The Mekong Delta
I had read the trip advisor reviews. I had read the travel blogs. I had only paid $8/pp for a full day tour. I knew to keep my expectations low. My expectations were met.
Seeing the Mekong Delta in only one day is an example of tourism gone bad. Oh, so very bad.
The upper branch of the Mekong Delta consists of 4 islands named for animals found in Buddhism along with entangled water ways. We wanted to see these water channels and the people that lived on them. Vietnam has capitalized on every aspect that can make dollars off of tourism. It is void of any government or other ruling body that would step in and limit what is being done to the country and its environment in order to make those dollars. This is yet another example.
The day started with a 2 hour mini bus ride to the Delta. We were corralled into large boats that lined the port all exuding large amounts of diesel fuel, enough to make us feel effects of carbon monoxide. First trip to an island to see honey bees and the profit people are making from the products they make from honey.
Next to another island to see what the local people are doing to make products from coconuts (candy, jewelry, bowls). Then whisked away to what PETA would be up in arms with. These poor ponies could barely walk pulling the weight of the carts. I don't know what this had to do with the life of people along the Mekong.
I liked seeing the homes along the river and the lush tropical appearance.
Of course, a food stall along the way.
An unappealing lunch was served with the most comical entertainment. It was not meant to be comical, but if you do not have an ear for Asian singing and the guitarist cannot figure out what the singer is singing, it sounds hilarious. The end number was a rendition of "if you're happy and you know it." That was icing on the cake. We all kept a straight face and Jack left a tip.
After lunch we could "enjoy the island". This was a sign found outside the restaurant and underneath the sign was the irony of it.
Dealing with garbage in any country is difficult, but especially so in developing countries.
The bus ride back to Saigon went through streets that had 12 inches of water standing from the recent downpour. The tour was not one to recommend, but we all could laugh at it.
Luke found a tasty supper tonight.
Our last night in Saigon and Vietnam. By staying in District 1 we are in the hub. Going out for supper within blocks of our hotel we pass several spas offering massages and manicures. From the scantily clad girls and Jack getting far more offerings at night than me, makes me think these spas offering massages by day may offer more than massages by night.
Early wake up call tomorrow of 4AM. Taxi will be picking us up at five to go to the airport. We need to allow half an hour to drive the 7km to the airport at that hour. This city never really sleeps, it just slows down a little at night.
