Can Tho - The Mekong Delta

For those who know Vietnam, yes, I travelled the wrong way. I should have started in Can Tho and then to HCMC but again.... it's all part of the experience!

A great journey to Can Tho which is home to the famous floating market so really I was here for that but actually the city has a lot more to offer.

Stayed in a gorgeous little homestay with the loveliest host. Kieu Giang is fun, bit stern but very organised and kind. As usual I wandered around the city and met Carla for food and a cycle ride during my 2 days.

Dinner on my first night was with Carla, who, you may remember, I met on a bus going to Kratié. We went to a "sharing" restaurant, basically Vietnamese tapas! Absolutely stunning including snails! And they were delicious!

The cycle ride was our own tour through the city morning market and villages along the Mekong. Life is busy in Vietnam but social. Everyone seems to be selling something, from fruit to chewing gum, and whilst they are selling, they are chatting, drinking coffee and smiling! We had a lot of Xin Chao and Hellos.

We had a Banh Mi lunch, chatted to a lovely tour guide, Hien, who knew we didn't want a tour but said we made her laugh and she enjoyed talking to us! Invited us to lunch in a supermarket which we declined!

Carla left to carry on her onward journey and I explored some temples via the bike:
Phat Giao - a huge Buddhist temple with the most ornate decoration and statues, I love the gifts of a pyramid of Lu Biscuits.
Chua Ong - no pictures allowed but I read lucky enough to be there when the 100s of hanging incense curls were lit, they were everywhere, the smell was intense and the smoke a little overwhelming!

Then my favourite Pagoda, Pitu Khosa Rangsey - Khmer Prey Russey Pagoda I had seen it lit up at night and found it in day light, it was on 4 floors and you could climb to the roof. Again, the decorations so ornate, there was even a pillar which came to life! And this was just day 1! So much more than the floating markets.

Stopped for a delicious yoghurt drink and as usual, given free tea. It's a thing in Vietnam, cold jasmine tea with your coffee as palate cleanser in between sips! I'm loving Vietnam!

I did have a great first day but my favourite day in the Mekong delta, let's call it the Floating Market day, is going to have it's own page! And it still isn't all about the floating market!Read more