Go with the flow on the Mekong

This is sponsored content for Wendy Wu Tours.

The Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam serves up peacefulness in spades. Here, there are no traffic jams or skyscrapers, no neon-bathed nightclubs or raucous rooftop bars. In the delta, the bustle of the city gives way to a slower pace, a rhythm that has remained unchanged for centuries.

A trip along the Mekong, where old ways are still treasured, is also a trip back in time. Here, we are beyond the reach of the network of roads that continues to unfold right across Asia. As it has been since time immemorial, the major thoroughfare remains the river itself. Book yourself onboard one of the luxurious cruise boats that ply the waterway and you are assured of two things: you will be staying in some of the most luxurious accommodation in the area, and you will also be able to reach places that have little or no road access.

There is something very leisurely about a Mekong River cruise. As you meander past riverbanks lined with verdant rice paddies and orchards and old-school stilted houses, you will be surprised by how much of daily life takes place on the water. The area's typical transport is flat-bottomed wooden sampans which dart swiftly across the water. The most intense action, however, takes place at the floating markets, that are at their liveliest early in the morning. From rice to fresh fruit, all kind of goods are traded by vendors whose "stalls" are small boats. Women are typically in charge of both the buying and selling here; many of them still wear distinctive conical non la hats, and the bartering is often fierce. As a shopping experience, it is light years away from your typical mall.

EXPLORING OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Itineraries typically follow the river between Saigon and Phnom Penh in both directions. Tours last for three or four nights and are designed with exploration of iconic sites in mind, such as the Cambodian temple town of Siem Reap. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs onshore – more active guests may even get to do some exploring on an electric bike. Visit traditional settlements where almost all the daily essentials are still produced the old-fashioned way. From paper to silk, fishing nets to incense, many of the local goods are handcrafted by artisans who follow the traditions of their forefathers.

If you are keen on some sightseeing, make a stop at one of the temples dedicated to Cao Dai, an intriguing religion unique to southern Vietnam. Cao Dai temples are as colourful as the religion itself, which blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam. The eclectic pantheon of saints includes a colourful blend of characters including not just Buddha and Jesus, but also Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc.