the mekong delta

Having followed the Mekong river through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, our last stop along the Mekong was its' delta in Vietnam. Leaving Ho Chi Minh City (where I realized I really am a city person) we took a bus to Ben Tre (town on the Mekong delta). From our guesthouse we took a motorcycle tour with five other Canadians/Americans and the owner of our guesthouse to various "points of interest" along the delta.


Hopping from island to island on bridges and by ferry we made our way to one of the region's many floating markets

Unlike the famous floating market outside of Bangkok, produce is sold from much larger boats in wholesale like quantities. Boats sell everything from coconuts to "popped rice".

Refreshingly no souvenirs.

Many of the boats also serve as transport and accommodation. We saw many of the locals hanging out (pun not intended) in hammocks and laundry hung out to dry. All the boats also had eyes painted on the front to scare off mythical sea monsters.



In the afternoon we took boats along smaller canals near our guesthouse. Stopping at various "tourist attractions" ("tourist traps") we saw a honey farm/snake zoo/fruit plantation all rolled into one and visited an island dedicated to a monk who consumed only coconut. I found this interesting tidbit on him (a little cultish...think coconut flavored kool-aid).

I have to admit we skipped a few of the "attractions" and stayed on the boat so Ari could have one last chance at catching a giant Mekong catfish. With squid and worms as bait we held our breath...

...sadly we're still holding...but at least it made for a great photo op!