Who's been here?

The Mekong delta, the lushest of lush fields, the rice bowl of Vietnam. Home to floating markets and tiny canals. A must-go!

“Nooooooo…., no WAY!!!” Max cried when I told him we would get up at 5:30 am to go on a boat trip on the exciting river. I get it. Max is happiest with a surfboard under his feet or a table-tennis racket in his hand. But he had to soldier on.

Trading starts at 5 o’clock

Bamboo sticks with samples show what’s on sale

Only local trade, tourists are just observers

The market was busy when we arrived. But the few tour boats that were there, easily spotted by the orange lifevests the tourists have to wear, were plainly ignored by everyone except maybe the tea sellers.

Early morning Phô-breakfast

Preparing the goods for salr

Stand-up paddling a là Mekong

The beauty of Vietnam, in my opinion, lies in the colours, smells and sounds of people going about their daily life. Taking a slow boat along the small canals around the Mekong is a great way of watching people without being hassled to buy anything. Perfect after the hustle and bustle of Hanoi Old Quarter.

In Asia you always see the most curious of transports, from monks on mopeds with their business portfolios under their arms, to an unfathomable amount of chicken cages strapped on to a bike, and lots of other curiosities. The Mekong Delta is no exception.

So, what was Max’ verdict in the end? “It wasn’t too bad”, he grudgingly admitted. Especially since we were back early to the hotel pool. Well, each to his own. And even human children need a little “Leckerli” after having been good.

Putting out the nets

The famous Vietnamese (Non La) is widely in use

Same everywhere: men having a smoke while the women do the work!

Sticks mainly used to prevent land erosion along the rivers

One of the few bridges crossing the canal

Unless you have a two-wheeler, the best way around is by boat