Impressions of a Day in Vietnam: Saigon to the Mekong Delta
Before we travel, our expectations are shaped by many things. For me, Vietnam was no different.
Throughout my school years, I learned about Vietnam as many of us did in our history classes. As an adult, I came to better understand the immense and troubling impact the conflict there had on so many lives.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
These days, some of the more familiar images of Vietnam we see everywhere are the picturesque rice paddies and beautiful lush green landscapes of the countryside as well as the distinct limestone rock formations and vivid emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Pho and Báhn mi are Vietnamese specialties we have become familiar with. There is a special finesse and freshness you recognize if you have tasted Vietnamese cuisine.
Because of both its past and its present, I had been intrigued by Vietnam for quite some time. In late 2018, we were finally able to travel there, full of anticipation, excitement, and expectation. Our itinerary included several places in the country. We went to ancient towns, including Hoi An and Hue. We explored Cham Towers, perused local markets and had a special opportunity to visit a remote ethnic minority village. Each place as fascinating as the next.
Here’s a glimpse into one of these memorable days.
We started the day off in Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), such a lively city, so busy and full of people. A level of dynamism pervades in a way I can’t compare to too many other cities. Ho Chi Minh City is clearly on a path to continuing modernization. At the same time, at least for now, the hustle and bustle of the markets, stalls and local shops keeps the authenticity alive and keeps it from feeling too sterile. The people here are full of energy – from the street vendors to the business people to the students. Perhaps it’s the buzz from the delicious coffee that they just had at one of the countless cafes in the city.
A motorcycle “soup stall” traveling on the streets of Siagon, December 2018
We met our guide, driver, and the four others who would be our traveling companions for the day very early in the morning. As we started off, the sun was shining brightly and casting a golden glow everywhere. Locals were on their way to work and the markets were starting to open with vendors getting ready for the day. We saw street vendors and shops full of handbags, luggage, fresh foods, flowers, plants, clothing, shoes, and so much more. People were coming in and out of the simple local cafes and food stalls as they were starting their day.
On the ride out of the city, we drove through the famously busy Ho Chi Minh City streets full of cars, bicycles, people. But what dominated the scene was the countless number of motorcycles. While motorcycles are the common mode of transportation to get from place to place, the most fascinating ones were the numerous cargo-carrying motorcycles. Virtually anything you could imagine was being ported around – from large items to water bottles, to snacks to bags of rice and coffee, and even stacks of egg cartons. The goods sometimes piled up higher than the driver. I think my favorite was one of the vendors with his “soup stall” in the back of his motorcycle – broth, vegetables, eggs. And condiments of course! Who needs a food truck?
We drove by the many shophouses that are a common form of architecture throughout the country with their residences above and with commercial areas on the ground level. As we continued out of the city, everything became less dense, but the activity continued.
Our group started our morning off very chatty sharing our stories of our travels thus far. As our drive continued, I noticed everyone grow increasingly quiet. At one point, it was so quiet that I assumed everyone was dozing off as it was still early in the morning. However, to my surprise, when I glanced back, all six of us were more alert than when we started yet in deep silence. Everyone was completely mesmerized by our surroundings and just taking it all in. Sometimes those moments of silence speak more than words can.
Floating fruit market, Mekong Delta, December 2018
The city behind us now had turned into farmland and paddies between the small towns. We drove past farmers working to harvest shrimp, rice, fish. We saw fruit farms and workers wearing their nón lá or conical hats that are so symbolic of our perception of Vietnam. Our guide, who was from this area, described the daily life in the Mekong delta and shared his own personal stories.
Eventually, we arrived at the river and proceeded from our car to our riverboat. Our journey had turned from the buzzing streets of Saigon to the serene waters of the Mekong River. Though we were on the river now and not on the streets anymore, there was still activity surrounding us.
We floated along the river on our boat, making a brief stop at one of the floating markets along the way. A fruit stand on a boat right in the middle of the river. Some of us enjoyed juice straight from a fresh coconut.
Once again, as during our car ride in the morning, our chattiness eventually turned to silence as we contemplated the daily life on the river.
The Mekong Delta, December 2018
We passed by villages located on both sides of the river and watched people going about their day. Children riding their bicycles to school, fisherman and fisherwomen busy trying to make their catches, people cooking and eating and cleaning their stilted homes. The river is the highway here – the fresh produce and the goods made in this region being transported on the long boats. The entire area is very rich in vegetation which makes it so beautiful.
But, the beauty also lies in the simple way of life that the people lead here. Now, I see those images of Vietnam which are everywhere in a completely different way. Now, I understand the fresh taste of Vietnamese cuisine a little better.
Though the modern city was not too far away, it certainly differed in so many ways from the delta. There was a calmness to the scene, perhaps because of the natural surroundings. Yet, there was this common thread - the activity and the energy which we witnessed here as well as everywhere we went throughout Vietnam.
At times, you travel to see a sight or visit a landmark. This day was about being an observer of life – in the city and in the delta. Full of contrasts yet full of similarities. Understanding a bit more than you did before. Starting off with expectations but being surprised by it being far more than you anticipated.
Our group spoke later in the day and we still couldn’t really put the day into words. Again, that silence really says so much. We all agreed that it was one of the most memorable days we had ever experienced when traveling – it had such a profound effect on each of us. I am not sure I have done it justice with my words here either.
My memories of that day are so vivid while quiet at the same time.
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