Vietnam Day 10 — Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Delights
Pickup and Introduction
Our day started bright and early with a pick-up from our stay. We were greeted by our guide for the day, Kevin, a professional with a wealth of knowledge about Vietnam’s rich history and culture. Along with us, a group of international co-travelers (from China, USA, South America, UK etc.) joined the tour, adding to the excitement of the day ahead.
Lacquer Painting Workshop
Our first stop on the tour was a lacquer painting workshop, where we learned about the intricate art of using eggshells and snail shells to create stunning wooden paintings. The craftsmanship was incredible, and we couldn’t resist buying two beautiful pieces worth 10,000 INR to take home as souvenirs.
Cu Chi Tunnel Tour
Next, we headed to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Kevin shared fascinating stories about the tunnels’ construction, their strategic importance, and the daily lives of the soldiers who lived there.
The tunnels were ingeniously designed with multiple levels, kitchens, living quarters, and even hospitals. The entrances were narrow, and we marveled at how the soldiers managed to navigate through them. Although many in our group ventured inside, I opted out due to my claustrophobia. Luv went. However, I still enjoyed hearing about the ingenious ways the Viet Cong camouflaged the tunnels, including using their own waste to mask human scent from search dogs.
View the different traps here:
We also saw the different types of traps set up to deter enemy soldiers, as well as the makeshift clothes and sandals made from recycled materials like old tires. There were even remnants of an old tank and various war relics on display. Kevin treated us with sweet potatoes (from the same family as you get in India), a staple food for the tunnel dwellers during the war.
Lunch
After our immersive tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, we enjoyed a delicious local lunch with fellow travelers, giving us a chance to relax and refuel for the second half of our adventure.
Mekong Delta
Our next destination was the serene Mekong Delta. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through six countries before reaching Vietnam, where it splits into a vast network of distributaries. This area, known as the Mekong Delta, is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam” due to its fertile land and extensive rice paddies.
We embarked on a boat ride along the mighty Mekong River, taking in the lush scenery and observing the daily lives of the locals who depend on the river for their livelihood.
At the Delta, we visited a workshop where rice and coconut candies were made. We sampled some of these sweet treats and couldn’t resist buying a few to take home. We also tried some snake wine, a local delicacy. Kevin also introduced us with a fruit named ‘Gac’ that's not available in India. Here, we purchased the Vietnamese caps for ourselves.
The highlight of the delta tour was a performance by local singers. We enjoyed a fruit platter and tea while listening to traditional songs, which added a delightful cultural touch to our experience.
We also had the chance to taste honey tea, produced by local bees. Speaking of bees, we visited a beekeeping area where we learned about honey production and even got to hold a python for a memorable photo op!
Exploring the Backwaters
One of the most enchanting parts of our day was the boat ride through the small river backwaters of the Mekong Delta. Navigating through these narrow canals, surrounded by dense mangrove forests and coconut palms, felt like stepping into another world. The tranquility of the backwaters, interrupted only by the occasional call of a bird or the gentle splash of a paddle, was a stark contrast to the bustling activity of the main river.
Kevin also introduced us to the local fruit called water coconut and everyone in the group had the cocunut’s jelly with regular cocunut water, which was yumm.
Return and Evening Plans
As the day came to an end, we headed back to our accommodation. We had initially planned to explore Beer Street for a night out, but after such a full and exciting day and the days earlier, we were too tired and opted for a quiet dinner at home instead.
This journey through Vietnam’s history and culture, from the ingenious Cu Chi Tunnels to the tranquil Mekong Delta, was an unforgettable experience. We left with a deeper appreciation of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people, and cherished memories of the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautiful country.
Read about Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11