A short trip in Can Tho, Vietnam

Can Tho comes from ‘cam thi giang’ which means ‘river of poems’ and is the largest city in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Of all the things that the city is known for, a few aspects stand out such as its floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, delicious food, and fresh fruits. There are many things to do in Can Tho which makes it an attractive and frequently visited tourist destination for many from across the world.

Go Shopping in Cai Rang Floating Market

Heading to Cai Rang, the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta is one of the most recommended things to do in Can Tho Vietnam. Make sure you carry a camera here to click pictures around the bridge which is a very photogenic point. The best time to visit the market is between 6 am and 7 am since you can beat the swarms of tourists that come in as well as the heat.

Taste Mekong Delta Specialties

No trip is ever complete without tasting the indigenous specialties and the same holds true for Can Tho. There are many dishes that you should try while in Can Tho such as the Cai Rang grilled rolls made out of pork and served with pineapple, cucumber, bitter banana, star fruit, and thin rice paper. Other dishes you should try are bun ca (fish noodles), hu tieu Sa Dec (dry noodles), bun rieu (crab noodles) and lau mam (fish hot pot).

Visit Pitu Kohsa Rangsay Pagoda

Trying to hide down a quiet backstreet, but gloriously gold, this three-level Theravada Buddhist pagoda from 1948 contrasts sharply against the grey adjacent buildings. Carved detailed wall patterns, painted columns, a huge Buddha statue, and city views from the balcony are all impressive. Its charitable pursuits include helping disadvantaged youths to study.

Take Up Cacao Farming

One of the things that The Mekong Delta is known around the world for is its agriculture. Another popular place to visit in Can Tho is the Mien Tay Homestay, which is also a small cacao farm run by Lam The Cuong and his family. Take a small tour of the farm for a modest fee and get educated about the process of making cacao products from the fruit of a cacao tree. You also have the option to stay overnight in this homestay.

See more: Top hostels for backpackers in Can Tho

Live Locally

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You should experience Can Tho with authentic Vietnamese spirit by staying in a homestay. There are many local homestays here are the owners are warm and friendly people who will look after you like one would treat a family member. They let you cook with them and even enjoy meals with their family. They will also be willing to take you out on tours around the city, make you take part in their farming activities, and even take care of their homes with them.

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The customs you need to know in Asia

There are some behaviors and gestures you need to note when you travel to Asian countries. Even though each country has its unique standards, but they agree upon one certain rule, you can never be too polite, as they are raised with a highly developed sense of courtesy and respect.

Just simply refer to the following list of cultural traditions in Asia, and you will understand the rule of thumb.

Hand-holding

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Seen as something reserved for couples or those romantically-involved in Western cultures, it is simply a sign of friendship in China. It is not uncommon to see friends holding hands or linking arms while walking down the street, especially women and young girls. Members of a family, young or old, will also hold hands while out and about.

Eating

Like Asians in general, people in this region always let the eldest person in the room have their first bites. When eating together in a group at the restaurant, they tend to wait until everyone is served with the ordered meals and drink before start eating. If you are okay with them having their meals first, just let them know.

There are times when you invite them to have dinner or lunch at your home. Commonly, you have to ask them to eat and start yourself. Chances are, some of them will refuse to have one or make an excuse saying they are already full, sometimes it is just a lie, and in this case, you need to offer or ensure them again.

Dating

Even though most of the teenagers in Southeast Asia nowadays are more into self- expression when it comes to dating or giving bold opinions in a public setting, but most of them still live it in a more conservative way. In the dating life, it is believed the men should make the first moves and the women tend to hide their feelings and will not let their guard down until certain dates. Also, public displays of affection—more than hand-holding—are quite taboo as they consider it impolite.

Pouring Drinks

In most Asian countries, you are served a communal drink with your meal, usually tea or anything from a bottle that is shared at the table, such as beer, wine, sake, or soju. Know that pouring your own drink is frowned upon, as it is seen as greedy and self-centered. Instead, you should allow someone else at the table pour your drink for you. If you decide to refill your own drink, be sure to refill the cups that are low at the table first, leaving your drink to be filled last.

