The Mekong Delta Boats Boats Boats ...

We decided to explore the Mekong Delta...which was to be an experience of every form of Vietnamese river transport and little else! We spent 2 days travelling around the delta visiting islands, villages and floating markets of Mytho, Cantho and Chau Doc.

I loved the floating markets and the systems of buying and selling and general culture. These markets were the 'real' markets unlike others that now only exists for the tourist benefit. In vietnam if you trade on the river you pay no tax and generally get better deals thats why this culture is still in full swing. Each boat on the river has a long pole attached to it. If you display noithing on your pole you are a buyer and sellers try to sell to you. People selling attach the items they to the poles so that buyers can come to them and see from a distance what they have on offer.

We opted for a homestay on the Delta and stayed with a great family who prepared a welcome and very tasty traditional feast of rice paper, veg and fish which we were taught how to create. The little son in the family relished the opportunity for me to play with him and meet his pets (fighter fish and turtles) then play pokemon cards into the evening. An early night was followed by a sunrise walk into the local village where I was greeted warmly by the local kids who were fascinated by my camera and would detriorate in to hysterical giggles when they saw thier image on the screen.