There is one absolutely unique region in Asia that I highly suggest you to visit! The Mekong Delta is not only the most important agricultural and fishing region in Vietnam but it is also a very popular tourist destination where you can visit floating houses, small fishing boats on the river, fascinating mornings markets… and lovely sand beaches. Here an ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE continues well into the 21.century! People are friendly and smile a lot and you could feel FREE to enjoy diverse wildlife and unforgettable views…lets go with me!
Are you thinking about an EXOTIC ADVENTURE, an unusual holiday in Asia? I can recommend this place! Our journey took 14 days and we have visited several places – we started in Ho Chi Minh City (capital of Vietnam), then continued to Can Tho (delta’s largest city with several lively floating market’s), Chau Doc (here most people live and work on the water ), My Tho, Vinh Long ,Ha Tien and have finished our holiday in the paradise – Phu Quoc island!
“The water is not good for swimming” warned us our local guide when he distributed us life vests when we boarded our old-looking boat. I had to smile a bit. Brown and cloudy river with snakes and crocodiles was definitely not a place where I intended to swim, but he was very serious. The trip on the Mekong River, which gives life to local people for hundreds of years, was simply an amazing experience. For the first time in my life I could see a coconut farms and factories alongside the river, stunning orchard gardens with pineapple trees, the largest crocodile farm in the region with 10.000 crocodiles or a floating petrol stations for countless number of boats around us. Every day on the river was full of surprises and new experiences.
Do you know that Vietnamese food is considered one of the HELTHIEST in the world? I very much like Vietnamese cuisine – it is very light – vegetables, fish and tropical fruits as its main ingredients. The most popular dish is a noodle soup called Pho but there is much more e.g. wraps and rolls, fresh fish and seafood!
One night we had an opportunity to stay with local family of farmers. We did not only had to ‘catch’ our dinner but also cook it with our family. It was not only delicious but we also had a very pleasant evening with our hosts, talking about normal life on the river. We also had an opportunity to taste some incredible local drinks. One that I will never forget was a home made snake rice wine – with real cobra snake inside! During the whole evening we were watched by their ‘pet’ – about 30 cm long blue gecko that lives behind their cupboard in the living room for the last several years.
During last 2 days of our Mekong River trip we have reached very west part of the Southern Vietnam – Ha Tien city that is located on the sleepy border with Cambodia and is one of local seaports. Here we took a very old-looking speed boat that finally took us to the paradise after one and half hours bumpy trip. The final destination of our Vietnam trip was an island Phu Quoc, that is still bit of a hidden jewel in the region. Phu Quoc was a very special place with National Park covering 70% of the island, long beaches and our amazing little boutique hotel.
If you like adventure, exotic nature, life and shopping on the river, healthy and tasty food and nice friendly people (….and if you are not scared of big geckos, snakes and crocodiles) ….. maybe this can be a good TIP for your next TRIP.
Levi Thetford
Sounds and looks very fun and interesting. Thanks for sharing!!!
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Kamila Pala
You are welcome! Really different “world”… Bye. K.
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maverickbird
Loved your post. Vietnam is one of my favourite countries. Did you actually try the snake wine?
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Kamila Pala
Thank you Svetlana!
Vietnam was such a nice surprise!
Honestly, I tried snake wine but my favorite wines are from France… 🙂 Have a nice weekend. K.
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prior
not a huge wine drinker – but my favorites wines are usually Italian – then Californian – and then French! but snake wine – never even heard of it and would like to at least see some! wow – cool post!!!!
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Kamila Pala
Thanks a lot! Yes, I have to say that “snake wine” looks strange and taste hmm..strange? 🙂
But you have good taste…wines from Italy, especially from Tuscany (Chianti..) are very good!
Cheers! K.
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prior
chianti is usually too sweet for moi – I like red zinfandels – an hearty old vine variety would be my fav – and well, it sounds like you have tried so many wines around the world – and that is just so cool
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Journey Forgotten
Interesting trip and experiences! Makes me wanna visit Vietnam too….
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Kamila Pala
You are right – something different and I could you warmly recommend. 🙂
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Sue Slaght
Vietnam is definitely on the bucket list although snakes and crocodiles in the water and giant blue geckos is the cupboard I could do without. 🙂 Wonderful photos.
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Kamila Pala
Thanks! Vietnam is amazing but if you travel there I also suggest to combine with North Vietnam – Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay are a must. Great country to visit 🙂
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Traditionally Modern Food
Amazing pics:) felt as if I visited
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Kamila Pala
Thanks a lot! And please do not forget to add an incredible humidity and specific smell 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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Vasilis Meschinis
Thank you for sharing this fantastic experience with us, Kamila! I would really like to go to Vietnam one day.
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Kamila Pala
Thanks, I am pleased! It looks like you really think about this part of Asia…I can recommend
you..for me Vietnam was completely different destination than Cambodia or Thailand.. 🙂 Have a nice Sunday. Bye. K
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Sartenada
Thank You showing totally new places to me. Gorgeous photos.
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Kamila Pala
Thank you and you are welcome! Hope you enjoyed small “virtual” tour… bye. K.
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Rolling Harbour
Fascinating… a place I’ll never visit, but lovely to get a taste of. RH
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Kamila Pala
Yes! Agree with you. Especially flora, fauna and birds are amazing!! (species of storks and cranes… ):-)
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Maxima
Fascinating post,my friend – Watch with your eyes it means to be rich means to expand horizons. Thank you for it :With love maxima
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Kamila Pala
I am really pleased! Thanks. Looks like you enjoyed my small “virtual” tour. 🙂 Have a nice day. Bye.
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Amy
Beautiful views and photos! Fascinating place.
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Kamila Pala
Thank you Amy! 🙂
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equinoxio21
Superbe! We lived in Cambodia, long, long time ago. I was only 2 o 3. My parents had a small boat with an outboard engine. Used to ski on the Mekong… Thanks for the reminder.
Bon week-end
Brian
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Kamila Pala
My pleasure, Brian! Anyway, we visited also Cambodia…very interesting place 🙂 Have a nice weekend. Kamila
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Mary Strong-Spaid
I have a friend who grew up in Vietnam on the river. She always tells me that it was so beautiful living there, but this is the first time I have been able to see how beautiful it really is. She said every day they would bring in vegetables from the yard and fish from the river–for dinner. Very healthy living in comparison to the fast-paced, fast-food world here!
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Kamila Pala
Your friend is so right. I travelled most of Asia but this place felt somehow special, its atmosphere, its people. I hope to have an opportunity to return one day and spend even more time there…
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lolaWi
beautiful photos of a very interesting place. thanks fo sharing!
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dilip
Very educative! Great pictures and the crocs look awesome and well fed too 🙂
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daniellajoe
Beautiful country… I want to visit too 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Agree with you 🙂 Very special part of Asia and recommend you organize with local agency or local guide! Bye. K.
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daniellajoe
great idea!!! who knows when….but someday 🙂
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Rondje
That looks like a great adventure! Definitely keeping this post as a favorite for when going there.
Thanks for the great post, greetings, Ron.
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Kamila Pala
Thanks a lot! Especially this part of Vietnam is not so famous and you could discover really original part of Asia 🙂 Bye. Ron
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backpackerlee
Good article. I have only been to northern and central Nam, Saigon didn’t really interest me much, but I am going back soon (well to Cambodia at least) so I will try to see if I can get back to Nam via the Mekong! I also agree with you on Vietnamese food! I love some of it so much that I often hunt around in London for some good Pho and Banh Mi! 🙂
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Elizabeth Melton Parsons
Wonderful photos> I think I’d have to pass on the cobra wine, but the food I could sure go for. 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thanks Elizabeth, I agree with you :)! BTW the food was really delicious! Bye. Kamila
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rodi (Rob and Diane)
excellent post; look forward to visiting
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Kamila Pala
Thank you 🙂 Really very special and unforgettable place!
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LaVagabonde
Great photos and ideas as usual Kamila! I haven’t been to Vietnam yet, but hopefully one day. Cheers- Julie
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Julia! Your comment make me happy 🙂 And warmly recommend you this part of Asia! Bye. K
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Pinay Flying High
Love Mekong Delta and yes, I do find it funny when the boatman also told me the same thing that the water isn’t good for swimming. Maybe a tourist did that once and it didn’t end well. :p
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for nice comment 🙂 !
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Lucy
What a wonderful adventure! I never considered going to Vietnam before, but it looks like a very colorful and alive place. But…snake wine? When I think about wine, I have a different picture in mind 🙂 Thank you for sharing! Have a great weekend!
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for nice comment :), Lucy! I wish you wonderful trip to Vietnam and maybe you will try the snake wine, too! Be honest…I prefer real champagne 🙂 Lovely Saturday. Kamila
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Moira
I loved your photos, Kamila! I’m certain you’ve seen the movies Indochine (with Vincent Perez and Catherine Deneuve) and The Lover (with Jane March), but if you haven’t, rent them immediately! I’m off to Maui next week… I know it’s not very exotic, but I hope to take some lovely photos. -Moira
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Kamila Pala
Pleased you liked my small virtual tour 🙂 and I love the movies – classical and stylish 🙂 Looking forward to see your new photos. Lovely weekend. K
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natuurfreak
Heel interessante uitlag en mooie foto’s
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Kamila Pala
Abolutely original place! 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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