Dragon Eyes Mekong Delta Cruise 2Days 1 Night

Traveling through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta on a small group cruise with the Dragon Eyes offers an intimate and beautifully curated glimpse into this vibrant region. From floating markets to tranquil villages, this two-day adventure combines scenic boat rides, local interactions, and comfortable accommodations. It’s a perfect way to see a different side of Vietnam—less touristy, more authentic, and packed with memorable moments.

What really draws us to this experience is the personalized service and carefully planned itinerary, which balances sightseeing with relaxation. The fact that you can opt to charter the entire boat adds a layer of exclusivity that’s rare in group tours. A slight consideration could be the non-inclusion of drinks (except mineral water), which might add to the overall cost if you’re planning to indulge, but it’s a small price to pay for such a well-rounded trip.

This tour is well-suited for couples, families, or even solo travelers who appreciate comfort, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure. If you’re after a relaxing yet engaging journey through Vietnam’s river life, this cruise provides just that—plus some excellent value for the price, especially given the included meals, transfers, and cozy cabins.

Key Points

• Intimate size with a maximum of 10 travelers ensures personalized attention.
• All-inclusive meals simplify the experience, offering local flavors on board.
• Flexible options like private chartering make it customizable.
• Authentic experiences including floating markets and village walks provide genuine cultural insights.
• Comfortable cabins and sunset views elevate the overall comfort.
• Expert guides like Kin, Hey, and Song make all the difference in understanding local life.

Exploring the Mekong Delta on the Dragon Eyes Cruise

The Dragon Eyes Mekong Delta Cruise offers a uniquely immersive way to experience this lush and lively area. From the moment you’re picked up in Saigon, the journey begins with anticipation. The shuttle service from districts 1 and 3 makes the start convenient, and the 11:30 boarding time allows for a leisurely morning before settling into your cozy cabin. The ship itself is described as a beautiful vessel—something you’ll want to photograph, especially during the sunset on the top deck, which reviewers mention as a magical highlight.

What to Expect on the First Day

The cruise kicks off with a panoramic boat ride along the Mekong River, giving you your first taste of the region’s signature waterways. Included in the experience is a lunch on board, which travelers report as being quite enjoyable, often highlighting the quality of the food served. The vessel’s layout allows for open-air dining and deck lounging, perfect for soaking in the views and the gentle river breeze.

In the afternoon, the cruise guides you on a guided land excursion through orchards and small villages. Reviewers like the one from September 2024 mention how peaceful and charming this part of the tour is, with Kin, the guide, described as charming and knowledgeable. These walks and visits provide insight into local life, agriculture, and traditions—an authentic glimpse into the rural Mekong.

As evening falls, the boat returns to the top deck to enjoy a sunset, a moment that many find particularly special. Dinner on board is described as a highlight by travelers, with some noting it’s a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Day Two: Floating Markets and Village Life

The second day starts early, with a morning cruise and tea break. The highlight here is the visit to Cai Be’s floating market, accessed via a traditional long sampan. This floating market is a perfect snapshot of Mekong life, with boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and local produce. The scene is lively and colorful, and the ability to row small canals in sampans adds a layer of intimacy and fun, as mentioned by past travelers.

Post-market, you’ll have the chance to bike or walk through small villages along the canals. While only available for those using the shuttle service, this activity allows you to see how locals go about their daily routines away from tourist crowds. The reviews emphasize how peaceful and authentic this part of the journey is.

What’s Not to Miss?

The scenic boat rides are undeniably the star of the show. The views of floating markets, lush greenery, and quaint villages are postcard-worthy and provide excellent photo opportunities. The guide’s local knowledge enriches these experiences, making each stop more meaningful.

The meals are another strong point—reviewers frequently mention the good quality of the food, often local Vietnamese dishes, which add to the sense of culture.

Comfort and Convenience

The cabins are described as cosy, twin or double-bedded, perfect for relaxing after busy days. The inclusion of shuttle pickups and transfers from Saigon simplifies logistics, especially for those who prefer to avoid arranging separate transport. The group size of up to 10 travelers ensures a quiet, intimate atmosphere—no jostling for space or feeling like just another number.

Authenticity and Personal Touches

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides like Kin, Hey, and Song, who go out of their way to make the experience special, sharing stories and tips about local life. This level of personal interaction is rare in larger tours and adds a lot of value.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $1,300 per person, this cruise isn’t cheap, but considering the inclusions—meals, cabin, transfers, and guided excursions—it offers good value. The private and personalized experience makes it feel like a luxury escape without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who seek comfort and authenticity in equal parts. It suits couples looking for a romantic getaway, families wanting a safe and engaging adventure, or solo travelers eager to meet like-minded explorers in a small group. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich experience along the Mekong, this cruise delivers.

It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable hosts, stunning river views, and the convenience of all-included meals and transfers. Keep in mind, drinks other than water are not included, so you might want to budget separately if you like to sip locally brewed beers or soft drinks.

Final Thoughts

The Dragon Eyes Mekong Delta Cruise offers a remarkable blend of comfort, culture, and scenic beauty. The well-designed itinerary ensures travelers see the highlights—floating markets, village walks, lush scenery—while avoiding the typical tourist crowds. The inclusion of cozy cabins, meals, and transfers creates a hassle-free experience that maximizes relaxation and discovery.

This tour is best suited for those who want to experience the Mekong River’s charm in a small, intimate setting while enjoying the convenience of guided excursions and good amenities. It’s not a budget option, but for the value, comfort, and authentic touches, it’s a compelling choice for anyone wanting a memorable Mekong adventure.

Travelers who prioritize local culture, scenic views, and a touch of luxury will find this cruise particularly rewarding. It’s an experience that combines peaceful river mornings, lively floating markets, and charming village interactions—all in a well-paced, thoughtfully curated package.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the entire itinerary, including accommodation in cozy cabins, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and shuttle transfers to and from Saigon.

Are drinks included?
Only mineral water in your cabin is included; other drinks like soft drinks, alcohol, or cocktails are not included and can be purchased separately on board.

Can I customize the experience?
You can choose to charter the entire boat if you like, which makes the experience more private. Otherwise, the tour runs with small groups of up to 10 travelers.

What’s the best time to go?
While the specific season isn’t detailed, the reviews suggest the cruise can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s best to avoid the rainy season if you prefer clearer skies and calmer waters.

Is there any physical activity involved?
Yes, the itinerary includes walking through villages and biking on backroads (if booked), but these are optional and adaptable to individual pace.

How long is the transfer from Saigon?
The shuttle service takes travelers from districts 1 and 3 to the boat, with check-in starting around 11:30 am, making the trip convenient.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 10 travelers ensures an intimate, less crowded experience.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the peaceful pace and family-friendly activities like village walks and boat rides suggest it could be suitable for children, provided they are comfortable with the schedule.

What if I need to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, if you’re after a beautiful, authentic, and well-organized Mekong experience that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights, the Dragon Eyes cruise offers a memorable way to explore one of Vietnam’s most captivating regions. With its attentive guides, comfortable accommodations, and thoughtfully designed itinerary, it’s a journey that’s well worth considering for your Vietnam adventure.