Southern Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is the bread basket of Vietnam or more accurately the rice basket of Vietnam. As amazing and beautiful as the terraced fields of the north are over 50% of Vietnam’s rice comes from the Mekong Delta. Even more dominant is the fruit production at 70% of the country’s output. There is also a huge seafood industry. For tourists the Mekong can be… 

In 1978 the Khmer Rouge of Cambodia wanted to lay claim to much of what is now the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. They arrived in Bai Chuc and proceeded to massacure the entire village of 3500. There were only 2 survivors. After sacking Bai Chuc the Khmer Rouge killed another 1500 Vietnamese, wounded over 5000, and captured 20,000 sending them to labor camps. These incidents… 

In Vinh Long on the Co Chien River you’ll find this fascinating pottery area. Numerous kilns and factories line the clay rich riverbanks and its tributaries making for some fascinating imagery. Vinh Long itself is a good sized Mekong Delta city just 15 minutes from the pottery area. Many of the factories along the main river allow visitors and for a small fee you can arrange… 

Chau Doc is on the border with Cambodia. It’s a major Mekong Delta religious pilgrimage destination for buddhists as well as having one of the countries largest Cham populations. In addition to the temples centered around Sam Mountain, there is a nice market area for capturing local life, a vibrant riverfront community, a large Mosque, and tours of the local floating market with their vibrant… 

Tra Chim is an impressive national park that acts as a bird sanctuary in Dong Thap area of the Mekong Delta. Vietnam maintains what they refer to as the Red Data Book which lists rare and endangered wildlife and plant species. Many Red Book birds, animals, and plants are found in Tra Chim. For birders you have the chance to see: There are hiking routes… 

Tra Su forest is located in An Giang. It is a fascinating and well maintained attraction with walking tours and small boat tours. Unlike other planned destinations it is immaculate, has good facilities and a real treat for families or small groups. Speaking of groups, there can be many on the weekends so best to go on at opening time on a weekday when the… 

Tra Vinh is a province in the Mekong Delta and home to over 150 Khmer Temples scattered in the surrounding countryside. It surprisingly gets few visitors and you will often find yourself alone at the temple — well you and the monks. What more could a photographer ask for. Tra Vinh city is a good size by Mekong standards and has many food and hotel… 

East of Ho Chi Minh is the closest beach towns. The three area of Vung Tau, Long Hai, and Ho Tram are quite different and there is something for everyone. Vung Tau is by far the largest and a small peninsular city with beaches on both the ocean and protected side. It has many hotels and restaurants, activities for families, and a large expat community.…