Lunch on the Mekong Delta! Photos

We weaved our way up narrow tributaries, through banks of weeds, and stopped for lunch at a little restaurant on an island.

The food was fabulous and we were serenaded by a little Vietnamese combo. The fish meal, caught from the river, was decorated with little Vietnamese figures.

I went off for a wander over the island to try and get a few shots of the exotic birds and flowers. I also wanted to see more of the normal day to day life of the people who earned their living in the delta.

Vietnam – Flowers, wildlife and crocodile soup up the Mekong – photos.

Vietnam could be a tropical paradise if the locals didn’t eat anything that moves. It’s hard to find anything alive.

So we gave up looking for living things in the deserted jungle and we visited a crocodile farm!!

Vietnam – Celebrations at the Temple

The temple was packed. It seems that this was a day of celebration. The Vietnamese were bringing their offerings. They were wishing for prosperity. They were burning fake money and bring gifts of flowers and food.

In the midst of this bustle we slipped through, strangers in the midst of a different culture.

All around there was fervent belief. By making these offerings they would be lucky.

Vietnam – Life around town

Walking around a foreign town is always an experience. Everything is different. The mundane is exotic. And we are exotic too.

Out of Cambodia and into Vietnam as sunset turns the river to gold. Photos.

We continued down the river and had to stop at a small shack which was border control to have our passports stamped.

Vietnam – Hue – Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc

The afternoon was spent heading around the amazing Mausoleum. It was surrounded with parkland.

I had a wander around to check out the local area as well.

Vietnam – Hue – Lunch and Music

After visiting the pagoda we headed off for lunch. That was fun. The hotel had put together a little band playing traditional Vietnamese music on traditional instruments. The food was great too

Vietnam – Hue – Protest at the Thien Mu Pagoda.

The pagoda is a focus for protest. In 1963 a monk from the Pagoda burnt himself alive in protest at the way Buddhists were being treated.

Vietnam, Hue – The Theien Mu Pagoda.

The Thien Mu Pagoda was built next to the perfume river in 1601. Somehow that captures all manner of imagery for me.

A lot of Vietnamese regard it as a holy place, dress up in traditional silk costume to visit the place.

Vietnam – Hue More photos from around the Royal Palace

A lot of the palace was in severe disrepair and was being renovated for us tourists. Incredible to see though. Some of the detail was exquisite.