Bassac Mekong Cruise 2 Days: Cai Be – Can Tho Overnight Wooden Boat Cruise

The Bassac is the original overnight cruise of the Mekong Delta: wooden boats built in the style of a traditional rice barge, run by TransMékong from Can Tho. On this 2-day, 1-night cruise you board at Cai Be at noon, sail the Cho Lach canal and the Mang Thit river, walk through orchards and rice fields, sleep at anchor on the river and finish with the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. Departures run almost daily in both directions, with 10–12 cabins per boat. Fares start from US$310 per person, twin share, with three meals and two excursions included.

Good to know (October 2026): the Bassac sails between Cai Be and Can Tho in both directions almost every day; you can also stay 2 nights on a loop. Road transfers from Saigon are not included in the cruise fare – we arrange them for you. Fares are subject to a fuel-price clause (see Price). Cruise code VTE-BAS2.

Bassac Cruise at a Glance

Why Choose the Bassac

• The delta at river level: narrow canals and side rivers such as the Cho Lach and Mang Thit, where big ships cannot go.
• Authentic wooden boats: the first Bassac was a converted rice barge; Bassac II and III were built new in the same style and yard.
• Small and relaxed: 10–12 cabins, each with its own bathroom and quiet air-conditioning.
• Easy to fit in: one night between Saigon and Can Tho, with the Cai Rang floating market on the way.
• Good for families: rope mesh and sturdy handrails, children under 12 at half price.

Itinerary: Cai Be to Can Tho, 2 Days / 1 Night

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. The programme can change with tides, logistics or technical constraints.

Day 1: Saigon – Cai Be – Boarding the Bassac – Cho Lach – Mang Thit River

Meals: L, D

Morning: transfer from Saigon to Cai Be on the Tien River (about 115 km, 2.5–3 hours by road; arranged by us on request).

12:00: board the Bassac at Cai Be – welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, cabin check-in. Lunch is served as the boat heads for the Cho Lach canal, busy with barges, riverside markets and churches.

Mid-afternoon: the Bassac anchors for a walk through the countryside behind the tree line – rice fields and fruit orchards – or an optional short bike ride. Back on board, a drink and sunset from the deck.

Evening: dinner while cruising the Mang Thit river. The boat anchors for the night just downstream of Tra On.

Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho

Meals: B

06:00: the Bassac sails towards Can Tho; breakfast from 07:00.

Around 08:00: transfer to a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market and a small bamboo-basket workshop, then on to Ninh Kieu pier in Can Tho.

Mid-morning: services end ashore in Can Tho (about 10:00). Continue to Saigon by road (about 3.5 hours), fly from Can Tho airport, or stay on in the delta.

Reverse Route and 2-Night Loops

• Can Tho → Cai Be (1 night): board at 12:00 at Ninh Kieu pier, cruise down the Hau river and the Nicolai canal to the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers, a countryside visit, a night at anchor on the Mang Thit, then the Cho Lach canal and a rowing-boat visit to Cai Be’s handicraft village, ending mid-morning.
• 2-night loops: Can Tho – Cai Be – Can Tho or Cai Be – Can Tho – Cai Be combine both directions with a 10% rebate on the fare.
• Extend your stay: a night in Can Tho before boarding, an early floating-market visit, a cycling tour, or flights to and from Can Tho airport.

The Bassac Boats and Cabins

All cabins are on two passenger decks, with an en-suite bathroom, hot water and power 24 hours, quiet split air-conditioning and immediate access to the outside.

The boat is assigned according to the schedule. Cabin photos and fares are in the Price section.

Bassac Cruise Prices 2026–2027

Prices are TransMékong’s published fares in Vietnamese dong for departures 1 November 2026 – 31 October 2027; US-dollar amounts are approximate at 26,000 VND = US$1 and rounded up. The 2-night fare includes a 10% rebate.

Price modifiers

• Single cabin: +50% (one guest in a cabin).
• Children under 12: 50% off; under 2: free. The boats have sturdy handrails and rope mesh for child safety.
• Private charter (whole boat): US$2,776 per night for the boat + US$101 per guest (1 night); from 2 nights US$2,499 per night + US$101 per guest. Free itinerary.
• Fuel surcharge: if the retail diesel price in Can Tho rises 10% or more above the reference, TransMékong adds 200,000 VND (about US$8) per guest per night for each 10% increase, capped at 400,000 VND (about US$16) per guest per night. Confirmed guests are told at least 30 days before departure.

Ready to book? Send us your date, direction and number of guests with the code VTE-BAS2.

What’s Included and Not Included

Included

• Accommodation in a twin-share cabin (double or twin beds)
• Three meals per night on board
• Vietnamese coffee, tea and mineral water
• Two visits ashore or by small boat
• English-speaking host on board and during visits
• Longboat transfers to and from the boat
• All taxes

Not included

• Road or speedboat transfers to Cai Be / Can Tho (we quote them separately)
• Bar drinks
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Fuel surcharge, if applied (see Price)

Booking, Payment and Cancellation

• Deposit: 25% to confirm; balance 30 days before departure (or in full for bookings made later).
• Last-minute bookings are possible when cabins remain – we confirm availability within 24 hours.

Changes of date after the free-cancellation period are treated as a cancellation. Travel insurance is recommended.

