Kids And Travel Photography At Its Best In Chau Doc, Vietnam

I can always depend on Chau Doc for kids and travel photography so this is the 3rd time I stopped by on my way to the Cambodian border.

My days spent here have been memorable every time mostly because of the Cham people who live by the riverside across town; they provided me with the warmest welcome and some very nice photos.

The little girl above has been ill and I was told this special haircut has healing powers to help her get better.

Mekong River Deja Vu in Can Tho, Vietnam

I have already spent one day in Can Tho before, the highly touristy and biggest town of the Mekong Delta. I stopped by again mostly because it was on my way from Tra Vinh to Chau Doc and the Cambodian border.

Last time I was in Can Tho I only did a Mekong River boat tour and left after one night.

This time I was not planning to do another tour but after getting a chance to go with someone else therefore splitting the $25 price in half I agreed.

Battling An Acute Rambutan Addiction In Tra Vinh, Vietnam

Tra Vinh, Vietnam is a tucked away town in the Mekong Delta casually mentioned but not even listed as an off the beaten track stop by the popular travel guide.

I was looking forward to visiting this secluded area which is too far from Saigon for the hordes of daytripping package tourists to reach.

The area of Tra Vinh used to belong to Cambodia and is home of Khmer minorities who are unfortunately second class citizens in Vietnam. There also 140 some Khmer pagodas throughout the province.

Boat Ride From Chau Doc, Vietnam To Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Because I am not in a hurry to get anywhere I will not to fly too often within Southeast Asia.

I have already experienced a few crazy bus rides in Vietnam so to cross the border I decided to take a boat on the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, Cambodia out of Chau Doc; a stylish and fitting way to depart from the Mekong Delta.

The price of the boat ride being 20 dollars ensured I would be only with tourists; a sure recipe for someone to put their foot in their mouth and act like a jerk.

New Travel Photography Album From The Roads Of Vietnam

People, cultural and travel photography in Vietnam is the theme of a new photo album (No 5) that has been added to this website.
These are literally travel photos because they were taken though windows of minibuses and a Mekong River tour boat.

These pictures are not meant to be “masterpieces” (it is easy to argue that none of my photos are) I took them mostly to keep myself entertained during trips between Vietnamese towns and during my border crossing into Cambodia.

But I believe the photos are somewhat educational, informative and interesting proving that even when others put away their cameras, true shutterbugs can still find a chance and excuse to snap away.

Colorful Life On The Mekong River In Chau Doc, Vietnam

The reason I returned to Chau Doc, Vietnam was to take a boat ride to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

I could have crossed the Cambodian border at Ha Tien as well but I have taken many bus trips already (and many more are waiting for me) also I had a great time touring the Mekong River on a motorboat while staying in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Due to some gloomy days black and white photos were more appropriate for my last post from Chau Doc but this time the weather was more sunny so this set of pictures can be shown in color.

Bus Ride Of True Love From Ha Tien to Chau Doc, Vietnam

This snapshot was taken by me during the bus ride from Ha Tien to Chau Doc of the lovely lady who was sitting next to me for a few bus stops (about 15 minutes).

Her gaze of uncontrollable love and the admiring twinkle in her eyes as she looks at me are priceless.
Hey, last time I checked breaking hearts is not a crime even in Vietnam.

(I did check for exposed boogers later and fortunately I was in the clear.)

Random Travel Photography In Ha Tien, Vietnam

To finish circling Vietnam’s Mekong Delta I have returned to do more photography in Ha Tien, one of my favorite places.

Ha Tien is not very touristy, the people are very friendly and it felt good to come back to a place where the hotel staff greeted my with a big smile and was happy to see me again.

The following photos were taken during a few hours of aimless wondering.
I walked more or less along one long road which eventually left the town going through the countryside.

My Two Donations To The Make A Wish Foundation Of Vietnam

Sharing is caring! The Make A Wish Foundation is a fantastic concept and charity! Well, two days ago I had a chance to fulfill not one but two wishes of two very special people of Vietnam.

One was a 14 year old girl who’s wish was to pick pocket a tourist with a lot of money in his money belt.

The photo below of a little girl eating noodle soup at curbside is part of the series I was shooting when the theft happened.

One Hour Travel Photography In Bac Lieu, Vietnam

The photos posted here are from Bac Lieu where I made My Two Donations To The Make A Wish Foundation Of Vietnam; meaning I got pick pocketed by a 14 year old Vietnamese girl and extorted by the Police within 24 hours.

These are some of the pictures I took in the first hour of walking around (and only time I did photography) even though it was immediately obvious that this place had probably as much potential as the fantastic Soc Trang, Vietnam.

Happily The Only Tourist And Photographer In Soc Trang, Vietnam

I was excited to arrive to Soc Trang which is not mentioned in Vietnam guide books or on the internet to great extent therefore I could not research anything about it.

But at this time all I really was looking for was an authentic Vietnamese town without being hassled by motorbike drivers (too much) and seeing as few tourists as possible.

My wishes were granted, after just a few minutes of walking around there was no sign of foreigners and the town had so much to offer photography wise.

Boat Tour On The Mekong River In Can Tho, Vietnam

Can Tho, Vietnam is an even busier tourist spot (mostly package Mekong River trips originating from Saigon) than Chau Doc but it had to be on my list of stops for a brief two nights.

By making these frequent stops I only have to ride the minibus for a few short hours between towns.
The Vietnamese public transportation system and road conditions are actually is not too bad.

Cambodia might be a different story, Laos will definitely be a very different story.

True Mekong Delta Experience In Chau Doc, Vietnam

As seen on the photo below Chau Doc is alongside the fantastic Mekong River, it is a popular border crossing town to Cambodia and a recommended stop in Vietnam.

I get weary of any place which is highly popular with tourists, yes it might have scenic reasons but usually some annoyances are also associated with these must see spots.

The photo below was taken off of a modern high bridge. There weren’t too many vivid colors in and around town and it was an overcast day so I think black and white photos work best for this post.

Relaxed Travel Photography In Ha Tien, Vietnam

I am glad to say I arrived vomit free to Ha Tien from Phu Quoc Island via Rac Gia after a two-hour eventful bus ride.

Appropriately as a Hungarian I stayed at the Du Hung Hotel which was recommended by an excellent free online Vietnam guidebook website.

As the photo below shows I got no respect in Ha Tien, well actually I did and I must say I really enjoyed this most Westerly Vietnamese town.

Bus Trip With Vomiting Monk From Rach Gia To Ha Tien, Vietnam

Pop quiz: there are 3 people sitting in the last row of a bouncing bus.

Who is the true wise man on the photo below who did not vomit during a roller coaster like bus travel in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam?

Yes, of course the answer is: seat No 27!!!

All this is spite the fact that the Buddhist monk makes this journey often between Rach Gia and Ha Tien.