The name was officially changed to Ho Chi Minh City in 1975 but most people still call it Saigon. When we woke up at a little before 6:00 we were already in the river heading toward the port. Along the side of our ship we saw mostly jungle. 
About every ¼ mile there were about 4 or 5 small fishing boats anchored in a row perpendicular to the shore. It was just getting light and on some of them we could see people up and what looked like a small fire for cooking breakfast. Since these small wooden boats have a unique shape, we took lots of photos. Further up the river we encountered more large ship traffic. Getting closer to the port the captain announced that we were being assigned a different docking spot and that the new spot was still occupied. Both events would delay our arrival slightly. We were putting along near our dock - we knew it was our spot because of all the buses and about a dozen ladies dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing were lining the dock holding balloons. Soon the freighter pulled out and we moved in. Next the chimes rang and the captain announced the gangway was open and that the captain and the first officer of the freighter had apparently gotten into an altercation and one of them was forcibly removed from the ship. Now there was a rush to get tour groups going to try to keep to their schedule.
Our tour, which was scheduled for all day, was for the Mekong Delta. Although the bus ride was about 1 ½ hours long it was very interesting; lots of all types of businesses jammed together. Each one about 10 feet wide and 25 feet deep with a house behind. Some of the houses were 3 stories tall and very beautiful. Traffic was crazy even though 90% was scooters. Our guide, Thimh (Tim), told us they are not scooters or motor bikes, they are all called Hondas no matter who manufactured them.
We finally made it to the delta and boarded our small boat for a short ride on the river. The bus had an attempt at air conditioning - now it is really hot and humid. At least there was a slight breeze while on the river; we didn‘t know it at the time, but that was our only relief from the heat until we got back on the bus. Getting off the boat at a garden area we walked for a while then were served a local variety of fruits accompanied by local musicians and singers.
Then we boarded sampans, which hold 4 people and 2 paddlers and traveled very narrow canals for about ¼ mile. Getting out at a different village we were treated to tea and candied ginger. Next we walk on a path through the jungle for a while to the restaurant for lunch which is still pretty much surrounded by jungle. Lunch was all local foods and included elephant ear fish and big sticky rice balls that looked like a dinosaur egg. More beautiful gardens surround this area.
Back in the river boat we head for our bus which has been moved to a close location by our guide so we have a better chance to get back to the ship on time. Same route back and just in time - 15 minutes to spare.
We spent the evening on the balcony watching the shoreline go by until it got too dark to see.
About every ¼ mile there were about 4 or 5 small fishing boats anchored in a row perpendicular to the shore. It was just getting light and on some of them we could see people up and what looked like a small fire for cooking breakfast. Since these small wooden boats have a unique shape, we took lots of photos. Further up the river we encountered more large ship traffic. Getting closer to the port the captain announced that we were being assigned a different docking spot and that the new spot was still occupied. Both events would delay our arrival slightly. We were putting along near our dock - we knew it was our spot because of all the buses and about a dozen ladies dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing were lining the dock holding balloons. Soon the freighter pulled out and we moved in. Next the chimes rang and the captain announced the gangway was open and that the captain and the first officer of the freighter had apparently gotten into an altercation and one of them was forcibly removed from the ship. Now there was a rush to get tour groups going to try to keep to their schedule.
Our tour, which was scheduled for all day, was for the Mekong Delta. Although the bus ride was about 1 ½ hours long it was very interesting; lots of all types of businesses jammed together. Each one about 10 feet wide and 25 feet deep with a house behind. Some of the houses were 3 stories tall and very beautiful. Traffic was crazy even though 90% was scooters. Our guide, Thimh (Tim), told us they are not scooters or motor bikes, they are all called Hondas no matter who manufactured them.We finally made it to the delta and boarded our small boat for a short ride on the river. The bus had an attempt at air conditioning - now it is really hot and humid. At least there was a slight breeze while on the river; we didn‘t know it at the time, but that was our only relief from the heat until we got back on the bus. Getting off the boat at a garden area we walked for a while then were served a local variety of fruits accompanied by local musicians and singers.
Then we boarded sampans, which hold 4 people and 2 paddlers and traveled very narrow canals for about ¼ mile. Getting out at a different village we were treated to tea and candied ginger. Next we walk on a path through the jungle for a while to the restaurant for lunch which is still pretty much surrounded by jungle. Lunch was all local foods and included elephant ear fish and big sticky rice balls that looked like a dinosaur egg. More beautiful gardens surround this area.Back in the river boat we head for our bus which has been moved to a close location by our guide so we have a better chance to get back to the ship on time. Same route back and just in time - 15 minutes to spare.
We spent the evening on the balcony watching the shoreline go by until it got too dark to see.
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