Day Four – Can Tho to Da Lat including floating market.
Today we were up early, ready to go at 0730. Why? To go to the floating market. Our guide was ready to meet us and off we went. We thought we were going by car but no, by boat. Our cruiser was awaiting at the pontoon along with other boats. All very organised, it never appears to be an issue. The trip to the market showed us life on the river, we viewed people working, washing clothes or themselves, loading and unloading boats and people moving from place to place. Not many westerners about as out of season. At the market we were greeted by an incredible array of fruits and vegetables. To see the way they advertise their wares is ingenious. They attach the items they have for sale on a bamboo pole and hoist it aloft so you can see which boat to go to. The way these boats are powered is interesting. They attach a motor be it a single cylinder diesel or a four or more cylinder petrol engine onto a frame, attach a prop shaft, stick it in the water and go like crazy. Don’t worry about noise, straight out or limited exhaust pipe but definitely no mufflers in site. As people live on these boats we also can see their daily lives before us. Fighting cocks, dogs, children all living in harmony.
Next off to see rice noodles being made. This is a cottage industry run by the family. They produce around 200 tonnes a month. The process appears simple but no doubt is a learned skill. Mum, dad and daughter were in the production with a son working elsewhere. Rice husk are used to fire the oven showing full use of the rice. If in Australia they would be shut down but the product looked fine, i guess the proof would be in the eating.
Just to make sure we see it all now off to a frog farm. As ever many fruit trees, this time fig. Black pepper growing on palm trees as they are a sucker plant. Monkeys is a cage, very few monkeys or other native wild life as they have been eaten! No conservation here! The frogs are grown in a shade cloth enclosure with lilies for company. They are fed fish food, the same as is fed to the fish in the fish farms, all looks very clean.
Now back to the Victoria and on the road back to Saigon. Stopped on the way for lunch, as both Pamela and I were feeling a little off we were very careful about what we ate. A very good spread with multiple dishes and very well presented. Check in at the airport and our flight to Da Lat. Vietnam air lines plane appeared very new and a pleasure to travel on, only 30 minutes air time so no food offered. Mr Man met us at the airport for the 35km journey to Da Lat. This is one area well worth the visit. Checked in at our next hotel to again be greeted by old but luxurious surroundings. A light western meal then bed.
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