Retired Nomads - Part 3: Can Tho, Vietnam - AM - Mekong Delta River Cruise

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Can Tho, Vietnam - AM - Mekong Delta River Cruise - Day 3

March 23

We had an early start this morning, so they served a continental breakfast before we were taken to the pier in Can Tho to board a sampan for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market. It was a cloudy day so not optimal for photos and shooting into the “sun”. To be honest we were a bit disappointed with this outing. We had just seen the Can Tho Market on The Amazing Race and the description of the tour said we would weave in and out of the rows of boats, but we just went along outside of the floating market. I felt bad for the people on the other side of the boat as they didn’t get the opportunity to really see it or get photos. He promised on the way back they would have their turn. However, on the way back he sped past everything.

Plus, we were instructed not to buy or eat any of the fruit. Even if we did it wouldn’t be allowed on the boat when we returned. (concern for digestive health and plenty of fruit on board) We watched all the other tour boats weaving in and out of the various rows of fruit boats.

the sampans at each town were different, some had fixed seats and others folding chairs

sign on the bridge is for the floating market

We made a stop at a local dry rice noodle making house to see the process of how they are made. It was tiny in there and we should have been taken in groups as there was space for only a couple of people to see the process. We tried to take some quick photos and get out of the way so others could see.

their factory

their store

After the noodles we raced past the market and back to Can Tho for a walk through the street market. It was interesting, but Nam really rushed us past everything. The traffic was incredible, and I got bumped with a scooter. (just a tap) It was a better experience than the floating market.