The Mekong Delta

 The Mekong Delta images I remember are of GIs slogging through swamps with their rifles held above their heads. The Delta today is a farm based because of the rich alluvial silts that flow from its source on the China plateau to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean in Viet Nam. The river banks are lined with developments and fishing/tourist industries. 

So many cable stayed bridges in SE Asia - designed and built by Aussies, Japanese and Americans as the Chinese product and design are not trusted. 

We took a boat to an island and were greeted by the residents with local fruits and entertainment. Notice the middle guys drum kit!

Mano. Pineapple, mango, jackfruit, dragon fruit and a fruit has the texture of an over ripe pear, but is sweet. The reddish salt is chilli salt - has quite a kick. . 

We then visited a honey operation. The drink they served us was cumquat juice, Honey, and nectar pellets that the bees harvest  that dissolved in hot green tea. It was fabulous. 

On to a coconut candy operation - hulling, milking, shredding, cooking, cooling, cutting and packaging. They add nuts cacao, shredded coconut or fruits. 

Lots of coconut hull products, including these:

A 15 minute ride on tut tuks through the jungle brought us to an al fresco coconut leaf roofed dining area for a 6 course dinner. We made fresh caught tilapia meat into rice paper rolls with rice, lettuce and mint. Then came HUGE prawns, crepes, pork, banana flower in an onion crust, and sour soup. 

Finally a sampan paddle through the jungle back to our boat and home.