Saigon and Life in the Mekong Delta

On Friday afternoon we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, still popularly referred to by its old name, “Saigon.” The official name change took place in 1976 following the country’s reunification. Located in the south of Vietnam on a giant bend of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with a population of nearly seven million people and over one million motorbikes.

After taking in the bustling sights of Central Saigon in the afternoon, all guests of Silversea were treated to a memorable evening of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and lively local entertainment at the Hotel Majestic, one of Saigon’s historic hotels.

On Saturday, we set out to explore life in the Mekong Delta. The Mekong River originates in Tibet, and flows through several countries before its 120-mile course through Vietnam divides into nine river mouths, aptly called the “Nine Dragon Delta” by locals. Following a two-hour drive to Cai Be Village in the heart of the Mekong Delta area, we boarded a motorized longboat to explore the fascinating waterways. Numerous natural and manmade canals serving the local traffic criss-cross this active region.

The waterways teem with boats whose owners are farmers selling their wares ("floating markets"), and other boats with buyers making their purchases. We passed through local waterfront villages, where most homes and business structures were dilapidated, but the locals did not seem to be aware of their oppressive lifestyle. Adults were friendly, and children played and waved as we passed by. This is simply the way of life they have become accustomed to.

Our trip concluded with lunch at a local restaurant along the river, where the gardens and ambience were much out of context with the other sights of the day.

We arrive in Hong Kong on Tuesday.