VIP New Tour 2-Day: Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong delta Homestay

Travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City will find this VIP 2-Day tour offers a compelling mix of history, nature, and local life. It’s a chance to step into Vietnam’s past at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and then unwind amidst the lush waterways and tropical orchards of the Mekong Delta. Priced at around $110 per person, it’s a tidy investment considering the scope of experiences packed into this trip.

What really makes this tour stand out is its focus on authenticity and active exploration. You’ll love the way it combines learning about wartime history, cycling through rice fields, and paddling through waterway labyrinths—all with knowledgeable guides making sure you get the most out of each moment. The comfortable homestay at the Family Tiny Garden offers a peaceful retreat after busy days of adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is the pace of the tour—it’s quite full, with early mornings and lots of activities. If you’re not a fan of active days or long bus rides, it might feel a bit intense. But for those eager to experience Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who love history, scenic beauty, and engaging with local life in a meaningful way.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Combines history, local life, and nature for a well-rounded trip.
• Active Day: Features cycling, kayaking, and walking, perfect for energetic travelers.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong homestay enrich your understanding of Vietnam’s past and present.
• Food & Hospitality: Includes all meals, with barbecue dinners and local specialties, plus a cozy homestay stay.
• Small Group Feel: Guided by English-speaking guides, with reviews praising their knowledge and friendliness.
• Value for Money: All transportation, entrance fees, and activities are included, offering a comprehensive package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels and Exploring the Mekong

The tour begins early, with a pick-up around 7:30 am from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. After a roughly 1.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels, about 70 km away. This site is a must-see for history buffs and curious travelers alike. The tour group, often small, is led by guides like Hieu, who is praised for his friendly attitude and ability to make complex history engaging.

Inside the tunnels, you’ll see how Vietnamese soldiers lived, fought, and strategized underground. The guides point out hidden trapdoors, handmade weapons, and booby traps, giving you a real sense of how resourceful and resilient the Vietnamese resistance was. A documentary film sets the scene, and afterward, you’ll get to taste “guerrilla food”—tea and tapioca—which adds a tactile connection to the past.

The journey continues toward the Mekong Delta, crossing Long An Province to reach the Family Tiny Garden homestay. This peaceful spot offers a cozy atmosphere and the chance to unwind after the morning’s intensity. The evening features a barbecue dinner, where you’ll enjoy Vietnamese grilled delights, and the chance to relax with some karaoke—something many reviews highlight as a fun, bonding experience.

Later, a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda introduces you to the spiritual side of the region. From there, a leisurely boat ride on the Tien River reveals tranquil waters and laid-back local life. You’ll see local floating markets, bee farms with honey tasting, and visit the largest coconut candy factory—a tasty highlight of the day. The guide’s insights help you appreciate the craftsmanship behind traditional treats.

Day 2: Cycling, Waterways, and Rural Life

Waking early (around 5:30 am), you’ll have the option to watch sunrise over the rice fields or enjoy a hearty breakfast. The cycling portion is a particular highlight for many travelers—riding through orchards, dragon fruit plantations, and vibrant rice paddies. It’s a fantastic way to see everyday life, with lush scenery and the chance to stop for photos or chat with locals.

One reviewer, Alicia, praised guide Hieu for making the cycling enjoyable and sharing interesting stories. You’ll find the views stunning and the experience surprisingly peaceful, away from the noise of urban life.

After breakfast, the tour shifts gears with a kayaking adventure through the waterways. Paddling through narrow canals, you’ll discover yet another dimension of Mekong life—floating houses, busy fishermen, and floating markets. This part is often described as both scenic and relaxing, with the water offering a different perspective on the delta.

A traditional lunch follows, providing a chance to savor local flavors before checking out of the homestay. The bus then takes you back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 2:30 pm, concluding a busy but rewarding two days.

Historical depth at Cu Chi: The tunnels offer an eye-opening glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime resilience. The guides’ stories and the actual underground exploration make history tangible and memorable.

Cultural immersion: The Mekong Delta’s waterways, markets, and farms give you a grounded view of local life. Visiting bee farms, candy factories, and temples shows the diversity of experiences.

Active exploration: Cycling and kayaking add physical activity to the trip, making it more than just sightseeing. These activities help you connect with the environment and local people in a genuine way.

Authentic local food: The included meals, especially the BBQ dinner, offer tasty, home-style Vietnamese dishes. The food is a highlight for many, with reviews mentioning the variety and flavor.

This tour is priced at $110, which covers almost everything—transport, entrance fees, meals, and activities. This all-inclusive approach means no surprise extras, making it straightforward and stress-free. The private transport ensures comfort, and the small group size (as implied by the guided nature) allows for more personalized attention.

The tour’s timing is well-structured, with early starts to maximize daylight and activity. The homestay accommodation at Family Tiny Garden feels intimate and cozy, providing a genuine local experience rather than a sterile hotel.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those over 95 years might find it too strenuous. The reviews highlight a friendly, knowledgeable guide—a big plus for making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

One reviewer, Alicia, shared how Hieu made the activities lively and engaging, even singing and dancing alongside the group. She appreciated the peaceful environment and felt it was a great local experience worth repeating.

Meanwhile, Chelsey’s review points out that while the tour offers nice beaches and photo ops, it may not meet expectations for swimming or beach activities. She notes that guides and workers were lovely, but the tour was somewhat split and could be challenging with language barriers.

This 2-day experience offers a well-rounded mix of history, nature, and local culture. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Vietnam’s war sites, explore the lush delta, and actively participate in local life. The inclusion of cycling, kayaking, and homestay makes it perfect for those seeking an immersive, authentic adventure.

If your travel style involves physical activity, learning about history, and tasting traditional food, you’ll find great value here. The tour’s well-organized, with knowledgeable guides ensuring you get meaningful insights without feeling rushed.

However, if you prefer laid-back sightseeing or have mobility concerns, the busy schedule and active components might be less suited. Still, for most adventurous spirits, this trip offers a fulfilling slice of southern Vietnam’s essence.

Is transportation included? Yes, private transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta is part of the package.

What meals are provided? All meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and a barbecue dinner, featuring Vietnamese dishes and local specialties.

Can I join the kayaking and cycling activities? Absolutely. These activities are core parts of the tour, designed to give you engagement with the local environment.

How long is the bus ride? The drive to Cu Chi takes about 1.5 hours, with the return trip to Ho Chi Minh City concluding around 2:30 pm on the second day.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? It’s best for active travelers; those over 95 years might find it too strenuous.

Do I need to pay anything extra? No, all entrance fees, meals, activities, and insurance are included—just bring your enthusiasm.

This tour offers a balanced, immersive look into Vietnam’s history, scenery, and daily life, making it a memorable addition to any travel itinerary in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: