Sunday, September 12, 2010

Mekong Delta - Vietnam

The Mekong is one of the major rivers in the world. Starting from the Tibetan Plateau, it flows through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, before joining the South China Sea at the Southern-most tip of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is the rice-bowl of Vietnam, and also an important aquaculture centre.

Today, the Mekong Delta is also a tourist attraction.The most common way to visit the Delta is through Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, or My Tho, a smaller city famous for Hu Tieu My Tho - a pork noodle soup. It is about 5 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City. From there, you will be transferred to a boat and taken around the many tributaries in the Delta. 

There are many small aquaculture rigs in the Delta.

It is an interesting sight for someone who hasn't been around the tropics much. For a Malaysian, it is a bit familiar, as we have many similar mangrove swamps in the country. What is more interesting are the small attractions which have been developed for the tourists. Small huts dotted around the Delta serve local tea and titbits, with entertainment provided by local homegrown musicians. Simple yet charming and enjoyable. A taste of the idyllic rural life away from the hustle and bustle of HCMC.

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