Mekong River

March 4, 2007 2 Comments

The Mekong River is the world’s 13th longest river (7th in Asia), at the length of 4,000km long. Crossing 6 countries, it ended its flow in Vietnam, creating a massive delta at My Tho. Each year, the river flooded and took hundreds of lives (especially children) and thousands of natives were being displaced. Yet, millions of people still stay close to it. It is their major source of life – tourism, agriculture etc.

I have heard so much about the Mekong River and I really need to make a trip down. Enduring more than 6 hours of coach-&-boat ride (to and fro), I spent the whole Sunday exploring the river inlets, paddling on a sampan. Along the mangroves, there are many village farms (coconut candy factory, honeybee farm, handicraft workshops). I had close encounters with snakes and honeybees. (Trust me, it is very close! See my macro on the bees!)

The sampan experience is probably the main highlight of today’s tour. Cruising along the narrow inlets (below dense canopy of mangroves) on a 4-man sampan, the boat rocked left and right. It was so rocky that I was so afraid that the boat may just overturn. (I am more worried about wetting my P990 and Canon 950). I was also looking out for those deadly swamp crocodiles cos our boat was just 10cm above water level. A 2m crocodile may just capsize our boat with its tail.
 

Okay, it wasn’t that scary. But it is a good experience for a city-dweller like me.

HCMC is a great city to visit. Food is good, great historical architectural, friendly locals and best of all, shopping is fair and cheap (unlike in China or Bangkok, you have to bargain down at least 70% to get a fair deal). It is worth coming back again. Vietnam has indeed lots to offer.

Filed under Travel

2 Responses to Mekong River

  1. Unknown's avatar Big says:
    March 7, 2007 at 3:03 pm

    Mmm… there are many. Mostly girls. Why do you ask, sis-in-law? Haaaa….

    Reply
  2. Unknown's avatar suckiechups says:
    March 7, 2007 at 2:30 pm

    now.. i’m curious.. who are ur mysterious camera man?

    Reply

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