The Mekong Delta isn’t that far from HCMC but with the traffic congestion and the lack of highways it takes a couple of hours to get there. It was nice to get out of the congestion of the city and see some of the countryside. We passed huge rubber tree plantations and stopped to have a look.
Upon reaching the river we found it busy with boats of all sizes going in all directions. Phoung introduced us to our local guide Mr. Lum and we boarded our boat.
The boats we passed were loaded with all sort of produce and fish. Each boat has a long pole in the air displaying what is for sale. Many of the larger boats also doubled as home.
We went ashore at a village to see how the locals lived and worked. Along the narrow path you have to be continually on guard for the sound of an approaching motorbike and be ready to give way. Our first stop was to see how coconut candy was made. You have to try the candy while it is still warm, it’s sooo good. We also saw people making rice paper and puffed rice.
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On the boat again we made our way up some of the smaller channels. The tide was low and the boat bumped bottom. Everyone made their way to the front of the boat to ease our way through the channel. There was another bump followed by a splash. Mr. Lum had gone overboard. The rudder of our craft wasn’t working and the Captain made several attempts to free it. After he made repairs we continued on. Our last stop was for a wonderful riverside lunch before return to HCMC
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