Mekong Delta (Mekong Cruise Part 1)

We were driven by bus from Saigon to the port of our cruise ship for the Mekong, the RV Mekong Pandaw. We want to sail with the ship to Cambodia.

But on the first day we remained in the Mekong Delta to take an excursion here. First, we went to a coconut candy factory, although the word factory may be a bit exaggerated. There was a table where the coconut mass was cut and packaged.

Next to it, there was also coconut liquor for sale, which we also tried. However, we did not dare to try the cobra wine. This is actually only intended for men, as it is said to have a potency-enhancing effect.

Then we rode a small horse-drawn carriage through the village before continuing on foot.

At the next stop, there was honey tea and fresh fruits such as jackfruit, melon, mango, and pineapple that grow envyably in the garden.

Right next to it was a crocodile farm, where small crocodiles were kept together in a pool in a relatively tight space. Leather and crocodile heads or paws could also be bought as souvenirs in the souvenir shop.

Then we went back to the pier with a canoe, where our tender boat was waiting for us to take us back to the ship.

In the afternoon, we went to Cho Lach Island, where we were welcomed by a family. We had the impression that not many tourists visit here often, as we were curiously observed by the children and filmed and photographed with their phones.

The preparation of Vietnamese rice pancakes, Banh Xeo, was demonstrated. Afterwards, we were allowed to try our hand at preparing one ourselves and then eat it.

Next, we visited a family that produces flower pots for bonsai trees. We could watch the production of a pot and learned that it brings only 0.80 USD in profit.

Afterwards, we walked through the village where we saw many jackfruit tree seedlings. Later, we were shown how these are grafted with shoots from Thailand because they are said to produce better fruits.

When boarding the tender boat, we saw some finished pots that were painted red.