Saigon, Mekong River and Phu Quoc Island

In Vietnam, Estelle’s father Serge came to visit us. On our first day in Saigon, we discovered the city together with our private tour guide and enjoyed later a relaxing massage. In the evening, we watched a spectacular theatre show that involved bamboo and acrobatics and ended in front of a tasty five-course menu. The Vietnamese cuisine is really exquisite :)

Our journey brought us deep into the Mekong River, where we spend some quiet and meditative days on our 'colonial' boat. During the river cruise, we stepped onto the land to do some bicycling and to walk into the footsteps of Marguerite Duras.

After exploring the South, we headed by speedboat to the Island Phu Quoc to refresh our diving skills. Unfortunately, our stay coincided with a heavy monsoon, but when you are underwater, you don't feel the rain anymore.

Thanks Serge for the great time we had in the south of Vietnam :)

A group of Korean female monks came to visit this temple in Ho Chi Minh.

An old tradition that slowly disappears. This public writer translates Vietnamese letters in English or French (and vice versa).

Our private boat with a seven-man crew.

Enjoying the welcome drink at the bar.

 

Strange things float through the Mekong.

Even in the most remote region of the Mekong Delta, a 'tiny' church shouldn't be missing.

Another old tradition: Handmade rice paper for the Vietnamese summer rolls.

Our boat taxi to the shore.

There's no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing.

A roofless greenhouse :)

There should always be time for a little traditional Vietnamese coffee break, either hot or cold :)

The floating market on the Mekong River. Unfortunately it is only for wholesale buyers.

Sometimes the buyers take their time.

You have to decorate your shop to attract clients :)

After the hard work: Enjoying a meal on the floating (drive-by) restaurant.

The fishing boats in Phu Quoc have quite unusual shapes.

Ready for the next trip :)

The main characteristic of a boat is the fact that it should float. Material and form don't matter that much :)

Exploring the island by motorcycle during the only day where the sun was shining.

Ready to dive into unknown (but mostly shallow) waters. If you go too deep, the view gets obscure.

The benefit of shallow waters is that you can stay longer 'downstairs' :)

During one of the many nice discussions aboard.

A moment of peace on the rough sea.

The shiny colours don't seem to scare off the sea dwellers.

The men capture the fish, the women assort the catch.