Practical Information

• Day cruises in Can Tho: add a private Mystic sampan cruise to the Cai Rang floating market or a Khmer pagoda – 10% off when booked with the Bassac.
• Getting there: Cai Be is about 2.5–3 hours by road from Saigon; Can Tho about 3.5 hours, or a short flight. We arrange private cars and combine the cruise with Saigon travel guide tours.
• What to bring: light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes you can get muddy on shore visits.
• Mobility: the gangways are wide and steady, but shore visits involve small boats and uneven paths.
• For more ideas see our Mekong Delta travel guide.

Why Book with Vietnam Tour Expert

• Licensed local operator: Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd. (Vietnam Tour Expert) has been licensed as an international tour operator in Vietnam since 2012 and is a contracted partner of TransMékong (Bassac Mekong Cruises), Can Tho.
• Official fares: the prices on this page are per person with the inclusions listed – no hidden booking fees.
• One plan for the whole trip: we add hotels, airport transfers, Angkor temple tours, Halong Bay and the rest of Vietnam to the same itinerary.
• Fast replies: we usually answer within 24 hours; WhatsApp +84 88 626 1368.

Local Expert Tips by Jimmy

• Choose Cai Be → Can Tho to finish with the Cai Rang floating market in the morning.
• Ask for an upper-deck cabin – same price, closer to the lounge and sundeck.
• Stay 2 nights for a slower pace and a 10% lower nightly fare.
• Want a longer cruise into Cambodia? Compare the Mekong Princess Phnom Penh – Saigon cruise or the Toum Tiou I Cruise.

More river journeys: see all our Mekong River Cruises.

Ready to sail? Send us a cruise inquiry with your sailing date, number of travellers and cruise code VTE-BAS2 – we usually reply within 24 hours.

Updated 25 October 2026 · By Jimmy, Vietnam Tour Expert · Sources: TransMékong partner agreement and rates 2026–2027; mekong-delta.com Bassac itinerary, boats, prices and terms pages (checked 25 October 2026)

About the Bassac Cruise

TransMékong has run the Bassac from Can Tho since the first boat – a converted rice barge – began cruising the delta. Today Bassac II and Bassac III sail between Cai Be and Can Tho almost every day.

Brief itinerary

• Cai Be – Cho Lach canal – countryside walk
• Mang Thit river – night at anchor
• Cai Rang floating market – Can Tho

Cruise code: VTE-BAS2

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Main Deck Twin Cabin

Two single beds, private outside access

Cabin size:

Main deck

Bed size:

Two single beds

Max person:

2 guests

Location:

Main deck (Bassac II: 4, Bassac III: 6)

Cabin Amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Direct access to the outside
• Soundproofed, double-glazed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

From US$310
per person, twin share

Cabin DetailInquire

Main Deck Twin Cabin

Two single beds, private outside access

Wood-panelled twin cabins on the main deck, each opening directly to the outside. Partitions are soundproofed, double-glazed and heat-insulated; quiet split air-conditioning runs all night.

Cabin facts

Size	Main deck
Beds	Two single beds
Occupancy	2 guests
Location	Main deck (Bassac II: 4, Bassac III: 6)

All amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Direct access to the outside
• Soundproofed, double-glazed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

Main Deck Twin Cabin fares

Season	Price per person (twin share)
1 night (1–2 guests)	US$310
2 nights (1–2 guests)	US$558

Single use of the cabin: US$465. Single occupancy: +50%.

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Main Deck Double Cabin

Double bed, private outside access

Cabin size:

Main deck

Bed size:

One double bed

Max person:

2 guests

Location:

Main deck (Bassac II: 4, Bassac III: 2)

Cabin Amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Direct access to the outside
• Soundproofed, double-glazed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

From US$310
per person, twin share

Cabin DetailInquire

Main Deck Double Cabin

Double bed, private outside access

The same wooden cabin with a double bed – the usual choice for couples. Each opens straight onto the side deck.

Cabin facts

Size	Main deck
Beds	One double bed
Occupancy	2 guests
Location	Main deck (Bassac II: 4, Bassac III: 2)

All amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Direct access to the outside
• Soundproofed, double-glazed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

Main Deck Double Cabin fares

Season	Price per person (twin share)
1 night (1–2 guests)	US$310
2 nights (1–2 guests)	US$558

Single use of the cabin: US$465. Single occupancy: +50%.

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Upper Deck Double Cabin

Double bed, next to the lounge and sundeck

Cabin size:

Upper deck

Bed size:

One double bed

Max person:

2 guests

Location:

Upper deck (Bassac II: 2, Bassac III: 4)

Cabin Amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Steps from the lounge and sundeck
• Soundproofed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

From US$310
per person, twin share

Cabin DetailInquire

Upper Deck Double Cabin

Double bed, next to the lounge and sundeck

Double cabins on the upper deck, a few steps from the panoramic lounge, the shaded aft dining area and the front sundeck. Same fare as the main-deck cabins – ask for one early.

Cabin facts

Size	Upper deck
Beds	One double bed
Occupancy	2 guests
Location	Upper deck (Bassac II: 2, Bassac III: 4)

All amenities

• En-suite bathroom, hot water 24 h
• Split air-conditioning
• Steps from the lounge and sundeck
• Soundproofed partitions
• Power 24 h (220 V)

Upper Deck Double Cabin fares

Season	Price per person (twin share)
1 night (1–2 guests)	US$310
2 nights (1–2 guests)	US$558

Single use of the cabin: US$465. Single occupancy: +50%. Upper-deck cabins are allocated on request.

• Fares are TransMékong published prices in VND; US$ amounts are approximate. Deposit 25%, balance 30 days before departure.

Ready to book? Send us your date and the code VTE-BAS2.