Binh Quoi offers a glimpse into the bygone days of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region, with traditional cuisine, dances and rituals. The open-air Binh Quoi Tourist Village is set up as three centers on the banks of the Saigon River, with verdant gardens and thatched restaurants. Get a sense of the historic customs of the region with an afternoon at this tiny riverside village.

Stroll along the pleasant paths that run between thatched cottages. Sip from a coconut in the shade of a palm tree and relax on the green lawn. The village complex is split into three separate sections on the Thanh Da Peninsula, with similar events and activities in each part. Purchase spring rolls, satays and sticky rice to have a picnic with a scenic backdrop of the water and traditional cottages or join an all-you-can-eat-buffet of traditional Vietnamese foods.

Stroll along the rickety bridges and capture photos of the picturesque canals. Admire the serene atmosphere in this peaceful area near the river. Row a dinghy across the waters covered with lily pads. Browse the paintings and sculptures at the Hoi Quan Hoi Ngo museum that pays tribute to Trinh Cong Son, an acclaimed musical composer.

Enjoy southern Vietnamese cuisine on the 700-seat floating restaurant in the Bach Dang Harbor west of the village. Join the weekly Reclaiming Southern Food event, comprising a culinary buffet of food from past centuries. Watch the cultural show that incorporates a traditional wedding ceremony, with fascinating dances and rituals.

Binh Quoi Tourist Village is in the Bình Thanh district in the eastern outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. The village opens daily from morning until late at night. Ride a bus to the site’s namesake stop beside the Saigon River, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Visit other nearby attractions, such as the Green Environment Park and the Vietnam Traditional Costumes Museum.