Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

By Hoang Phong   April 20, 2024 | 02:30 am PT
Exploring an islet on Vietnamese-style Tuk Tuk motorcycle, visiting traditional villages or learning about local culture are among experiences of foreign tourists in the Mekong Delta.
Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

In mid-April, a group of tourists from Australia and Europe experienced xe loi (three-wheel motorcycle), known as the Vietnamese version of Tuk Tuk, a popular means of transport in Thailand.

They were taken to visit Tiger Islet, which covers an area of over 2,000 hectares in My Hoa Hung Commune in Long Xuyen City of An Giang Province.

The islet has been existing for over four decades and is home to hundreds of families which have been earning their daily living by growing fruits, raising fish and making traditional products.

Alison from Australia said: “This is the first time I have experienced such three-wheel ride. Really interesting despite hot weather.”

Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

Foreigners visit a facility producing bonsai pots.

The facility has been making hundreds of bonsai pots every day, with each costing from VND100,000-150,000 (US$3.95-5.92).

Thinh, a tour guide, said the group of foreign tourists booked a luxury cruise tour from Can Tho to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh.

As part of their itinerary, they were transferred by small boats to the islet before getting on the three-wheel motorcycles to experience daily lives of local people.

Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

A foreigner uses his phone to capture the scene of the woman producing incense sticks on a scorching day.

Many families on the islet have been sticking on the job for decades.

They are always busy in the days running up to Tet, Vietnam's biggest holiday when burn incense sticks at pagodas, temples and at home to worship their ancestors, and pray for luck and good health.

Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

On the islet there is a small temple where White Tiger God is worshipped, hence its name.

According to locals, the temple has been existing for over 300 years.

In the picture, a group of foreigners visit a small shire inside the temple.

Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

Anna from Australia tries making ca rang, after the Khmer's name "karan", and it is known as molded clay stove, a common item in the traditional Vietnamese kitchen.

She tries molding a clay stove that would take around 15 days for finishing a final product.

"Great experience! It's really bit challenging but I want to try doing it like a local," she said.

Foreign visitors explore daily life in Mekong Delta

The tourists watch a woman arrange the stoves to air, as a tour guide introduces the history of the village.

The stoves are often sold on floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Clay cooking stove is a unique feature of southern residents hundreds of years ago.

 
 
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