Vietnam - The Mekong Delta
Vietnam Information
Population: 83.6 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Hanoi
Major language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong
Major Religion: Buddhism
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Whilst just a few hours by boat or car from Ho Chi Minh City, life in the Mekong Delta can seem a million miles away from the bustling city. Things tend to move at a more sedate pace and the delta's friendly residents tend to lead a far more traditional existence than their high flying city neighbours.
Known by Vietnamese as the '9 Dragons', the 9 major waterways of the delta region extend from the Cambodian border to the South China Sea. Outside of the regions main city's, such as Can Tho, Vinh Long and My Tho, people tend to build their homes on stilts along the many waterways that cut through the lush lowlands.
The Mekong Delta’s waters are used for cooking, bathing, laundry, playing and many also make their living from fishing the waters. Farming is also a huge delta industry with around 70% of Vietnam's fresh fruit and vegetables coming from the region.
The Floating Markets
There are literally 100's of floating markets to be found throughout the Mekong Delta. To truly experience a market at its best, it's essential that you arrive as early as possible, passing through the market on a motorised sampan. Such an early start requires you spending the previous night in either My Tho or Can Tho preferably. Fruits, such as mangosteen, durian, papaya, mango, guava and jackfruit - all grown on nearby orchards - are piled precariously high onto boats, are sold alongside fresh vegetables and fish. Most of the wares are bought by wholesalers who resell the goods to local markets and dealers in the big cities. This doesn't mean you won't have the chance to do practise a little bartering yourself!