We awoke gently to soft morning light, echoes across the water of ducks from a local farm, and rafts of floating plants—water hyacinth, painting splashes of green on the river surface. Seeing life slowly unfold in the early hours, while watching from the open deck is definitely a highlight before the adventures of the day.
Today our Jahan anchored off Sa Dec, primly positioned for our exploration of Binh Thanh Island deep in the nine dragons of the Mekong delta, home of Vietnam’s rice bowl…and so much more! After a hearty breakfast, we were soon boarding local sampans, spacious, covered, local longboats—perfectly designed for relaxed exploring of the river’s intimate waterways, channels, and canals. We were swept along at the constantly engaging and lively water level, 360° views surrounding us—here a number of fish farms, there water hyacinth being grown and harvested—to be turned into everything from handbags to furniture, a couple net-fishing in a dugout canoe, a dog sleeping by a floating home—here a heavy boat bulging with sand, there someone off to market with a stack of watermelons—everywhere, something was happening. Such vibrant and eye-opening scenes.
Set ashore in a local village where locals specialize in making reed floor mats, popular throughout Vietnam was a lot of fun as the children were so interactive—as were the grandfathers and grandmothers! We shared many laughs and wonderful photo opportunities, listened to tales from the caretakers of the local temple and community centre, delighted in the shrieks of laughter in the schoolyard. Lovely to walk in places so genuine and unvisited by outsiders! Seeing the mat weaving cooperation in people own backyards and verandahs was to see real daily life here.
After lunch, we re-boarded our sampans to see some more local industrious activity revolving around the processing of rice. Over the fire heated giant woks rice was mysteriously and magically changed into pop rice candy, rice paste to make “rice paper” for salad rolls and naturally, rice wine. We saw the rice wined bottled and jarred, flavoured by interesting additional tastes such as herbs, fruits, or a cobra or scorpion! Only for the strong hearted I’m sure! Back on the sampans, we sailed past local markets with a pineapple, watermelon, or a tarot root skewered on a flagpole to let buyers know what each boat was offering. Mekong supermarket!
On our way back to our floating home, more arresting and absorbing views along the riverbanks, a garden boat resplendent with green and red flowers—being grown and traded ahead of the festive holiday season! Back on board, we celebrated our final night with complimentary cocktails and a super fun get together on deck, a tribute to all of those fabulously hard working people behind the scenes, fun dancing and a lovely dinner, among the very good friends we have come to know and share the journey with, and will miss. Thanks to you all!
