Mekong Delta Shopping, VIETNAM
Airing Date: Sep 29th, 2003
Welcome to the Cai Rang floating markets - the hub of the Delta's farming and fishing trade. This is where it all happens - and it happens early!
The markets are at their busiest before 9am before it gets too hot, and it's well worth getting up early to visit. Give yourself a couple of hours, jump in a sampan boat and see a day on the Mekong spring to life.
It may appear frantic and crazy but buying is easy. Whether it's bananas, fish or jack fruit, everything on sale is hanging off the front of each boat - just remember to bargain.
If you've never bargained before, here's a quick tip. Start at 50 percent and work your way up - you might end up with 25 percent off the original price. Remember, everything is pretty cheap anyway so don't argue too much - with a whole pineapple for $1, who can complain?
The Mekong Delta is about half the size of Tasmania, but is home to a population of 20 million people - that's the whole of Australia.
The river bank is dotted with stilted wooden houses built on the water's edge, and is home to many fishermen, like Mr Moi. He's happy to show visitors around the farm, introducing unsuspecting 'victims' to the local tradition of snake wine.
When it comes to cities, Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta. Its biggest industry is rice.
The city is connected to most other centres of the Mekong Delta by a system of rivers and canals which provide easy, economical transport. And with all the fruit growing, fish farming and veggie buying going on, expect the food here to be interesting and abundant. A Mekong feast full of strange and delicious delicacies costs around $30 for three people.
If you're keen to experience the tastes, culture and landscapes of Vietnam, why not start here? Don't forget your hat and a willingness to try new things.
The facts
Thai Airways International flies from Australia to Bangkok 26 times a week, and twice a day to Ho Chi Minh City. Airfares start from $1235 per person from both east and west coasts.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Travel Indochina's 11 day Mekong and Temples tour starts at $2428 per person twin share. This includes all transport, three star accommodation, guides, the floating markets and Mr Moi's fruit farm. You can upgrade to four and five star accommodation like the Victoria Can Tho hotel and pay from $3847.
Travel Indochina
Tel: 1300 367 666
