Private Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Tour from Saigon

4.67

(6 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The morning air outside Saigon felt thick, almost sticky, as we left the city behind. Our guide, Minh, chatted about his childhood in the countryside while our van rolled past rice paddies dotted with ducks and the odd water buffalo. At Cu Chi, you can smell the earth—damp and a bit smoky—before you even see the tunnels. We watched an old black-and-white film in a shaded hut; it’s offered in several languages, which was handy for our group. Then Minh showed us the hidden trapdoors—honestly, I’d have missed them if he hadn’t pointed them out. Crawling inside one of those narrow passageways made me realize just how tough life must’ve been down there.

Afterwards, we sat on low wooden benches to try boiled tapioca dipped in a bit of salt and peanuts, washed down with hot pandan tea. It’s simple food but surprisingly filling. On the way back to the van, we stopped at a tiny wet market where vendors sliced up jackfruit and mangosteen for us to taste—sticky fingers guaranteed.

The drive south to the Mekong Delta took just over an hour. The river was busy with boats when we boarded ours at Tien river port. You’ll spot fishermen mending nets and kids waving from the banks. Cruising past four islets—locals call them Dragon, Kirin, Tortoise, Phoenix—we docked at Kirin islet for a walk through fruit orchards. The air smelled sweet from ripe guava hanging overhead. We tried fresh fruit while a small band played “Don ca tai tu”—Southern folk music that’s kind of hypnotic if you let yourself listen.

Lunch came next at a riverside restaurant tucked behind palm trees—a breeze off the water made it cooler than I expected. The menu featured Mekong specialties (the fried elephant ear fish is worth trying). After eating, Minh led us along quiet village paths before heading back to Saigon as afternoon rain clouds started rolling in.