| 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. |
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Being a 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. |
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(Source:
VNA) |
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