Mekong Delta is almost synonymous with Vietnam. When one is in the country, the trip doesn’t seem to be complete without visiting the world-famous place.
Mekong Delta is located at the Southernmost part of Vietnam. It was formed by the many tributaries of the Mekong River, which in turn is one of the most important waterways in Asia. It became a community since the 4th century BCE wherein it eventually became known as the “rice basket” of Vietnam, producing more than half of the country’s rice needs.
There are many beautiful sights in Mekong Delta which made it a popular tourist destination in the first place. Can Tho is one, the biggest and perhaps most important city in the area with a population of more than 1.1 mllion. Can Tho is rich in resources and services which most people depend on like school and market, among others. Can Tho University is a famous institution wherein students from the entire Mekong Delta area migrate into to entrust their educational development. It is also the only school in Vietnam which has a public medical department.
The floating markets of Can Tho is another tourist attraction wherein one can see vendors selling all kinds of goods placed on market boats and floating on the river. Tourists can rent a boat with a guide who will tour them through the unique market. Floating market tours are recommended to be taken early because they are open until only 11 a.m. The tour also includes a trip to the small river tributaries wherein guests will be able to observe the traditional everyday river life in the Mekong Delta.
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Binh Thuy Village is another must-visit in Can Tho, a 300-year old community made up of 20 old but breathtaking houses built since the 1870s. It became a popular destination because of its insistence and ability to preserve its natural state despite the modernization around the area. Aside from the traditional houses, the village also has a big orchard, fishing pond, rice field and a 300-year old, 1-meter high African cactus which has become a famous attraction among tourists.
The central market is more than a place of purchase as perhaps it is more of a display of culture and traditions. Aside from being able to buy things like food and fabrics, tourists can see and appreciate the simple daily life of the local people. Visitors can also take a restaurant cruise along Hua River while dining and listening to live Southern Vietnamese folk music on the boat.
Vinh Long City is smaller than Can Tho but also a tributary of Mekong River and offers equally beautiful sights such as islands that are abundant in fruit orchards. Bananas, mangoes, papayas, coconuts and rose apples abound which tourists can visit and buy. There are pagodas which are favorite tourist destinations and home stay services which guests can avail of if they wish to stay overnight or more.
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Photo by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong_Delta
There are many other sites in Mekong Delta which are truly worthy of a visit and even coming back to. Summer between December to February is the ideal time to come, but any time is as good as any. Mekong Delta represents South Vietnamese tradition and any one who deems that important should see the beauty of the place for himself.