Published by: mekongeyes.com
The year 2010 was a successful year for tourism in the Mekong Delta:
1,46 million international visitors were counted in the region, a 20
percent increase compared to the previous year. Therefore a third of all
foreign Vietnam travellers visit the vast Mekong Delta.
The estuary with its countless river channels has a lot to offer. Most
famous are the floating markets of Cai Be and Cai Rang (near Can Tho).
But there are other attractions too: the floating villages near Long
Xuyen and Chau Doc, Khmer settlements and Khmer pagodas on the way to
Cambodia and the fish farms under floating houses where a type of
catfish is farmed, which is especially known in Europe.
The best way to get to know the life in the Mekong Delta is on board a
river cruiser. Thousands of waterways form a labyrinth of major currents
and secluded canals which form the heart of the region. The views from
the river are impressive: the traffic of boats, traditional wooden
freight ships, dockyards and manufactories as well as the lush
vegetation and landscape along the canals. It is not comparable with a
journey by car along streets lined with new buildings and busy villages.
A well kept secret is charming Sa Dec - a small town which so far is
far away from tourism crowds. The charming town still has a lot of
colonial architecture, in particular the old market, a church and many
old villas and trader's houses. It is one of the few places in Vietnam
where people can peacefully stroll along the river side promenade or
enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee. A highlight of Sa Dec are the
original settings from Margeruite Duras' novel "The lover" which can be
visited. Another attraction of the region is a gorgeous flower village,
where people farm flowers and plants for the local markets.
Besides colourful and cultural landscapes of abundant fruit orchards
and rice fields, there is a wide range of natural sights such as
national parks, the bird sanctuary of Bang Lang or the forest of
Cajeput.
Many travellers only take a daytour from Saigon to Ben Tre in the
Mekong Delta. They are missing out on the true experience of the delta
and spend most of the day travelling in a bus to get there and back. Two
or more days in the region offer the opportunity to explore the
beautiful river landscape and the life beside the river.
The lack of infrastructure or good hotels provides a challenge for many
people. Only Can Tho and Chau Doc offer hotels with international
standards. This is another reason why cruise vessels are the perfect way
to travel in the Mekong Delta. Besides the conventional cruises there
are also operators which offer longer trips (two to four days) on small
but very comfortalbe boats.
The geographical position of the Mekong Delta between Saigon and the
holiday island of Phu Quoc as well as Cambodia is ideal for combining a
trip in the delta with an extention to those places. Phnom Penh can be
reached by boat, Phu Quoc with daily flights from Can Tho or a ferry
from Rach Gia. Phu Quoc can be reached within only two days, including
an exploration of the colourful Mekong Delta.
The company Mekong Eyes specialises on exclusive tours in the Mekong
Delta. They offer various tours and extentions on their traditionally
built luxurious vessels "Mekong Eyes" (15 double or twin cabins) and
"Dragon Eyes" (2 double or twin cabins). They provide all the comfort
travellers need to cruise the Mekong in style.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment