The world’s renowned travel guide, the Lonely Planet, has rated
Vietnam ’ Mekong Delta region ninth out of the 10 best value
destinations for 2012.
Vietnam ’s rice basket, the Mekong Delta is a watery landscape of green
fields and sleepy villages, everywhere crisscrossed by the brown canals
and rivulets fed by the mighty Mekong River ,” the Lonely Planet
said in its website
The inhabitants of this region – friendly and
easygoing people – have long toiled on the life-sustaining river, with
the fruits of their labour depending on natures cycles that govern the
waterways.
The delta, which produces enough rice to supply the
domestic market and a sizable surplus, was formed by sediment deposited
by the Mekong River over many years. The process continues today,
with silt deposits extending the shoreline by as much as 80m per year.
The river is so large that it has two daily tides.
Lush with rice paddies and fish farms, this delta also nourishes the cultivation of sugarcane, fruit, coconuts and shrimp.
Although the area is primarily rural, it is one of the most densely
populated regions in Vietnam and nearly every hectare is intensively
farmed.
“The uniquely southern charm with its welcoming
introduction to life along the river is the real draw, and visitors can
explore quaint riverside towns, sample fruits bartered in the colourful
floating markets or dine on home-cooked delicacies before overnighting
as a homestay guest,” it said.
Other highlights include visits to
local orchards, flower markets and fish farms. There are also bird
sanctuaries, beach getaways and impressive Khmer pagodas in the region.
In addition to highlighting the Mekong Delta as one of the tope
ten best destinations, the travel guide also said that Vietnam is
always a good value destination for tourists.
The nine other
top destinations include the northeast of the US , San Francisco ,
Japan , Tajikistan , Porto in Portugal , Lesotho in southern Africa,
Iquitos in Peru , Ohrid in Macedonia and Merida , Mexico .
Earlier, the US Tourism Association (USTOA) named Vietnam as top destination for 2012./.
