A Saigonese's Novel Experience in An Giang

What's Unusual About the Mekong Delta? Plenty, Indeed. Perhaps the experiences below only scratch the surface of what I've seen in An Giang.

A Fresh Encounter with An Giang by a Saigon Resident

I embarked on a motorbike journey from Saigon, lasting over 7 hours, determined not to opt for the ferry despite its comfort, but to embrace the challenges of the winding roads, crossing each ferry over the silt-covered Mekong River. Finally arriving at Chau Doc in An Giang.

In the old days, I mean really old days, it's been ages, I visited Chau Doc with my mother to visit a temple, which was famous for its grandeur. But that was when I was carried by my mother and father, so I couldn't remember anything about the Mekong Delta. I only remember the scorching sun and the waves of incense smoke enveloping my head.

So, what's unusual about the Mekong Delta? Plenty, indeed. Perhaps the experiences below are just a tiny fraction of what I've seen in An Giang, but they gave me a relaxing weekend and a deep sleep, momentarily far from the city's dust and hustle.

Infinite Pool atop Sam Mountain Overlooking Vast Rice Fields

The most surprising aspect was my choice of accommodation, a resort on Sam Mountain near Chau Doc. This place could keep me for a week, just wandering around the mountain, admiring the vibrant sunset hues over the ripe golden rice fields, and, most importantly, indulging in the infinity pool where one can gaze upon the entire Mekong Delta from this elevated perch.

Perhaps I've started to age a bit, not inclined to skimp on experiences if my wallet allows, so I prefer to opt for experiences like this. Because travel isn't always cheap. Trading savings for experiences we ought to have is a worthwhile exchange. The room rate for two is 1,800,000VND/night, quite steep, but worth it. I remember many trips to Europe, where even staying at a regular hotel was pricey, while here in Vietnam, I get to stay at a resort with an infinity pool like this, truly, I have no regrets. Because money can be earned again, but experiences once lost are not easily regained (said in the Western style).

After a long motorcycle journey, this is the moment for me to rest and unwind.

Immersing in Nature on a Small Boat Ride through the Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

This place is already very famous, and everyone must visit at least once, whether traveling solo or in a group. Initially, I had doubts about whether it was worth traveling over 20 kilometers from Chau Doc to this place amidst the scorching sun of this delta region.

Feeling relaxed, basking in the sun, wearing a conical hat, gently feeling the breeze brushing against my skin. I am at peace.

Exploring the melaleuca forest should take at least an hour and thirty minutes. For the first thirty minutes, I sat on two motorized canoes heading deep into the forest. Then I boarded a boat with a friendly boatwoman, cruising while admiring the drifting water hyacinths and the flooded forest. Somewhere in the distance, the sound of wild birds echoed, and I inadvertently witnessed a flock of birds running clumsily on the flooded patches of land and drifting water hyacinths.

Returning to An Giang is returning to the fields of ripe golden rice. That's why I chose a motorbike, to both travel and stop to capture simple images of the Vietnamese countryside.

'I mean, if there are no palm trees in this place, what else is there, right?' – I silently thought.

Sitting at the drink stall, sipping on palm juice, capturing scenes, all I see are palm trees. Standing in search of shade, it's still best to be under the tall palm trees towering high into the sky.

And suddenly, I feel affection for this tiny piece of land, An Giang.

Visit the Jamiul-Azhar Mosque

'Surprisingly, I ended up in Chau Doc and instead of visiting a temple, I found myself at a mosque!'

As I walked along DT951, I noticed a building that stood out among the surrounding rural villages, sparking my curiosity. I hesitantly walked in, unsure where to park when I heard a voice call out from behind.

'Park under the shade of the tree, don't stay out here and get your butt burnt!'

I chuckled but complied, thanking the old man wearing a Muslim cap and a long white robe from head to toe, guiding his bicycle inside the mosque.

Spending a sunny afternoon, I noticed streams of people flooding in. It must be prayer time. I found it fascinating to watch everyone washing their hands, feet, and faces with water placed outside the mosque before entering. There were some young boys dressed in crisp white shirts sitting on the steps, occasionally shouting something in a language I didn't quite understand.

Only by traveling do you realize that the Mekong Delta is not just about white rice and alluvium. There is also diversity in culture and scenery. Only by traveling do you see the beauty of our Vietnam. It's not just about liking! Looking forward to another sunny day in the Mekong Delta, next time I'll make sure to explore every nook and cranny.

According to Ly Thanh Co/Zing news

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour