Can Tho

We had quite a long journey from Phu Quoc to Can Tho which went mini bus, big bus, ferry, mini bus and then transfer onto a mini bus. The journey was made somewhat longer by the most sensible driver we have experienced in our travels to date!
Can Tho is one of the biggest towns on the Mekong Delta. It was really a whistle stop to see the floating markets, we immediately booked a boat trip for the following day – rather handy that a tour tout was loitering at reception in the hotel!
We were up at 530 as the earlier you see the market the better, it takes about an hour and a half to get there. Our captain for the day was multi talented and to while away the time, he fashioned various items from palm leaves including a mask, bracelets, rings and ear rings (I joke not). The Mekong is home to every size and shape of boat that you can think of from huge barges to small rowing boats. Some of the boats are so laden with goods, it appears as though they are half sub-merged. How they manage any forward momentum is beyond me!!

Why is this boat not sinking!

The markets were a huge jumble of boats with activity everywhere. Boats advertised what they were selling by attaching fruit or vegetables to bamboo masts. The number of boats and array of fruit and vegetables was incredible – Dragon fruit to Watermelon, Carrots to coconuts. The problem was it was tricky to take photos when our boat was always on the move! The scenes at the market were like you see in guide books, conical hats abounded!

Water melons!

Messing about in the river

We then went on a little cruise of some of the back water canals, to be honest, by this time our bums were extremely numb and all we wanted to do was get back. About 20 minutes before we got back, the heavens opened and it hammered down with rain. The small awning of the boat just collected water, the water collected would drench us every time our boat rocked in the wake of passing traffic. We got back to the jetty absolutely soaked through, we were able to wring water out of our clothes. It brought new meaning to the words rainy season.

Rain, rain, & more rain

Can Tho, Vietnam