Good morning, Vietnam! We have returned to Vietnam, but this time to its southerly portion, the Mekong Delta. Because Vietnam is a long, narrow “S” shaped country, the north and the south have totally different climates, lifestyles and vegetation. Whereas it was in the high 50’s in Hanoi, it is in the high 80’s here. The Vietnamese call the country “two bowls of rice,” like white rice vs brown rice. The Mekong delta is a rich agricultural belt, but the river is in constant danger of erosion, and the rising sea level (climate change) is overtaking the freshwater. To combat erosion, the river is constantly dredged, and water hyacinth filter hug the shore to hold back the earth.
We had the unique opportunity to see a local village not known for tourism, Tan Chau. We were transported by trishaw (a bicycle rickshaw) through the village, known for its silk and rattan industries. Then we visited Evergreen Island for a taste of typical rural Mekong delta daily life, where residents live a simple, but happy existence, with few modern amenities. Enjoy!
To read the captions, click on the first picture and use the arrow keys to navigate the gallery.
11 Comments
At least, they live a simple but “happy” existence when rich tourists are about. It looks like a lot of what they do is equivalent to “sweat shop” work! I think that a person who wants to see what a country is REALLY like should not be in “guided” tour groups.
I’m not “dissing” you guys, just noting that you are only getting to see mostly the best of what a country has to offer. I’m glad that you’re having a good time!
FYI I forgot to write that those two businesses are family owned and run.
Vietnam is no longer considered a developing nation. Check your facts before you paint a country with a broad brush.
My lips are sealed from now on.
Who is Marshall, hopefully our paths will never cross, sorry. Your trip has been such a total eye opener for us back home. There is happiness and sadness in every country. I have enjoyed all the colors, the historical side of your trip, the people you have photographed and lastly the “Praying Mantis”
See you soon, miss you.
Don’t worry.
I know you showed that praying mantis just for Ros!
Looks like a great trip, and BTW, tours like yours pump money into the economy .
Marshall, honey, I’m worried about you! Try to enjoy the posts more!
I do enjoy the posts, but I guess that I should never express an opinion.
When 3V is older, you can take him to Vietnam. It’s amazing what the Vietnamese have done in rebuilding their country after that long and painful war.
Is this the last stop? I hope not because I am enjoying your trip so much.
Hugs to you,
Flea
Three more posts to come. We are in Bangkok on our way to the airport to fly home. Miss you
Thank you for your pictorial of Tan Chau and for taking the time and effort to create this wonderful and insightful blog.
Have a safe journey home.
Cheers