Blogs from Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, Asia - page 7

It was pitch black and starry when we walked to the jetty on the river at the front of the homestay. A boat was to carry us to the floating markets on the Mekong River, and as always, markets start super early in the day, so I'd been up since 4am. Quite a few locals causally passed us in their boats, carrying wares such as melons, vegetables and fish. One boat was full of live geese which appeared to be loose and enjoying the ride, but I'm sure the reality of it is rather different. Fishermen/women were also abundant. Daylight eventually decided to put in an appearance as we arrived at a small floating market called Phong Diem. The men and women were busy working and mostly ignored us, passing goods from one boat to the ... read more

Cycling in the dark with only reflectors is never clever. Doing it in Vietnam amongst mopeds, motorbikes, vans, all going in random directions is insanity. Add to that following a young guide who, it turns out 'doesn't know the law' and tries to make you turn into the fast moving heavy traffic, that was my nightmare and I'm grateful to still be alive. But what an experience!!! I'd set the alarm for 7am forgetting that it was still set for 5.30 too. Oops! After a solid sleep I was fully awake and the local cockerels were determined to be heard again and again and again. So Glyn and I both got up and took advantage of having the place to almost to ourselves - although there were a few people about sweeping up. I was filming ... read more

Day 21 - "Crocodile teeth" floating market, crocodile restaurant, Cham people and Chau Doc I had a rough night last night! Very difficult getting comfortable due to neck and arm pain. Covered the muscles in tiger balm, eventually, fell asleep! It was a 6am start, breakfast, and out, leaving our baggage for the driver to pick up. He will meet with us later. Hoang was already in the breakfast room when we got there. It was a quick breakfast and off on foot, to the dock. We are going to the floating river market. Houng relays another story about yet another strong man, he fought a huge crocodile, hence, this is now called crocodile market. Everything that sells, or that is a need point, has a floating version. The floating petrol station is a strange one ... read more

Day 20 Another good nights sleep. omelette, bread and watermelon for breakfast. The bus was picking us up for the tour to the Mekong river at 9am. A young girl Huong arrived and said she was our guide. We all got in a car, we thought to take us to the coach.... no, this is a private tour just me and Lesley, Mr Brave our driver and Houng. No wonder it was expensive! 4 star hotel tonight ! Houng provided much information about Vietnam on the way. Politics and the economy seem to be a favourite with tour guides. She explained that if you wish to get to management level within a school, hospital or any government office you had to say you had no religious beliefs. Being a communist party in power if you have ... read more

Ho Chi Minh City (Part 1) I've heard rumors and stories about Vietnam and it's chaotic cities and was excited to see it for myself in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City which locals refer to equally as Saigon, is the largest city in the country and our gateway to the Mekong Delta and a grand adventure into the unknown. Antoine Wilson, my great friend in Korea and proud NYC native, is my travel companion this time and we were very excited to get underway. I arrived in Vietnam after midnight and sought a reputable cab to take me to Saigon Inn located in the heart of the backpacker district downtown. Pham Ngu Lao is Saigon's answer to Bangkok's Khaosan Road. Though not as crazy and disgusting as it's Thai counterpart, Pham Ngu Lao ... read more