A horrendously early start sees the group catching a 6am flight from Da Nang airport to Ho Chi Minh City airport. Into the city two pick up two new additions to the group, then bus down into the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong River is one of the longest in the world .. about 4900 kms! After negotiating heavy traffic, we take a sampan to Cai Be village, and cruise on the Mekong. We stop to visit some of the local cottage industries, and have lunch at a traditional home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Back on the bus for Can Tho. A slow journey, due to road works on one of the bridges over the Mekong. Finally we arrive at the impressive Victoria Hotel, with an olde worlde charm. Two large swimming pools and a very impressive restaurant. The Pharts are tired, due to the early start, so are boring and eat in. Delicious none the less!
Another early, but not quite as early start, and we depart the hotel for a river boat tour of the river markets. This is a local wholesale market, with the river boat people selling direct to restaurant owners etc. We clamour on to a boat selling pineapple, with some prepared for us for eating. Back on dry land, we explore the local fish market, before back on the bus, heading for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
