Down the Mekong River

The twelfth largest river in the world, the Mekong River spans two thousand seven hundred and three miles, cutting across Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, the Yunnan Province in China and the vast Qinghai-Tibetan, touching six Southeast Asian countries. Its basin alone is rich with all sorts of fish, plant and animal life, falling second to the Amazon. About one thousand two hundred kinds of fish have been recorded in the area, with more that has yet to be discovered.

The river basin itself is divided into 2 parts: the Upper Mekong and the Lower Mekong. The Mekong River Delta is in the southwestern part of Vietnam and offers some good rafting experiences. Along the river, you'll see lush greenery, some people taking a load off from the rice paddies, and other folks collecting water from the nearby villages.

If you go by Vinh Long, you'll get to see the floating market, with Nón lá-wearing vendors on wooden canoes carrying all sorts of fresh items like tomatoes, vegetables, and some newly harvested tropical fruits. Perhaps, even you might be enticed into getting a pretty Nón lá of your own to wear and protect you from the heat.

Those looking to visit Ho Chi Minh can find well-crafted baskets and some colorful cotton shirts and dresses for you to wear and stay cool in the heat. You can also see some structures with French influences as a result of previous colonization.

Heading of to Can Tho by water is a delightful endeavor filled with all sorts of unique sights, sounds, and smells. Venturing forward, you can even visit the Phongdien floating markets to replenish your fresh food supply. You can find some of the best fish to eat there.

The people there are warm and friendly, and the cuisine, truly enticing, with a distinct taste of mint, Thai basil, lemongrass and coriander. Enjoy a flavorful dish of Hu tieu kho, or indulge in a leafy Cao l?u. Soup lovers could try Bún Bò Hu?.

Birders can explore the Stork Sanctuary where you will see thousands of these majestic birds flying, perching, feeding and preening. If you're lucky, you might even catch some fantastic courtship displays.

The manner to which you intend to travel on water can very from a river cruise to a simple canoe ride. You can even raft across the river, provided that you are an experienced rafter, or that you have a guide to help you through.