Many people remember southern Vietnam only for the bustle of Saigon. But behind the city, along the silt-rich canals, lies another rhythm of life — slow and steeped in the river country: the Mekong Delta.
The western orchards
In the Mekong, people travel by boat rather than by road. Under the shade of water-coconut palms, a small sampan slips past the stilt houses lining the canals. On the islets of Tien Giang and Ben Tre, you hear the strains of vong co folk song, gather honey by hand and taste fruit picked straight from the garden. Everything here is unhurried and full of the life of the land.
The Cai Rang floating market
Early one morning in Can Tho, you rise at dawn to join the bustle of the Cai Rang floating market. Hundreds of boats laden with pineapple, pomelo and bananas anchor in the middle of the river. There are no stalls or signs — sellers hang their goods on a tall "beo" pole so buyers can spot them from afar, and a hot bowl of hu tieu can be passed across the water. It is a glimpse of a simple, welcoming way of life unique to the river country.