Mekong River Delta, Vietnam

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The Mekong Delta, or “Nine Dragon River Delta” is a lush site to behold. The jungles of Vietnam abut the silty currents of the Mekong River, a powerful force of nature that flows through China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. The delta is a pristine habitat for thousands of plants and animals, and also is home to the floating markets in many Vietnamese villages. We took a boat ride along the main artery of the Mekong River, and a small canoe through one of the tributaries. My worst nightmare came to fruition when I spotted a python dangling from a nearby tree branch. That is the exact reason that me and jungles don’t get along.

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We also spent a day riding motorbikes through the countryside, gliding along narrow roads between rice paddies and stopping to learn about traditional crafts.

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We learned how to make incense, how to harvest rubber from rubber trees, how to make a traditional conical hat, and how to make traditional pottery. We also watched the step by step process of harvesting coconuts to prepare candies. Whit tried a local snake vodka. I took a hard pass.

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Our Mekong Delta adventures were short and sweet, but the perfect addition to a great tour of the country.


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