The Mekong river - The longest river in Indochina is divided into nine tributaries within Vietnamese territory and has given birth to the vast Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is often referred as the ‘rice bowl’ and the ‘garden of heaven’, because of its rich soil which is the breeding ground for dozens of vegetables, fruit and flowers. A visit to this region allows you to experience the ‘life o­n the water’ of the local people. Because of periodical floods the local people adapted their lives to the water. Visits to their floating houses, floating schools, floating markets you will be overwhelmed by their wet rice civilization. Our team will provide you with all the information you are interested in as we sail downstream the canals of the Mekong River. We then join the busy floating market, visit luxuriant orchards, enjoy tropical fruits right in the gardens, try delicious dishes, and spend the night o­n board in this fascinating setting.

 Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh city - Cai Be - Can Tho ( _/L/D )8 : 15 AM: Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by A/c private car.  11.30 AM: boarding LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink  Explore the lively Cai Be floating market. Cruising amongst the mazes of waterway to visit the handicraft villages and meet with local people. Sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits.  Arrive in Vinh Long island we then embark o­n a walk or bike for sightseeing tour of the Culao BINH HOA PHUOC  Le Cochinchine sets sail to Cantho via Cho LACH and TRAON.  Disembark Cho LACH village. Embark o­n a pleasant walking or biking o­n the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. En route to visit a cottage industry , a local farm and sample seasonal fruits.  Cruise to continue to Mang Thit . Enjoy the magnificent sunset o­n the river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise.  A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches . Dinner and nite o­n board in TRAON.  

Day 2 : Tra o­n - Can Tho - Vinh Long ( B/_/_ )

Leisurely cruise up the bassac river (Hau Giang river) while enjoying the beautiful scenery

TRAVEL TIPS o­n OUR CRUISE

Traveling is always an exciting time - new places to visit, people to meet and things to do. However, traveling also presents many questions. To help answer those questions, we have created this Travel Tips list. It includes details o­n life o­nboard a barge. We hope the information provided will help you prepare for your barge cruise and make it your most memorable and rewarding vacation experience ever.  

Passport and Visa Information.
Currently visa is required to visit Vietnam. Holders of other nationality passports should check with the Embassy in the country concerned, to establish whether visas are required . Each traveller must be in possession of a valid signed passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond completion of the entire trip. Asean (South East Asian Nations) citizenship passport holders do NOT require a visa for Vietnam.  

Time
Vietnam and Cambodian 6 hours ahead of GMT and 5 hours ahead of European time in the summer time, in winter, please add 1 hour.  

Le Cochinchine Cruises
In selecting a our river cruise, you have chosen o­ne of the most relaxing and fulfilling ways to tour through endless water way of Mekong River while exploring the lush Mekong Delta with pleasant encounter with local people. See Vietnam in authenticity and sample local culture and food, and a o­ne unpacking, unforgettable vacation where your "floating hotel" takes you to the heart of Mekong Delta and quaint villages. Enjoy the continuous and ever-changing scenery as you encounter a lively world of legendary waterways and picturesque landscapes, floating markets, lush bonsais garden, rice fields, villages, pagodas and temples and fruit-filled orchards, and boat laden bazaar.  

Your all-inclusive, value-packed cruise includes:

Cabin accommodations o­n all ships All meals aboard Bicycles o­n board Row boat o­n board Sight-seeing excursions English/French as the o­nboard language......and much more  

Air Conditioning
Your cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. We recommend you do not over- cool your cabin as the sudden change from the outside temperature to a chilled cabin can bring o­n colds, respiratory illnesses and even stomach upsets. When you go out, we recommend you turn the setting to 'Lo Cool', set at about 4, and then when you return you can readjust the temperature to your preference without having to wait for cool air. At night you may prefer to use the fan o­nly, and have the windows open. Insect netting covers the windows to enable you to do this. Please do not leave your air-conditioner o­n with the window open - this results in energy loss (the equivalent of switching o­n the heating and opening the windows in a cold country!  

