Gecko Eyes: 3-Day Tour from Saigon to Phu Quoc

Our Private River Cruisers
Based on the traditional An Giang fishing boats we are offering you new luxurious houseboats for private and exclusive tours through the Mekong Delta. The vessels, built by local craftsmen, are made of local woods decorated with elegant carvings for a special touch.
To provide your safety and well-being, our staff on board (captain, sailor, chef, tour guide) is at your constant disposition.
The guest area (40 sqm) has a luxurious cabin (double or twin occupancy) with a French balcony, air-con, a private bathroom, a panoramic lounge with French balconies and a sun deck at the bow. On request, the salon can be changed into an additional bedroom with two beds.
Visit the famous floating markets with the Gecko Eyes, travel through small canals along orchards and floating villages down to the waterfront town of Rach Gia for the ferry to the holiday paradise of Phu Quoc.
Due to its shallow draft, the Gecko Eyes is able to glide through small tributaries and canals of the Mekong delta. The sailing area is from My Tho and Cai Be, near Saigon, through the lovely colonial town of Sa Dec, along Can Tho with its famous floating markets. Basically the Gecko Eyes has the whole Mekong Delta region at its disposal, as the ships are self-sufficient for several days. There are always bikes on board for spontaneous trips on the river islands along the small canals.For your safety and your well-being
An electrical generator provides an on-board electricity supply of 220V and a battery pack ensures a quite night. Modern on-board waste-water treatment and solar hot water boilers reduce the environmental impact of our boats.
Modern safety equipment (heat and smoke detectors and fire fighting system) a total of six separate compartments and a regular emergency training of the staff ensures the safety of the guests.Technical Specifications Gecko Eyes
– Lenght: 19.8 m
– Width: 4.3 m
– One cabin 40sqm, French balcony, panorama lounge (convertable to a second bedroom), sun deck
– Crew: 5 (Captain, sailor, chef, service staff, guide and cruise director)
– 1 electric generator (220V)
– Modern on-board waste-water treatment and solar hot water boilers
– Modern safety equipment, heat, smoke detectors and fire fighting system.Details of the routes and tour activities are for reference only. Final confirmation will be sent upon booking. All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Itinerary:

3-day Tours to Phu Quoc or vice versa from Phu Quoc to Saigon

This tour starts from Saigon or Can Tho, daily depatures on Gecko Eyes. If you are staying in Saigon, we will pick you up at your hotel (District 1 and parts of District 3) and take you to the pier in Can Tho. The same tour can also be booked in the reverse direction, starting with the flight from Saigon to Phu Quoc where you can stay and enjoy the island for as long as you like, and then take the boat trip through the Mekong Delta back to Saigon.

Day 1: Panorama Cruise
In the morning we pick you up at your hotel (district 1 and parts of district 3) in Saigon and take you to Cai Be (approx. two hours drive). You board the wooden cruise boat around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided tour to Xeo Quyt. In the province of Dong Thap lays the forest of Xeo Quyt. Here, in the middle of the dense forest area was a former headquarters of the Provincial Party Committee during the Vietnam war. The South Vietnamese troops as well as the American knew about the existence of this camp and attacked it on a regular basis from the air or with ground forces. Through ingenious hiding strategies in the jungle-like forest and with the help of the local population, the Communist leaders succeeded in escaping the attacks, and from here on participate in the assault on Saigon.
Nowadays the area is an open-air museum and park. You can explore the area with small sampans, gliding through the tiny channels, or by foot, exploring the command center, caves and hiding places surrounded by nature. The entire attraction is a much calmer and more relaxed alternative to a trip to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, which are now completely overrun.
After Xeo Quyt you will explore Sa Dec, a small, sleepy town in the Dong Thap province and it was the original setting of the autobiographical novel “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras. This romantic and charming little town still isn’t very touristy and a true hidden gem in the Mekong delta.
There is a very busy, authentic market near the river and a lot of architecture from the colonial period, such as the old market, as well as numerous old mansions and merchant homes. One of these houses belonged to the protagonist in Marguerite Duras’ novel and has been lovingly and traditionally restored. The riverside road Nguyen Hue invites for a stroll with its cafés, market stalls and the old French church in the background.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Life on the water
Wake up well rested to the sound of the River and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing. At 6:30h the boat sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast visit the market in Sa Dec. If you like you can go shopping with the chef and take part in a cooking lesson on board. Once the boat resumes its journey, you travel through small channels towards Can Tho (or Cai Be). In the afternoon there is the option of a land excursion either by bicycle or on foot and visit of a small village, a stroll through orchards, or a cooking class.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Cai Rang Floating Market and Transfer to Phu Quoc
After morning tea and an early start through the glorious morning atmosphere on the river we will visit the famos floating market of Cai Rang. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits and vegetables. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants.
Directly after visiting the floating market our shuttle takes you to the waterfront town of Rach Gia and to the pier for the ferry to the holiday paradise of Phu Quoc (lunch box on the way).
The tour ends here. We will be happy to help you book a resort on the island and organize your trip back to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.