Vietnam Travel > Travel Special Features > Mekong Delta - The Floating Life > Mekong Delta - When the water rises

Mekong Delta - When the water rises

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All around you is water, vegetation, and leaves. Flowers and birds, Gao Giong is located in hamlet No 6, Gao Giong commune, Cao Lanh rural district and Dong Thap province. A long time ago it was regarded as the "lungs" of Dong Thap. Seen from above, this area looks like a never-ending carpet of green verdure. Channels nicely encircle the indigo forest like a colorful scarf worn around the necks of girls from the western "Nam Bo" rural area (Nam Bo refers to the southern half of Vietnam).

To advance deeper in the forest, explorers embark a sampan rowed by another graceful girl wearing a South Vietnam pajama and leaf conical hat. Drifting along this submerged canal, passengers often have to reach out to clear the foliage, as the boat floats deep into the untouched jungle. At times, it may be that in the midst of an immense indigo forest a surface of water suddenly emerges, light green with the color of grass and tinctorial knotweeds.

On and in the sampan moves towards the garden of birds. From afar, you can already see birds hovering about. As approach, the scenery grows richer in color and in sound. The snow-white wings of storks now spread out on the green grass background; jet black cong coc aquatic birds flap their wings; multi-colored kingfishers and warblers flutter by swiftly. Birds vy with one another in song to form a unique concert. Flocks of white storks and black "cork" birds form black and white patches on the sky: they mingle with the green of plants and trees to create a fantastic natural harmony of color.

Small, snowy storks standing on rocks look at you with bewildered eyes as if you were a strange creature encroaching on their own land (which you are). Aquatic cong coc birds swin zigzag like otters between indigo trees. Occasionally they become behind them glittering drops of water in the sunshine. Herons leisurely swim in the swamp of reeds, while dozens of other exquisite scenes await discovery.

On your way home, departing from the land of wild birds, a completely silent landscape surrounds you, while the only sound is the rowing of oars that stirs up the water. In the middle of the landscape soar up the notes of a traditional folksong, sung by the boat-girl while she moves her oars. The song tells of the love of a country girl with a city boy. She loves him passionately but still hesitates, wavering between love and filial devotion. The works in the song are simple, sincere but profound: they follow you along your journey.

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