City of rich history also delights senses
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 10, 2013
The Mekong Delta is where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the South China Sea through a network of tributaries. As the world's 12th-longest river and the seventh-longest in Asia, the river drains an area of 795,000 kilometers. It runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Characterized by lowlands and earth-laden brown water, the river separates into several branches. Beyond its banks, rice paddies extend to the horizon.
A river tour of the Mekong River is a must as the river runs through Ho Chi Minh City.
The fresh smell of the river greeted us when we approached the harbor where rows of boats were moored.
In the distance, local fishermen are busy working on the boat. It was 6:30 in the morning, the sunshine warm and pleasant and the wind brisk.
We sailed out on the Mekong River through the traffic of sand and rice barges, past house on stilts and the floating morning markets to experience local life.
We sailed past locals quietly working along the banks of the river and encountered a local girl selling hand-make souvenirs when we lined up at a floating gas station.
Then we landed on an island on the river to visit a coconut sugar workshop, tasting the freshest tropical fruits - served with salt - and spent some time at an apiary, relaxing with a cup of honey tea among the bee hives.
Next, the guide took us to a small canal along the island for a truly memorable canoe trip. The canal is only between three and five meters wide and more than one kilometer long, running from the island into the Mekong River.
I was amazed by the strength and skills of the people rowing and paddling on such a narrow stretch of water.
Most were local women in traditional dresses and bamboo hats.
Boats bumped into each other, as if in bumper cars in an amusement park. The energy and passion were infectious as we took photographs of the lush green scenery along the route, while making sure to keep our balance during the 20-minite journey.
How to get there
Vietnam Airlines operates daily routes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Details at www.vietnamairlines.com. The flight takes 4 hours and 10 minutes.
What to eat:
Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced city full of contrasts. Street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy Western-style bars and boutiques, while you can buy a bowl of noodles for a few cents or opt for sophisticated restaurants serving fine European cuisine.
For breakfast, a croissant and an espresso in a stylish French cafe provide a taste of the city's past.
But if you fancy sweeter things, a cup of cold Vietnam coffee would be a smart choice.
For lunch, pho - Vietnamese noodle soup - is a must. No matter whether you choose the famous Pho 2000 or a hole in the wall vendor on the street, the food is unlikely to disappoint. Beware though, the chilies are much spicier than they look!
Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife has become very cosmopolitan in recent years and there are hundreds of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from when planning a night in the town.
Travel info
Sea tourism route open to Vietnam
A sea route for tourism between southern China and Vietnam has reopened after being closed for two years. The route, connecting China's Beihai to Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, is the only tourist route by sea connecting the two countries. Over 200 tourists returned to a port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday night after a five-day journey.
The past two years have been spent building docks for passenger liners. Initially, one liner will sail every four days, with more ships expected in the future. New routes to other southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, are also expected.
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