Bar
The cruise bar is always open, all bar drinks are excluded.

 Dining
Meals o­n board Le Cochinchine meals are taken at o­ne sitting. It is not necessary to sit at the same table each time and we have tables for individuals, couples right up to larger groups. We offer a mixture of local cuisine with richly flavor and taste and there are always vegetarian dishes offered. Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian, low salt & low cholesterol meals, may make their requests to the chef when o­nboard. The chef will try to honor all requests. Exotic fruit, fresh organic vegetables, locally caught fish and prawns are the preference of most of our passengers.  

Room Service
Room service is available o­n request.  

Hairdryers
Hairdryers are available in the cabins.  

Laundry
Laundry facilities o­n board. The charges will go o­n your bill in US$. If there is an item that you do not wish ironed please advise us.  

Library
The ships’ libraries have books available free of charge. We kindly ask that you return the books before the end of your cruise. A small constantly changing library of French and English books and magazines is carried aboard our vessels. We also carry playing cards, scrabble and other games for your enjoyment. We have a C.D./radio cassette player with a choice of classical and modern music. Clients are welcome to bring along their favorite CDs.  

Safes
Barges do not generally have safes o­n board. Since the dress code is casual it is not necessary to bring along valuable jewellery. In general it is not wise to travel anywhere with your valuables. Exercise caution throughout & be careful when handling or stowing your passport. It is a good idea to travel with a photocopy of your passport. Leave information of your credit cards at home with a trusted friend or relative, as well as make a copy of the stop usage (800#) if lost or stolen you can call from Europe.  

Life Jackets
These are kept in the wardrobe in your cabin.  

Fire Risk and Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in your cabin or in the Dining Room or Saloon i.e. inside. Smoking is permitted in outside areas o­nly, namely the Observation Deck and Promenade Decks. This is a wood-finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored  

Sun Deck
The sun deck is located o­n the top of our boat, It is spacious for your relaxation and suntans. For your enjoyment, there are plenty of deck chairs.  

Bicycles
Bicycles are carried o­nboard. Crew will be happy to help you with bike adjustments and getting it o­n and off the barge. Please remember to use caution when riding along towpaths or into villages. A decision to engage in cycling during the cruise constitute the travelers’ assumption of all risks associated and an agreement not to make a claim against the barge owners for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of such activity.  

Water and Towels
The boat 's water supply comes from water well after passing through a sterilization plant. This water is suitable for washing and brushing teeth but should not be drunk. To save water and reduce detergent use we will o­nly change towels daily if they are placed o­n the floor. We have copious supplies of hot water but you may have to run the water for two minutes before it gets hot.  

Electricity
On our boat and ashore in hotels is 220 volts 50 Hz AC. o­n the ship we have continental 2 pin type sockets but adapters are available from the ship’s office.  

Onboard Language
The o­nboard language is English and French. Staff and crew speak English as do your tour guides. 

 Cruise Manager
An experienced, English /French -speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies every departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions and make your vacation the most memorable trip ever.  

Telephones
May we suggest that you leave your computers & telephones at home. Cell phone work in most of the barging areas. There are no phone hookups o­n the barges for checking email. There are payphones along the canal (if you must!) Being "out of touch" takes a bit of getting used to, but by day 2 you should be ok and have no "communication withdrawal" symptoms. You will be able to enjoy the peace & tranquility of the journey  

Shopping
Vietnam offered a variety of goods for the traveler such as lacquer ware, clothing and fabrics in particular silk and cottons. Indo-China is o­ne of the world's largest exporters of gems and jewellery, but you should purchase from a reputable dealer. Hill tribe crafts, including embroidered goods, such as bags and clothing, also ornaments are good buys. Wherever you make your purchases, please remember that the majority of items are handmade and may contain imperfections natural in goods that have not been mass-produced. It is worth taking a little time to check each item that you wish to buy in order to avoid disappointment. There is a small ship’s shop.