to the natural health care methods of the local people.
Before soaking their feet, visitors will participate in a hands-on experience making clay-baked eggs – a familiar and rustic dish of the islanders. From kneading the clay to burying the eggs in the hot coals, visitors will gain a better understanding of how the locals take care of their health using simple ingredients.
13:15: Auntie Lien's House – Making Coconut Jelly & Relaxing by the River Upon entering Auntie Lien's house, guests will be amazed by the giant, lush green gourd trellis – a unique photo spot at Auntie Lien's house. After a brief conversation, guests can join Auntie Lien's family in splitting coconuts. Then, board a boat docked by the river, relax in the cool breeze, and enjoy a refreshing coconut jelly dessert made with coconut milk and fragrant roasted peanuts.
14:15: Arrive at the center of Tra Vinh, beginning the journey to explore the unique culture of the local community. The first stop is a famous scenic spot with calm waters reflecting centuries-old trees, creating a peaceful and mystical scene. According to legend, this place is associated with the story of Mrs. Om – an intelligent Khmer woman who led the women to victory in a pond-digging competition against the men, gaining the right to choose her own path in marriage. The name Ao Ba Om (Mrs. Om Pond) thus became a symbol honoring her and reflecting the matriarchal cultural imprint of the ancient Khmer people. Guests are free to stroll under the ancient trees, explore, and take souvenir photos.
Southern Khmer Culture Museum Next, you will visit the Khmer Culture Museum, located just a few steps from the pond – home to hundreds of valuable artifacts, images, and documents about the life, beliefs, art, and festivals of the Southern Khmer community. Through this, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique cultural identity of this region.
Ang Pagoda concludes the tour – the oldest pagoda in Tra Vinh, bearing the imprint of traditional architecture influenced by Angkor culture with its exquisitely curved roofs. The ancient golden hues are subtly hidden beneath the green of ancient trees, creating a beauty that is both majestic and approachable. Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, visitors have the opportunity to experience the distinctive spiritual culture of Theravada Buddhism in this region.
Purchase Notice
[CHILD POLICY]
- Children below 100cm: Free of charge for 1 child for every 2 Adults. From the second child please purchase a child ticket
- Children from 100cm - 129cm: Subjected to child ticket
- Children from 130cm and above: Counted as Adult
* Children below 100cm travel with 1 Adult only will be subjected to purchasing a child ticket
[LUGGAGE REGULATIONS]
- Each passenger is allowed to bring along
+ 01 luggage/suitcase (under 16 inches ~ 44x32x22cm)
+ 1 small bag (backpack, handbag)
- In case the passenger carries luggage that does not comply with regulations (bigger than the standard size, more bulky, etc.) or brings a second or more luggage, the bus company will charge an additional fee of 75,000 VND/luggage.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
Please note that this is a Shared Tour and you will travel with other passengers
Please arrive at designated location 10 mins prior to departure, as tour will depart on time
It is recommended to bring hats, raincoats, personal medication, sneakers and an extra pair of flip flop for the tour
For any dietary requirements, please note in your booking so we can prepare the suitable food option for you
Photos of food items are just for reference and you might not have the exact dishes on travel date. Based on group size, dietary requirements and the seasonality, we will arrange the menu accordingly
FAQ
In Con Chim Village, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic local life by participating in hands-on cultural activities. This includes learning to make traditional cakes, preparing fresh ginseng leaves, and tasting the unique nectar from mangrove flowers. The experience culminates in enjoying a traditional meal made with garden-fresh, chemical-free ingredients, providing a true taste of the Mekong Delta's culinary heritage.
Exploring Con Chim Village involves gentle activities that highlight its pristine environment. Visitors can cycle through the serene countryside, enjoying the fresh air and lush scenery. Strolling beneath the cool shade of coconut trees allows for visits to local homes, offering a glimpse into the peaceful and authentic rhythm of life that defines the Mekong Delta community.
The Con Chim Village tour offers a uniquely tranquil riverside relaxation experience. Guests can sit comfortably in a boat along the riverbank, savoring cool coconut water. This serene setting allows for listening to the gentle rustling of wind through the mangrove trees, providing a peaceful escape from the fast pace of urban life and a chance to connect with nature.
In Tra Vinh, the day tour includes visits to several significant Khmer cultural sites. Travelers will explore Ao Ba Om, a picturesque ancient pond, the Southern Khmer Culture Museum, which offers deep insights into local heritage, and the magnificent Ang Pagoda. These sites showcase the rich history, unique matriarchal stories, and distinctive architectural styles of the Khmer people.
For the Con Chim and Tra Vinh day tour, comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Opt for breathable fabrics and walking shoes, especially for cycling and exploring local villages. It's advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The optimal time to visit Con Chim Village and the Mekong Delta is generally during the dry season, from December to April. During these months, the weather is typically sunny with less humidity and rainfall, making outdoor activities like cycling and boat rides more enjoyable. Temperatures are pleasant, providing ideal conditions for exploring the countryside and cultural sites.
Visitors to Con Chim Village can expect genuine interactions that reflect the community's gentle and tranquil way of life. This includes visiting local homes, sharing traditional meals prepared with homegrown ingredients, and engaging with the villagers. The experience offers a unique opportunity to live like a true country dweller, embracing the simple and authentic rhythm of the Mekong Delta.
Tra Vinh is typically accessible from larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City via bus or private transfer. The journey involves traveling south into the Mekong Delta region. Many day tours, including those exploring Con Chim Village, arrange round-trip transportation, often starting from Ho Chi Minh City, providing a convenient way for travelers to reach the area without navigating public transport independently.
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