Vietnam adventure nearing the end

 

Sadly our journey around Vietnam is coming to an end. It’s our last full day. We move further into the Mekong Delta and close to the Cambodia boarder. Our guide, who uses the English name Andy, is keen to  make the most of the day. We had a 6am start to visit the floating market in Can Tho. Tourists from all over Cambodia travel down to visit this market. The market starts early, around 3 am and literally sells boat loads of fruit and vegetables, mooring up against their customers boats to make the deal.

 

We returned for breakfast at our hotel, before setting off on a two hour drive to the brilliantly named Mr Tiger Island. The Island was originally inhabited by Tigers, who found the locals appetising, so sadly, but unsurprisingly they were hunted and made extinct on the island in the 19th century. Apparently, this was the same for Crocodiles, who were nearly hunted into extinction in Vietnam, but there is now a reserve where they are protected. 

Back to Mr Tiger. The legend goes he was a white tiger who protected the islanders from other tigers. So he was buried in a dedicated temple and is now worshipped throughout the island. Our cycle ride took us around the island to see the temple. We were fortunate to arrive as they were preparing a feast to celebrate his death and invited back the next day. We had to decline, but it just highlights how hospitable the Vietnamese are.

Lunch on the island was at one of their fisheries. The local delicacy is catfish, which was not on our list of fish to eat while in Vietnam, but it was served before we could say no. Ironically we watched it being caught a little earlier. Catfish is a meaty fish. It had been fried and was much better than we expected.

       

Introducing Andy our guide for the three days. He is originally from the Mekong Delta and now lives in Saigon. He entered the daily lottery, so we are hopeful that he has success tonight and these are his lucky numbers. 

Andy and his lottery tickets

Our driver, Mr Four [another great name] drove us from Mr Tiger island to our final hotel destination. The Victoria Hotel and Resort in Chau Doc City, which is a hill top hotel with panoramic views over the Mekong Delta. A lovely location to spend our last night in Vietnam. We will miss you Vietnam.

 

Vietnamese Hot Pot

As its the 20th November, we couldn’t finish the days blog without wishing Sharon Hance a happy 60th Birthday. Happy Birthday Sharon and we are sorry we couldn’t make your drinks. Have a great time. We will raise a glass for you.