Vietnam CanTho City

Vietnam Mekong Delta - Can tho City

Finally i am at the end of the mekong river, the area right before it spills into the sea. After following its flow for more than 2 months, i am glad that soon i will realeased from its grasp.

A unique feature in this provincial city is the availability of 2 indigenous floating market in the vicinity. I had this pre conceived image of how colourful and beautful these bustling market would be. It however turned out to be far from what i expected. Nonetheless, it is still worth a visit if you are here. The official tourist agency would offer it for about US$13/pax. Go down to the river side and you will have a much better offer. Offers from US$12-20/boat(sits max 5) to 2 floating market(5-6hours) are available with a snap of the finger. Dont forget to bargain!
The start of a long 5 hour boat ride
Start of trading!
They will hang their goods on bamboo poles for "advertisement"
If you feel thirsty anytime, no worries!
You can not only use money to buy, you can trade anything that you own. Now, how many watermelons can this camera fetch?
Because of the widespread of motorcycles, locals no longer have the need to depend on the floating market for their goods, resulting in the decline of trading boats
I met them on the diving trip in Phu Quoc island(see last post) and i see them again here! Joe and Damien from Whales
While walking along the streets i was approached by Phoung who wanted to practice english. Majoring in tourism, she is our tour guide for the day!
Ladies at the market
Confusing signs

Along the river, near the gigantic Ho Chi Minh Statue, there is an atmospheric chinese temple worth peaking in. Wear a hat or watch your head as you venture into this premises. There are numerous coil incense buring overhead. Each lasting for 2 weeks, they carry the wishes and prayers of the people who strike them. Go at the right time and you will have the place all set up for a great photo. Looks like giant mosquito coils
Smells like singapore :D

Riding on Phuong's bicycle, we pedal our way to CanTho University where she studies in. This is the most prestigious university in the mekong delta and the dream school of many in the area. CanTho University

It is definitely not the newest nor the most modern university, nonetheless it still has the neccessary vibe and energy that is prevalent in all schools.

The dorms are 4,8 or 10 people each room and cost just 80,000vnd equivalent to just S$7.20 per month! If only the lodgings in singapore university are this cheap... For the same price, you could be in the this new building
or in this dump, real unfair if you ask me.

If you ever feel bored or need a guide in Cantho, why not head to the riverside in the evening. You would spot several students looking for opportunities to practice english with foreigners.
Typical scene of Xe Om(moto taxi) crowding for business