Mekong Delta Vietnam
The Mekong Delta - the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam
The Mekong Delt got its nickname because it is one of the most fertile areas in the world. Nutrients flow into the soil from the mighty Mekong River, which starts in Tibet and flows all the way through Southeast Asia into southern Vietnam before ending up in the ocean.
The delta is also known as Cuu Long or Nine Dragons referring to the nine tributaries of the Mekong River. It´s along the Mekong River that all the farms and fishing communities are located. The environmental conditions allows for many different fruits, vegetables and rice to grow.
Every morning, before sunrise, fishermen and farmers take their boats to the floating markets to trade their daily catch, fresh vegetables and tropical fruit. If you visit this area of Vietnam it´s a must to visit one of the floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
I went to the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, the Chi Rang, just 6 km from Can Tho. It´s a wholesale market, of if you are buying, look at what is tied to the long pole above the boat to figure out what they are selling to smaller traders.
The floating markets starts at 4 or 5 in the morning and ends when the sun rises high at 9 or 10. The market is best around 6 to 7, and it´s well worth getting here early to beat the tourists and the heat. Fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit, water melon and vegetables as yam and cabbage are sold at the market but also garden tools, crafts and food.
If you visit the south of Vietnam, you can go to the Mekong Delta for a day trip or even better do as I did, spend at least one night by the Mekong River, to really experience the rice bowl of Vietnam. To quote Lonelyplanet, ”the delta is the water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets floats upon innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries”, it´s so unique.
