Homestay in Vinh Long
A major transit hub, Vinh Long has good connections to Vietnam’s outer islands and its mainland. Tucked down the surrounding network of streams and canals are many family homes, which take advantage of the flow of traffic to trade. Many families now welcome visitors as guests, giving you the opportunity to experience daily life on the Mekong.
The homes sit on the riverbank, surrounded by gardens that nearly always include a small tropical fruit orchard. You'll have your own (basic, but spotlessly clean) room to stay in. Sitting down to enjoy home-cooked meals with your host family, you’ll find them keen to share more about their culture.
Ba Duc Ancient House
Lying along the Mekong Delta in close proximity to the Cai Be floating market and just a twenty-minute walk from Cai Be city center, Ba Duc Ancient House is a harmonious combination of two architectural styles: Vietnamese and French, whose shape is unique to the colonial period. It was first built in the nineteenth century, of wooden boards that bound together and the front consisted of wooden bars that exactly conformed to the Southern Vietnamese traditional houses. Later, it was re-constructed in 1938 on the solid cement-made foundation, surrounded by a 3-hectare precinct full of ornamental plants and fruit trees, making the place the most beautiful one for the owner and guests to take pleasure.
Catholic Church in Cai Be
The Catholic church at Cai Be in the Mekong is located right on the bank of a lively center of trade with interesting markets part of an archival project. Built in 1929-1932, the Cai Be Catholic Church has the tallest bell tower of the Tien Giang Province, South Vietnam. It is 52m (171 ft) high. The bells weigh 400, 650, 800, 1000 and 2000kg respectively.
Cai Be Floating Market
Cai Be floating market is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City o a 2-hour drive. This river market is still the principal attraction on a boat tour from Vinh Long, though it has shrunk considerably due to new bridges and roads replacing river transportation of goods. On a leisurely full-day cruise from HCMC, you can experience local life on the Mekong River, gliding along the scenic waterways in a motorboat and hop off to visit a brick kiln factory, cycle around An Binh Island and watch local artisans and craftsmen at work. After a tasty lunch of Vietnamese specialties, board a sampan and paddle through the colorful houseboats of the Cai Be Floating Market.
