If you crave lush rural landscapes rich with culture and culinary specialties, you should visit the people of the Mekong Delta.
For an immersing weekend getaway, try a home-stay on An Binh Island or in Vinh Long Province.
Vinh Long is approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, flanked by the two main branches of the Mekong River.
Here the locals live in harmony with the rivers, taking full advantage of the waterways and fertile land to fish and cultivate rice and fruits.
The local people are well-known for their simple character and hospitable ways.
The fish specialties and fresh fruits prepared by local chefs create a unique culinary experience.
An Binh, a 60-square-kilometer island on the Song Tien branch of the Mekong River boasts numerous home-stay opportunities.
The families are kind and welcoming, the facilities are basic, and the environment has clean air and quiet surroundings.
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To get there by car or motorbike take Highway 1, or catch a bus from the Cho Lon Bus Station or the Mien Tay Bus Station. For tours contact the Cuu Long Tourist Company by calling (070)-823-616 or visit their website, cuulongtourist1@hcm.vnn.vn. They offer various home-stay packages at reasonable rates. Tailor-made tours can be made upon request.
Mr. Tam Tien and Mr. Ba Linh both offer home-stays. Their houses are easily accessible by boat. Mr. Tien’s land has an impressively large orchard.
Here, guests stay apart from the family in private rooms equipped with squat toilets. The rooms are not the best but the orchard is a wonderful compensation. At Mr. Linh’s, guests share the house with family. The restrooms here are very clean.
Another home-stay option is Mr. Ba Hung’s house. His house is by a road making it is a little noisy at times. However, from his house guests can take a morning walk through the beautiful scenery to the nearby market. The guest rooms, which are built on stilts, are tidy and clean.
Mr. Mai Quoc Nam’s house is ideally located in a quiet area and surrounded by an orchard. It is close to the market and next to a country road ideal for cycling. The private rooms are a little run-down. Mr. Nam spends much of his time and money on the kitchen, which is very large and clean.
Mr. Tam Phan’s house is situated in the Long Ho District about 20 minutes by car-40 minutes by boat from Vinh Long. This 120-year-old house consists of two buildings, the guest house and a worship center. The two buildings are roofed with yin-yang tiles and are well-decorated. Guests here stay with the family.
Activities
Tours to Vinh Long often involve visits to the Cai Be floating market, brick kilns, and coconut candy factories. Cruising along the narrow canals on small ghe vo lai (local boats) or ghe do (sampans) is the best way to experience Vinh Long.
An Binh Island is very peaceful. The main road of the island is relatively deserted, making it ideal for cycling through the lush landscape. In the morning enjoy a short walk to the market to observe the local women in conical hats and charming ba ba blouses trading seafood, fruits, and other specialties of the region. Roam about in the shade of the orchards in the afternoons. In the evening, enjoy the don ca tai tu (southern folk music) show or attend a tea ceremony to enjoy moc cau, a local tea.