If you notice someone’s cup is empty at your table, take the initiative to refill it, as they will likely do the same for you. This is especially important if you are dining with someone who is your elder or someone of higher rank than you.

Read more: Discover traditional costumes in Asia

Rice culture

Southeast Asians love to eat rice that they consume it one until third times a day. Most of their tastiest snacks are often rice-based. In some parts of the region, people will not say they have eaten until they have rice as the main menu.

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Exotic islands of Nusa Tenggara

The hundreds of islands stretching east from Bali are collectively known as the Nusa Tenggara, a region of eastern Indonesia that’s becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. Some of the islands boast the same type of picture-perfect beaches that attract visitors to their Balinese neighbor.

 

Others landscapes, tribal traditions and cultural attractions that are truly unique. From multicolored crater lakes and volcanic peaks to Komodo dragons and animist rituals, the sheer diversity of the islands of Nusa Tenggara is what makes a visit to the archipelago so distinctly memorable.

1. Alor Island

Alor is one of the easternmost islands in Nusa Tenggara. It’s also one of the archipelago’s least visited isles, making Alor an ideal destination for travelers who wish to experience island life in an unspoiled environment. Soaring volcanoes in the center of Alor form a formidable barrier, and islanders often use wooden ferries to travel to different parts of the island. The capital city of Kalabahi in the only flat area on the island. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Alor’s outlaying islets. Alor’s scenic beaches, including Mali, Maimol and Batu Putih are favored for sunbathing and relaxed swimming.

2. Komodo National Park

Including both Rinca Island, Komodo Island and a number of islets, the Komodo National Park is known the world over as the habitat of the Komodo Dragons, giant carnivorous monitor lizards that can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. The reptiles roam freely over the islands, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides to keep them safe. Komodo National Park is also famous as a world-class scuba diving destination. Because sharks, sea snakes and sea-wasp jellyfish share the coral reef with other sea life, however, it’s not a place for novice divers. Snorkeling areas like those at Pantai Merah offer an alternate option for underwater explorations.

3. Lombok

The most western island of Nusa Tenggara, Lombok is often compared to its closest neighbor, Bali. Lombok has the same kind of beautiful beaches, splashing waterfalls and volcanic scenery as the island across the Lombok Strait, with less commercialism and fewer crowds. In many ways, it is the tropical paradise that many people still mistakenly imagine Bali to be now. The island’s northern area is dominated by the enormous volcano of Gunung Rinjani, and trekking at least part of the way up is the reason many tourists visit the island. The three Gili Islands, just off the northwest coast are Lombok’s most popular beach destination while the luxurious Senggigi resort and Kuta also offer great beaches. With its man-made lagoon and a mix of Hindu, Islamic and native Sasak architectural styles, the Narmada Taman temple is worth a visit as well.

4. Sumba

Situated to the south of the arcing Nusa Tenggara archipelago, Sumba is most notable for retaining its ancient traditions. Whether it’s the Bronze Age megalithic burial sites, the sometimes lethal spear-throwing war game of Pasola or the highly detailed ikat textiles that can take months of labor to craft, Sumba can feel like an island lost in time. East Sumba features several bungalow resorts where visitors can relax on white sandy beaches or participate in water sports like surfing, snorkeling or game fishing.

5. Flores Island

Located to the east of Sumbawa and to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, the long island of Flores offers an array of natural and archeological wonders. The most famous attraction in Flores is the Kelimutu volcano caldera, which has three lakes fed by volcanic gas that change color according to the amount of oxidation in the water. This archeological is found abound in Flores. In addition, a prehistoric bronze boat is on display near the village of Maumere, the villages of Bena and Luba are known for their Stone Age megaliths.

Read more: 8 reasons why Bali is a perfect choice for getaway

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