A New Luxury River Journey Connects Ho Chi Minh City with the Authentic Mekong Delta
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – Amiral Explorers®, part of LuxGroup®, has unveiled a new boutique river expedition connecting the historic Nhà Rồng Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City with the heart of the Mekong Delta, offering travelers an immersive cultural journey through Southern Vietnam’s waterways.
Designed for private charter groups from 15 guests, the full-day expedition combines heritage, gastronomy, local encounters, and slow travel aboard a luxury expedition speedboat. The experience follows the historic Saigon River and the legendary Chợ Gạo Canal—often referred to as Vietnam’s “Suez Canal”—before reaching the Tiền River and the lesser-known communities of Mỹ Tho and Bến Tre.
The launch marks another milestone in LuxGroup®’s vision of developing meaningful river tourism experiences that celebrate Vietnam’s cultural identity while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
“Rivers are the original highways of civilization. Long before roads and airports, they connected people, cultures, and commerce,” said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of LuxGroup®. “With Amiral Explorers®, we invite travelers to discover Southern Vietnam through its waterways, to slow down, connect with local life, and experience the authentic spirit of the Mekong Delta. This is not simply a tour; it is a boutique expedition inspired by our belief that luxury is culture.”
Departing from Nhà Rồng Wharf, where young Nguyễn Tất Thành—later known as Ho Chi Minh—began his historic journey in 1911, guests travel through landscapes that reveal the transformation from bustling metropolis to peaceful river communities.
Highlights include a visit to Nam Hải Pagoda in Tiền Giang, traditional rowing sampan rides through coconut-lined canals, encounters with local beekeepers and fruit growers, artisan workshops producing coconut candy and handicrafts, and performances of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, the UNESCO-recognized musical heritage of Southern Vietnam.
The expedition also features hands-on culinary experiences, including learning to prepare Bánh Xèo, one of Southern Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, followed by a leisurely riverside lunch overlooking the tranquil Tiền Giang River.
Unlike conventional Mekong excursions that rely primarily on road transportation, Amiral Explorers® places the river at the center of the experience. Guests travel by water from beginning to end, gaining a deeper appreciation of the waterways that continue to shape the economy, culture, and daily life of the Mekong Delta.
The new itinerary forms part of LuxGroup®’s broader investment strategy in Vietnam’s river and coastal tourism sector, including the development of Amiral Cruises®, Vietnam’s first luxury boutique river-maritime cruise line.
Operating aboard a modern expedition vessel accommodating up to 35 guests, Amiral Explorers® offers an intimate and highly personalized experience, reinforcing LuxGroup®’s philosophy of small-scale, high-value tourism.
CHARTER INFORMATION
• Product: Amiral Explorers® Mekong Expedition
• Departure: Nhà Rồng Wharf, Ho Chi Minh City
• Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours
• Capacity: Up to 35 guests
• Private Charter: From 15 guests
• Destination: Mỹ Tho, Bến Tre and Tiền Giang Province
• Experience Style: Boutique River Expedition
ABOUT AMIRAL EXPLORERS®
Amiral Explorers® is a collection of luxury boutique expedition experiences developed by LuxGroup® to connect travelers with Vietnam’s rivers, heritage, culture, and communities. Operating on selected waterways throughout Southern Vietnam, the brand combines exploration, storytelling, gastronomy, and authentic local encounters through intimate small-group journeys.
ABOUT LUXGROUP®
Founded in 2005, LuxGroup® is a leading luxury tourism and hospitality group in Vietnam, operating award-winning travel, cruise, hospitality, transportation, arts, and lifestyle brands. Guided by the philosophy “Luxury is Culture,” LuxGroup® creates meaningful travel experiences that celebrate heritage, support local communities, and deliver lasting value for guests and destinations alike.
