Bassac Boat
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
At a Glance
One or two night cruises in the Mekong Delta
Beautifully crafted traditional wooden boats
Air-conditioning and private bathrooms on board
Communal atmosphere and interaction with other guests
Guide on board
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Hot all year round and December to April is the dry season with occasional rain. May to November is the wet season with showers almost every day and flooding in the Mekong Delta can occur.
Insider's View
The floating markets of Cai Be are amazing and a great opportunity for budding photographers.
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Description
The Bassac I and Bassac II boats are built entirely of wood and are made up six cabins with traditional decor. The boats offer excellent overnight journeys through Southern Vietnam's bewitching Mekong Delta region in both comfort and style.
The beautifully crafted Bassac boats offer various journeys of one or two night cruises, beginning a couple of hours drive from Saigon. This is by far the best way to see this fascinating and inaccessible region of Southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta. The boat trip offers the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery through the Cho Gao canal, board a smaller rowing boat to get closer to local villages, and maybe the highlight, experience the floating markets of Cai Be.
The twin cabins on both boats are elegantly designed with air-conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water shower. There is a lovely sunbathing area and good restaurant on the main deck where should you so wish, you can dine on the delicious fresh cuisine under the stars. With only 12-24 guests, the service is incredibly personal and the friendly and welcoming crew can not only make your journey more enjoyable by sharing their extensive knowledge of the region with you, but by producing fabulous food and seamless service throughout your time on board.
The Bassac I and II are also available for private charter.
Accommodation
Bassac I has six Cabins and Bassac II has 12 Cabins - all have twin beds, air-conditioning and a private bathroom with a hot shower.
Childcare
Children are welcome on board either boat but there are no specific facilities for them on board. The service, however, is very personalised and the crew will do their very best to help with any requests and make your stay as a family as comfortable as possible. Children will love the journey down the river and all of the interesting things to see and do en route.
Facilities
There is a restaurant with outdoor dining deck, a welcoming and well stocked bar and sunbathing deck on board both boats. The atmosphere is very much communal with a good opportunity to meet and get to know both the crew and the other passengers on board.
Activities
On board a guide will be on hand to explain anything you may wish to know and to lead you on any onshore excursions en route which may include visiting markets and villages that you pass by. Vietnamese cookery workshops can also be arranged for passengers interested in learning the art of the delicious local cuisine.
Reviews
Evi-Elli La Valle (Staff)
This a pretty unique experience as there are not many overnight cruises of this standard on the Mekong and it is perfect for photography enthusiasts as you really do get up close to local life. I found the excursions fascinating, particularly when we visited a local village to see the tropical plants and family life - so different to back home! The boats are basic and my one tip would be to leave your suitcases with your guide in Can Tho and take a small overnight bag with you as the cabins are really small.
Experiences
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Foodie Walking Tour of Saigon
This morning tour explores Saigon's fragrant street food on foot with a local expert. Explore markets, try authentic Banh Mi, enjoy Vietnamese ice tea and sit down to lunch at a local canteen.
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Travel like a local
Travel along the Chau Doc River in a small motorboat providing the chance to observe the local way of life on the river's edge alongside a visit to a Muslim Cham village.
Holiday Ideas
Location & directions
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Bassac Boat journey's through Southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta, starting from Can Tho and ending in Cai Be.
How to get there
15-hour international flight (one change) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City. Can Tho is approximately a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh.
- 100% financial protection
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- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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