Joanna James
Tucked away in southern Vietnam, way off the beaten track, the Mekong Delta lies in undisturbed tranquillity, where beauty and nature live in oodles. Lose yourself in the vast maze of scenic rivers, swamps and islands and let the seemingly unreal nature corner treat you to its fascinating wonders.
As the darkness fades away and the sun gets ready to take the skies, the Delta's host of bustling floating markets come to life at the crack of dawn. Hordes of buzzing shoppers, loads of haggling and stalls bursting with an abundance of fruits and vegetables—it's like any other day market in Southeast Asia, but in water. Rise and shine to the sound of locals heading out to their trade and make your way to one of Delta's many floating markets to get a glimpse into the local way of life and treat yourself to a truly authentic experience.
Nestled on the banks of Bảo Định canal, Vinh Trang Pagoda spreads over 2 hectares of ornamental garden land drenched in fruit trees, manicured lawns, beautiful flowers and stunning structures. The ancient Buddhist temple is a historically, religiously and architecturally important attraction and is, without a doubt, one big treat to your eye. Tour the spellbinding site and let yourself be taken back in time to the heyday of ancient Vietnamese history.
As the luscious body of water that put the Mekong Delta on the map for many tourists, a cruise down the charming Mekong River is a must on your getaway. Indulge in an immersive experience where you are surrounded by nothing but scenic nature and a clutch of water activities and destinations off the riverbanks await you. Treat yourself to a luxury Mekong River cruise with the likes of Mekong Kingdoms and let the spellbinding natural wonders offer you the best they've got.
Soaring to a height of 230 metres, Sam Mountain in the town of Chau Doc near the Vietnam/Cambodia border makes for a serene escape to savour a moment of peace and quiet away from the Delta's bustling trading vibes. Avid adventurers who make it to the summit are greeted with breathtaking views of Vietnam on one side and Cambodia on the other.
Engaging yourself in something interesting and exciting in the Mekong Delta doesn't always have to be about getting out and about. Take a break from all the exploring and get a taste of the authentic Vietnamese cuisine for a change. Savour a mouthful of Hu Tieu My Tho or a bite of crispy Elephant Ear Fish and let your taste buds revel in the strange yet mouth-watering blend of flavours.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
