It’s 6 am in Ho Chi Minh City when you wake up in your dorm. Your bag is packed from the night before- water, phone, charger, sunscreen, and bug spray. Bug spray bug spray bug spray. You remind yourself that Dengue Fever is significantly worse than your phone dying and leave the portable charger behind.
Don’t be late to the bus, or you’ll get left behind! You race down the elevator with your roommate, stop at the conveniently located 7/11 for a quick morning snack and tea, and then you’re on the bus on your way!
A few hours later, breakfast is the best Pho you’ve ever had in your life at a roadside canteen. You literally drink the peppercorns at the bottom because the broth is so good and you’ve never had such delicious (definitely hand-pulled) rice noodles. This is your first Pho of the trip. You could eat another two bowls right then and there.
Back on the bus for a short while, you end up at the mouth of a massive river and are guided onto a boat.
Cruising on the river, you see massive shipping and fishing boats- the wind blowing past you makes for a nice reprieve from the heat.
You’re now on one of many islands in the Mekong Delta. You dock, hop onto the back of a golf cart, and go. Sandwiched between your friends, it’s a bumpy ride! You pass people smoking in hammocks, playing cards, pushing carts, riding bikes, and even a few chickens and horses.
It’s hot and sticky in the South, but you’re down for an adventure.
Your first stop is for honey tasting. You down some honey, pollen, and a citrus juice you can’t recognize (you’ll regret not buying the pollen later) and then you’re handed a beehive frame to hold. Thankfully, the bees are a lot more relaxed than you are feeling.
Off you go onto the cart again to eat fruits and hear some music and then it’s what you’ve been waiting for- a boat ride on the Delta! You cruise on just a few inches from the water and pretend to row.
Lunch, an entire fried fish is put on the table. Luckily, the break it into pieces. Rice paper, spring rolls, cooked vegetables are passed around the table as you talk and laugh with your friends. Some barely slept the night before because they were so excited!
Just when you think you can’t eat anymore, your guide takes you to a coconut candy factory. You finish the day’s meals with the freshest coconut ice cream you’ve ever had and sample some candies. On the boat ride back, there are fresh coconuts from your guide are served.
The bus ride back is significantly quieter as the heat and activities of the day have put everyone to sleep. You’re happy, and ready to rest.
Go home, sleep, and get ready for another day in Vietnam- where you have no idea what may come your way!
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