We wanted to cover as much as we could of Vietnam's top attractions and saw Vietnam Adventure Tours via TripAdvisor.
They offer a VIP tour that covers Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta.
They offer a VIP tour that covers Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta.
The package included hotel pick-up and drop off via limousine, entrance to both Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta, motorized boat and row boat ride to the Mekong Village, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, on board refreshments and an English speaking guide.
Our first stop was a tourist center selling handcrafted lacquer finished trinkets. They were hand made by disabled citizens impacted by the Vietnam War from the Agent Orange (read more about Agent Orange through this link) and other chemicals used during the Vietnam War that contaminated ground water and soil causing various health problems and disabilities.
Prices of the handicrafts were a bit more expensive than those available in the market, however, one cannot be sure of the quality and authenticity of those sold in the market.
Next stop is Cu Chi Tunnel.
Cu Chi is a story of Communist Vietnam's triumph over the Americans. The intricate network of tunnels built by hands ~ housing families and serving as secret refuge for those fighting for liberation were really admirable.
Management widened tunnels for tourist to pass through, but the original tunnels were really narrow.
The Vietnamese Communist were very ingenious in their war tactics ~ setting of booby traps and landmines.
In the morning they would go to town wearing ordinary clothes to mingle with the peasantries. The Americans can't really tell who the enemies were.
Now you see him ~ seconds later he was already underneath covered with dried leaves.
Thoughts being down there, even for a minute makes me uncomfortable. I can't imagine the Vietnamese staying there for days waiting to ambush passing American soldiers.
Now, the part of the Cu Chi tour that men usually enjoyed the most... Gun Shooting Range.
Cost per bullet is VND20,000 to 40,000.
My husband tried one round of AK-47 (He ended his round saying it is the best experience ever).
Back at the limousine we were offered wet towels, cold beer and soda, biscuits and bananas.
We stopped for lunch at the one of the local restaurants on the way to Mekong Delta ~ Mekong Tram Dung.
All smiles after a hefty meal (with our tour group) ~
Ready for Mekong Delta ~ a maze of rivers, local villages selling produce...
At the Mekong Tourist Boat Station (with our guide Anbie, briefing us on our Mekong Delta itinerary).
We took a motorized boat to Ben Tre Province...
We transferred to a paddle boat to enter the smaller canals ~
It was a bit scary though as the boat was small and we were 4 huge people on board...
At the Ben Tre Village we were given a tour of various local livelihoods such as honey gathering, chocolate and coconut candies making.
The locals would be offering you their products, but you are not required to buy any if you don't want to...
Honey with tea
Snake/scorpion wine anyone?
I did get chocolates though ~ I got 100% dark chocolates, which are quite hard to find in supermarkets.
We were also entertained to some Vietnamese music. 
We then took a local tri-van to go to the other side of the Village to head back to Mekong Tourist Boat...
This one was fun ~ It was actually like a Jurassic World thrill ride.
When we got to our Boat, we welcomed by refreshing coconut juice (straight from the tree)!
If you are looking for a hassle free-VIP tour of Cu Chi and Mekong Delta, this tour is highly recommended.
Now time to relax ~ as we head back to the city.
If you missed our Day 1 in Saigon ~ please follow the link
If you are interested about the
VIP Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour check
VietNam Tours website: Vietnam Tours
Sometimes booking a tour is also nice, because you don't have to prepare or worry anything. You also have comfortable transportation. Mukhang matatakot din ako sa boat, wala man lang life vest.
ReplyDeleteNo vest Sis. I was scared for my dear life. I will probably not drown, but the water is murky.
DeleteOooh, it's always interesting to be up close places in history. I've always admired how the Vietnamese stood their ground against their oppressors for many years.
ReplyDeleteBut no thanks to the snake concoction, haha!
No to snake wine or any exotic wines either. I am squirmish.
Deletethat is quite a tour of Vietnam's history. I saw that small opening where vietnamese soldier hides and I think I would feel claustrophobic in there. I won't even try it.
ReplyDeleteHi Sis, I was just an onlooker too. Too chicken to try it. Besides it just rained so the hole was muddy #AngArte
DeleteI've never been to Vietnam before, and I would love to visit the Cu Chi Tunnel myself. I have a thing for war memorabilia and things related to wars, and the tunnel really piqued my interest.
ReplyDeleteOn my bucket list to visit soonest ARE Cambodia and Vietnam. Vietnam always has a charm I can't even explain. Perhaps the mystery it creates on my mind. But so Kilig you were able to visit the place and with your loved ones pa.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the article. Maisama na nga sa bucketlist ang tour na ginawa niyo. But will definitely not drink that snake/scorpion wine hehehehe....
ReplyDeleteLove this one!!! Makes me want to visit Saigon. :)
ReplyDeleteNever been abroad. Vietnam looks like one with nice culture as well. We will consider this for future family travel. Kaso parang katakot itry yung snake wine hahaha!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had fun during your trip. A trip to Vietnam is included in my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteIf we'll be in Vietnam soon, I want for us to check this out. Will definitely copy the activities. Pero hindi ko yata kaya yung snake wine. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSeeing this post again. I wish I could visit Vietnam soon.
ReplyDeleteI remember my Papa bringing home a snake in a bottle from Vietnam, wine pala yun! The trip was really interesting.
ReplyDelete