Joanna James
Originating in the Himalayas near Tibet and continuing through China and Cambodia until becoming the delta in southern Vietnam, the Mekong River is among the world's great waterways. The Mekong Delta is a network of rivers that winds its way through the region's otherwise flat environment!
Located on the Hau Giang River close to the Cambodian border, Chau Doc is home to numerous historic buildings, religious sites, and a bustling local market. You can learn about the local culture and religion at a variety of locations, such as the De Dao Trang Plaza and the Chau Phu Temple. Over the river in Cambodia, the Chau Giang Mosque & the Mubarak Mosque are both beautiful and well worth the trip and can be easily accessed by the water taxi service which is quite cheap and simple to use.
Sam Mountain, the highest point in the Mekong Delta, can be reached just 6 kilometres from Chau Doc. Though just 755 feet in height, it stands out dramatically against the relatively level delta. Its religious landmarks contribute to the area's already stunning landscape and make it a location well worth a quick hike.
Sam Mountain is also home to the Tay An Pagoda, which was constructed in 1847 and design elements from the Cham, Vietnamese and even Indian civilizations may be found in the pagoda, which is symbolic of the long history of foreign presence in Vietnam.
Sailing down the Mekong River is one of the best ways to see the area. Daily, from Vin Long and My Tho, a number of cruises take sightseers on boat rides down the river and through the several canals that branch off of it. Every tour will take you by lush groves of palm trees, quaint villages, and endless fields of rice, and some tours will even pause at flower farms & temples in the area. They are practically inescapable here.
There are a variety of luxury Mekong River cruise options to be enjoyed in Vietnam however, establishments such as the Mekong Kingdoms can be a convenient and hassle-free option for travellers to explore and get a good bang for their buck.
The three giant Buddha sculptures at the elaborate Vinh Trang Pagoda near My Tho, not far from Ho Chi Minh City, are a major draw for visitors. The three statues depict the three stages of Buddha's life, from his birth to his enlightenment, with the standing Buddha representing happiness and compassion and the reclining Buddha representing nirvana. It is a treat for first-time visitors to this magnificent and elaborate building, which is constructed in a fusion of eastern & western styles.
Some of the most exciting aspects of daily life in the Mekong Delta, where agriculture plays a major role, can be found in the region's famous floating marketplaces. The farmers sell their pineapples and various tropical fruits from boats. Also, the Mekong Delta is home to several fruit orchards including flower farms in addition to the paddy fields which are also the primary source of rice exported from Vietnam.
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.
