2-Day Mekong Delta Cycling & Homestay Experience from Saigon

Summary

Mekong Delta bike tour with local homestay and village life

If you’re after real Mekong Delta life—not just tourist stops—this two-day cycling trip is it. You’ll pedal through peaceful villages, share meals with locals, sleep in a family-run guesthouse, and see how people live along these winding waterways. It’s relaxed but full of moments you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick with the scent of ripe jackfruit as we rolled out of Ho Chi Minh City just after sunrise. By the time we reached the Mekong Delta, the city noise had faded into a soft hum behind us. Our guide, Minh, handed out sturdy Trek bikes—mine still had a bit of mud on the tires from yesterday’s ride. We pedaled through narrow lanes where kids waved and shouted “hello!” as we passed. The road was so flat you barely noticed you were moving, except for the occasional rooster darting across your path.

Mid-morning brought us to a quiet stretch of riverbank. Here, we hopped onto a small wooden boat for a slow cruise along the Mekong. The water was calm, broken only by floating hyacinths and the distant putter of another boat. Minh pointed out floating houses where families raise fish right under their floors—something I’d never seen before. Lunch was at a tiny spot on an island; I can still taste the peppery fish soup and fresh pomelo slices. After lunch, we caught a local ferry (the kind that smells faintly of diesel and fried snacks) to reach our homestay. The guesthouse was simple but spotless, with cold drinks waiting and a hammock strung up in the shade.

The next morning started early—roosters don’t care if you’re on vacation. Breakfast was homemade rice porridge with pickled veggies, eaten while watching boats drift by outside the window. We said goodbye to our hosts (they pressed tiny bananas into our hands for later) and set off again by bike. This time we zigzagged deeper into quiet villages where market stalls sold everything from dragonfruit to flip-flops. A couple of short ferry rides took us between islands; each crossing lasted just long enough to chat with locals or watch motorbikes pile on board in impossible numbers. By noon, we’d reached the end of our route and loaded up for the drive back to Saigon—tired legs but big smiles all around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Homestay

• Hotel pickup and transfer to Mekong Delta
• Village ride to experience local life
• Boat trip on Mekong River and floating villages
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Cycling to eco-guest house on island

Day 2 — Mekong Islands and Return to Saigon

• Breakfast at homestay and cycle on islands with ferries
• Ride through remote villages and local markets
• Return bike and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at hotel or meeting point

Top questions

How difficult is the cycling part?

The roads are flat and distances flexible (about 20–40km per day). If you’re comfortable riding a bike for a few hours at an easy pace, you’ll be fine.

What kind of accommodation will I stay in?

You’ll stay at a local guesthouse with air conditioning and private bathroom—simple but comfortable.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes! Just note there’s a minimum group size for departures; single travelers may pay extra if fewer than four guests join.

I’m vegetarian—can I join?

Absolutely! Let us know when booking so we can arrange vegetarian meals for you.

What’s included

Your trip covers accommodation in a local guesthouse (air-con room with private bathroom), use of quality mountain bikes and helmets, bottled water, snacks, all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinner), coffee or tea breaks, boat trips and ferries as needed, plus hotel pickup/drop-off if selected. A friendly local guide leads every step—and yes, there’s always someone nearby if your tire goes flat!