🌊 A River That Nourishes More Than Land

The Mekong River threads through the landscapes of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, acting as a vital artery for life in the region. Along its banks, it nurtures fertile fields and sustains complex ecosystems.

But to those who live beside it, the Mekong is more than a river—it’s a lifeline. From fishing to farming, its gifts shape the rhythms of daily existence and the deep-rooted traditions of countless communities.

🚗 Journey Begins: District 7 to District 1

Starting from District 7, we hopped into a GrabCar and cruised toward the bustling heart of District 1. At the travel agency office, marked by a cheerful “Trippy” sign, I checked in with the welcoming staff to validate my Klook voucher and learned our bus number.

Nearby, we grabbed breakfast from Starbucks—hot caramel macchiato and a tasty ham and cheese egg sandwich for VND115,000 (around Php252.00)—a comforting little splurge as we waited to board the bus.

🏯 Vinh Trang Pagoda

Leaving Ho Chi Minh City behind, we made our way to My Tho. The road unfurled vast stretches of emerald rice fields, dotted with modest villages and homes nestled amid swaying stalks. After two hours, we arrived at our first stop: Vinh Trang Pagoda, a serene Buddhist temple famed for its majestic reclining Buddha and tranquil grounds.

🚤 Floating Through Layers of Life

Next, we approached a weathered pier where a boat awaited, rocking gently against the lapping waters. As we drifted across the river, vivid snapshots of Mekong life came into view—stilt houses balanced delicately above the waterline, vibrant fruit plantations bursting with color, and fishing villages moving to a peaceful, unhurried rhythm. Motorized boats zipped past, loaded with ripe fruit, their aromas wafting through the air in fragrant waves.

🐟 Tortoise Islet Lunch

Tortoise Islet welcomed us with a hearty lunch. The highlight: a golden-fried fish glistening on the platter, stealing attention from the tender, savory pork.

🥥 Coconut Candy Factory

After the meal, we visited a coconut candy factory. The scent of caramelized sugar enveloped the space as workers skillfully transformed fresh coconuts into mouthwatering sweets—each step was a quiet performance of tradition and skill.

In one corner, we found an unexpected curiosity: a live python ready for photos and a massive glass jar of snake wine—a bold local delicacy adding a twist to the day’s discoveries.

🛶 Gentle Waters and Honeyed Sunshine

Just moments later, we boarded a charming, non-motorized boat and gently glided down the river. Sunlight danced on honey drinks offered to us, paired with vivid dragon fruit, sweet bananas, and juicy pineapples—each bite a burst of tropical delight.

After an enriching eight-hour tour, we returned to My Tho and reboarded our motorized boat, then the bus, bound for the city.

🚌 Bánh Mì at Twilight, Coffee to Close the Day

Back in Ho Chi Minh, hunger called again. We sought out fresh bánh mì—crispy bread packed with savory meats and bright vegetables—and coffee so aromatic it revived us instantly. At just VND12,000 (around Php27.00), it was a delicious bargain and the perfect close to a day steeped in experience.

🍲 A Bowl of Joy, A City Celebrates

Later, we met with Ate Thelma and her friend at Ben Thanh Market for dinner. Over steaming bowls of pho, rich with herbs and tender slices of beef or chicken, we reflected on the day’s adventure.

That evening, Vietnam’s football team clinched a victory. I wasn’t sure who they played against, but the joy was palpable. Motorcades flooded the streets near the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, horns blaring, flags waving—celebration radiating through a traffic jam that felt more like a shared heartbeat.

✨Where Currents Carry Culture and Memory

Of all the moments along the Mekong, one still lingers most—the quiet glide of our boat, fruit-laden and drifting beneath a sky stitched with sun and shadow. There was peace in that motion, in the rhythm of river life unfolding around us. Stilt houses stood like sentinels, trees whispered above fishing nets, and each breeze carried a scent of memory.

That day wasn’t just about sights—it was about feeling time slow down.

*** I went to Vietnam on Nov. 13-16, 2019. The trip was incredible, filled with amazing insights and unforgettable memories. This blog post undergoes revisions and was once posted at my now-defunct first Blogger account. I have updated it to reflect my current writing style. Thank you for reading and supporting my work.***