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THE MEKONG DELTA

en couleur

By Crystal Stafford

December 13^th, 2017

A RAINBOW OF EXPLORATION IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Through out my life, hearing the words "Mekong Delta" makes me think of lonely, brown waterways where wars were fought. I finally had the chance to explore this region and the words "lonely" and "brown" have no place in the Mekong Delta. This was one of the most colorful and vibrant areas of the world that I have ever witnessed.

A man feeds warm pho to tourists from his boat in the Can Tho floating markets.

The floating markets of Cần Thơ

Can Tho is a small town in the center of the delta. We were just passing through on our way to Saigon so weren't expecting much. Usually its these kinds of places that are the most memorable. Perhaps its because you don't expect much that your expectations are exceeded. But I think this place is special. Bright lights. Markets, both floating and sedentary, selling all kinds of tasty treats, and scooters zipping everywhere.

A woman sits outside her shop in Saigon.

container full of delta

These waterways move thousands of container ships through them daily, filled with anything from chinese knick knacks to the delta itself.

This is a typical canal street in the Mekong Delta. Turn off any big waterway and you will find smaller tributaries lined with shanties.

details in the myst

The Myst, Dong Khoi. THIS hotel in Saigon. Wow. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed. It was built on an old shipyard and the remnants of the yard were re-purposed into roof, luggage carts, decor, you name it. To top it off, each hotel room comes equipped with its own outdoor jacuzzi. The photos featured below are of its spectacular lobby.

Roomates for a night

We left the delta on a 7 pm train to Danang. These were our friendly roommates for the evening. They took care of us like they were our very own Vietnamese grandparents, stuffing food down our throats even when we were no longer hungry.

Our favorite little coffee shop, Shin Coffee, next door to the Myst in Saigon.

cruising

I love boats. So anywhere I go I look for any opportunity to get on one and see the surroundings from a different perspective. Saigon was a fun place to explore by boat.

View from the Myst rooftop pool in Saigon.

inhabitants of the floating markets

For these people, boats are a way of life. Their boats are their home, their business, their bar. I kind of envy this way of life and hope to emulate it someday (but on a sailboat).