Blogs from Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, Asia

It was great to be back in Saigon, especially when the plane hit the ground after flying through thunder and lightening from Malaysia. You could look from one side of the plane to the other and both windows were full of fluorescent white flashing lightening. We spent a couple of days in Saigon practicing crossing the road amongst the millions of motorbikes. It was a relief to see they have installed some traffic lights with about 80% of the traffic actually stopping on a red light! Great to see that Saigon had cleaned up their streets, last time we visited the streets were lined with rubbish, but now it is very clean in comparison, with the exception of the river, stunk like Rotorua, was stagnant and looked like black tar – yuk. It is very hot ... read more

As we set off in the bus the next morning 'Hairybody ready? Phat boy slim group, let's go! Cool Banana! Yes!' we reflected on how quickly the two weeks had flown by, this being our last full day together before we all headed off in different directions, some carrying on into Cambodia, me and a couple of others off home, one going on a farm stay for a few days and a couple going for some rest and relaxation on a lovely Island. For our last trip we were heading off to the Mekong Delta region, very humid, hot and jungley. We heard some fascinating snippets about the region from Phat, who had grown up in the area before moving to Ho Chi Minh City (where he said he couldn't sleep at first it was so ... read more

Saigon can only be digested in increments and so I had to get out for a few days. In Vietnam, making money is the ultimate goal in their rising economy but unfortunately this new love for capitalism has brought with it an increase in swindling and a decrease in morality, particularly considering tourists. Vendors in the street sell pirated everything and their uniformed brothers are no better: organized tour companies have found a skill in wording advertisements so I think I'm in for an adventure but really just purchased a seat on a rickety bus or overheated boat. And though I've found it difficult to temper by cynicism, overall the experience of getting cheated and taken is one I am glad to have had. I'm telling myself it's all for educational purposes... So, back to my ... read more

Heading south the landscape has change to flat dried rice field, less population and cattle (Brahmans) are used as a means of transporting goods Over the past 5 weeks we have seen the humble scooter and small 110cc motorbike carry the most incredible assortment of things. eg another motorbike, piled high and wide with chickens, bags of bottles, bananas, cow, pigs and so much more. Our mini bus has had to make a detour to collect some other travelers who's bus has broken down, we are now running a bit behind time, what was to be 4 hrs has taken 5hrs. On arrival at the Prek Chak - Cua Khau Quoc international border between Cambodia and Vietnam, we are asked to walk through no man's land from one country to another, on the way a sign ... read more

We were sad to leave this beautiful island. It is an amazing place, and we could easily spend a month there if we had time. See photos titles for helpful info if you are planning on going, and when we get home we will fill in more details.... read more

Like we said, when we get home we will fill in the "blog" details, but for now we will at least write detailed descriptions of the photos. This island is beautiful and so far relatively undeveloped, very inexpensive, and the people are extremely friendly. We could definitely stay here a LOT longer - - wish we had more time!... read more