Life on the mighty Mekong

I took a daytrip from Saigon to the Mekong Delta. One day is really not enough to really get to see it all, but at least to get a taste of life on the river.

Houses are built to withstand changes in the water level. The river can rise and fall several meters during the rainy season.

There are also floating markets. Most of what's available is fruits, vegetables and the like. This woman had apples on offer. 

Photos taken in November 2016.

Post colonial

French architectural influences can still be found in today's Saigon. This is the facade of the former post office. 

It's now a shopping hall. You'll see our old friend, Mr. Ho Chi Minh, thoughtfully watching over visitors. 

Photos taken in November 2016.

Delivery

Everything is transported by scooter in Vietnam. Really, everything. Photo taken in November 2016.

Looking out

Looking out onto the plaza in front of the Catholic church in Saigon. You're never alone in Southeast Asia! Photo taken in November 2016.

Still popular after all these years

Getting a selfie with Mr. Ho Chi Minh's statue in Saigon is popular with tourists of all stripes. Photo taken in November 2016.

Out and about

Tourists take a float down the Thu Bon river in traditional boats in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo taken in November 2016.

River views

Views along the Thu Bon river in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo taken in November 2016.

Into the fairy creek

The fairy creek is another big attraction in Mui Ne. As it was the dry season, it was a scenic  walk upstream through the creek.

There are lots of mineral cliffs along the way. It's easy to imagine things look quite different here during the wet season when the water is much higher and flows faster.

There's always a slight current, even in the shallow waters. Photos taken in November 2016.

Neverending dunes

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Photo taken in November 2016.

Lotus blossom

A beautiful lotus blossom for Easter Monday. Photo taken in November 2016.

High in the sky

Mui Ne is a popular spot for kite surfing. I didn't try it, but it was fun to see the colorful sails flying high in the sky. More skies can be found here. Photo taken in November 2016.

Fishing village

There's always work to be done when you live in a fishing village.

Sorting through the day's catch.

Drying and preparing the nets for another day. Photos taken in November 2016.

Beautiful bougainvillea

I can never resist snapping a shot of this bright flower. Hope it brings some sunshine to your day. Photo taken in November 2016.

More dunes

It was such a beautiful morning, but other photographic subjects are coming (or are they?). Photo taken in November 2016.

At the top

Some people used modern means to get to the top of the dunes for the sunrise. I went up the old fashioned way - by foot! Photo taken in November 2016.

Sunrise

It pays to be an early bird in some cases. Seeing the sunrise over the dunes in Mui Ne was definitely a treat. More skies can be found here. Photo taken in November 2016.

Crossing a bridge

I don't quite remember where this bridge was, somewhere between Hue and Hoi An, but I love that we were driving towards the big puffy clouds and blue sky. Photo taken in November 2016.

Inside the bridge

A look through the Japanese Friendship Bridge from a different angle. It's a popular spot with tourists and there was often a queue to walk across as only a certain number of people can be on the bridge at once. Photo taken in November 2016.

Hue by night

I love all the bright lights you find in cities across Southeast Asia. I was lucky the cyclist came through my shot at just the right moment. Photo taken in November 2016.

At the market

Some things at the open air markets look better than others.

 

I suppose this is an attractive presentation to some, but it certainly didn't appeal to me! Photos taken in November 2016.