When the hustle and bustle of life in the big city becomes overwhelming, the peace and tranquility of the countryside provides the ideal escape. And the picturesque Mekong Delta is as good as spot as any to find that relief.

The Mekong Delta or Cuu Long in Vietnamese, with it riche agricultural soil, is one of the nation’s rice baskets. The surrounding area is comprised of low lying rice paddies and the rivers are bordered by dense mangroves and palms. The tributaries of Mekong River provide a comprehensive network of canals and channels.

Travel by river is the best method to explore the region at a leisurely pace as it offers opportunities to experience the truly unique Mekong River lifestyle. Cruising on the roof of a boat as the sun sets over distant coconut trees is truly remarkable experience.

My Tho is the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 kms from Ho Chi Minh City (Former Saigon), one place well worth visiting in the delta. The most exciting thing to do in My Tho is to take a boat trip. Cruising in a small dinghy through narrow canals lined with mangroves and listening to birds and insects gets one in touch with natures. One of Tien Giang province’s best known areas is Thoi Son Island.

There you can see typical houses of rural Vietnam and fruits garden laden ripe fruits and bonsais. You can taste fresh honey with tea in a small house and chat with friendly and hospital local farmers or make a short visit to a coconut candy factory in Ben Tre and samples its wares.

The cultural traditions of My Tho symbolize the character of the south. It would be a pity if you missed a traditional music show during your visit. You will be intrigued by strange instrument and the tuneful melodies they produce. Most importantly, though, My Tho is a place of many religions and ethnic groups, meaning there are many temples and pagodas, churches and other holy places.

And one of the most famous and oldest pagodas in the region is Vinh Trang Pagoda. It was the fist built in the mid 9th century and last restored at the beginning of 20th century. The structure of the pagoda is a combination of Western and Eastern architecture, and it has many wooden statues of Buddha which reflect the wood sculpture of southern Vietnam from that period.

Another unique industry in the region is the Dong Tam Snake farm; it was established in 1977 by Colonel Tran Van Duoc, a reptile enthusiast, initially as a medical research site for reptile venom. Dong Tam Snake farm today is the largest of its kinds in Vietnam. It houses hundreds of venomous and non venomous species of snakes as well as crocodiles, turtles and birds.

The Mekong River provides an excellent opportunity to observe and experience traditional Vietnamese rural life. A boat trip through its myriad canals offer travellers a real insight into life in the countryside, farmers hard at work in their paddy field, water buffaloes, tangled fruit orchards, simple thatched roof dwellings, temples, fishermen and excited children everywhere.

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