On our subsequent day in Vietnam, we chose to arrange a tour of the Mekong Delta. This received enthusiastic recommendations from several mates who had already explored Vietnam. At 200,000 dong (approximately $10.92 Australian), the tour represented excellent value!
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| First stop... Happy House! |
Our driver and tour guide collected us from the hotel early in the morning. We stopped at several other hotels to gather more travellers before proceeding to the Mekong Delta. The tour guide demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm and extensive expertise, having spent his childhood in a village within the Delta. Much of the drive was devoted to describing the experiences we'd encounter, the local dishes we'd sample, and interesting facts regarding the region.
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| Pondering life at the Happy House |
We stopped briefly at what our guide called the 'Happy House' (essentially a restroom and souvenir shop) before visiting a nearby temple. Regrettably, I'm unable to recall the temple's name despite conducting thorough research without success. In any case, it was initially constructed as a Buddhist temple. When French forces took control of the region, their aesthetic began to influence the temple's exterior. It suffered multiple destructions but was promptly restored by community members, each reconstruction bringing additional cultural elements. The temple displays Buddhist, Chinese, and French characteristics throughout, evident in the architectural details visible during a visit.
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| Giant Buddhas |
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| Dozing in hammocks before the weather changed |
We continued to another vessel before being taken to Unicorn Island. The Mekong Delta is home to 4 islands, each named after creatures that hold cultural significance in Vietnam. Vietnamese unicorns differ greatly from the mythical creatures of Western tradition. These beings resemble deer but possess enormous horns. On this island we sampled regional honey from a local apiary, rode a conventional watercraft similar to those seen in the delta's floating bazaars, and consumed fresh local produce while enjoying customary Vietnamese melodies.
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| Rowing through the Mekong Delta |
In all, the journey to the Mekong Delta proved worthwhile! It was pleasant to venture away from the hectic urban centre for an afternoon, and to experience some of Vietnam's fascinating cultural heritage. At moments, I did sense a resemblance to a theme park experience where visitors are ushered through various attractions with a small souvenir stand awaiting at the conclusion in an attempt to encourage additional spending. Yet I would certainly urge all visitors to venture to the Mekong Delta. The chance to observe how locals live their daily lives, in ways distinct from city dwellers, provided me with greater insight into Vietnamese society and customs.
Until the next adventure...
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