THE SOUTH - MEMOIRS OF THE ORINENTAL PEARL
Southern Vietnam covers the Mekong Delta, the extreme southern end of the Mekong River, and the area around Ho Chi Minh city or Saigon which used to be called The Oriental Pearl
As all deltas, it receives the bounty of the siltation from the upper Mekong, and as such is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields. It produces about half of the total of Vietnam's agricultural output (in fact the delta produces more rice than Korea and Japan altogether), and is the place for timeless sceneries of farmers planting or harvesting rice. The Mekong splits in Cambodia into two main rivers, the Bassac and the First river, then in Vietnam into a more complex system, creating a maze of small canals, rivers and arroyos interspersed with villages and floating markets. Life there revolves much around the river, and all the villages are often accessible by river as well as by road. This is the longest river in Southeast Asia, running through 6 countries and ending in Vietnam, with 9 branches before finding its ways to the East Sea. With its unique history and rich culture, it's one of the last travel frontiers, with stunning natural beauty and incredible cultural diversity. Whether it’s the sights, sounds or tastes, there’s always something captivating to grab your attention. Lose yourself in the vibrant markets or observe the relaxed life of the Mekong locals while you travel by boat through the winding waterways of lush South Vietnam. Activities during the trip include trekking, cruising, biking and boating. You will venture off the beaten path of the Mekong Region from Chau Doc to Ha Tien and from Can Tho to Cap Ca Mau. Of course, you will have time to relax and cruise on a charming boat on the Mekong River and stay in the best available hotels in the region.
After long excursion in the rivera area, return to the bustling Saigon to catch up with morden rythm life. When it comes to the city’s moniker, the people here prefer ‘Saigon’ to ‘Ho Chi Minh City’ since ‘Saigon’ evokes greater emotion and connection to the city’s history. Before 1975, the city of Saigon was prosperous compared to other cities in region. Known for its sophistication, flourishing economy, and rich culture, the city of Saigon earned the name “Pearl of the Orient.” The bright city streets were filled with busy people and business was booming. You will se Old landmarks as symbols of Saigon still remain such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Rue Catinat (Dong Khoi Street), Continental Hotel, Opera House, Hotel de Ville, and Ben Thanh market. Today, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here – visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.
From the finest of hotels to the cheapest of guesthouses, the classiest of restaurants to the tastiest of street stalls, the choicest of boutiques to the scrum of the markets, HCMC is a city of contrasts. Wander through timeless alleys to incense-infused temples before catching up with the present in designer malls beneath sleek skyscrapers. The ghosts of the past live on in buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil, but the real beauty of Saigon’s urban collage is the the seamless blending of these two worlds into one thrilling, seething mass, while a host of new and exhilarating tours get you way off-the-beaten track
In general, the Saigoneers are not as profound as the Hue-ers and we’re not as serious as the Hanoi-ers. Here in Saigon, a broad-minded and free style culture is woven into every step you take and in every little thing you do. In order words, over its 300 year history, Saigon has never been ‘old’ but has stayed young with regular doses of enthusiasm and inspiration.