Journey Through the Mekong Delta: Adventures, Culture, and Cuisine Aboard the Toum Tiou 2

Hibiscus

As the soft morning light began to filter through the curtains of my cabin aboard the Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour, offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, I awoke to the gentle sway of the boat on the Mekong River Delta. It was just after 7 AM, and the rhythmic lapping of water against the hull set the perfect tone for the start of another adventurous day. The river, with its labyrinthine network of channels and islands, promised to offer new wonders as I embarked on what was sure to be another unforgettable day of exploration.

A Leisurely Start: Breakfast on the Toum Tiou 2

Breakfast

Before anything else, a hearty breakfast was in order. The boat’s dining room was bustling with fellow passengers, all eager to fuel up for the day ahead. The breakfast buffet was a feast of options, from fresh tropical fruits—mango, dragonfruit, and pineapple—to a spread of Western and Vietnamese breakfast staples. I opted for a combination of both: a steaming bowl of pho, served with fresh herbs and lime, a freshly cooked omelette, and a plate of buttery croissants with strong Vietnamese coffee. As I ate, I glanced out over the river, watching boats drift by. The day felt promising, and I was eager to set off on the next leg of the journey.

Heading to Thoi Son Island: The Land of Sacred Animals

Local Guide

At 8:30 AM, the other 13 cruise guests and myself boarded a smaller local boat for our morning excursion to Thoi Son Island, also known as Unicorn Island. This island is part of the famous “Four Sacred Animals” group of islands on the Mekong River, each named after a mythical animal: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Turtle. Thoi Son is known for its lush, green landscapes, tropical plants, and the tranquility that comes with being far from the bustling cities.

Orchid

As we approached the island, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning vibrancy of the landscape. Everything was so green and alive, from the dense trees to the brightly colored flowers that seemed to bloom in every corner. The air was thick with the scent of tropical plants, and the sounds of birds and insects filled the air. It truly felt like we were entering a paradise, where nature’s beauty flourished and the rhythms of life moved slowly and peacefully. Our local guide, a friendly woman with a deep knowledge of the region, provided fascinating insights into the island’s flora and fauna. She pointed out flowering plants like Chinese Hibiscus, with their bright petals, and Dendrobium Orchids, their delicate blooms in full display. Each plant seemed to tell its own story, contributing to the harmonious blend of nature and culture that defined the island. Walking through the vibrant landscape, I felt as though we were stepping into a place where the natural world and local traditions existed in perfect balance, each complementing the other.

Starfruit

The boat landed, and we disembarked to take a stroll through the island’s charming villages. Along the way, we saw a bounty of fruits hanging from trees—Carambola (starfruit) and pomelos, longan, sapoke, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, durian, bananas, jackfruit and mango. I was struck by how the land seemed to give so generously to the people, and it was clear that the Mekong Delta’s agricultural richness is central to the lives of its inhabitants.

Dried Fruit Tasting and Traditional Music

Dried Fruits

Our first stop on the island was a small, welcoming house where we were invited to taste a variety of dried fruits. The sweet, tangy flavors of dried mango, papaya, ginger, and jackfruit lingered on my tongue, and I couldn’t help but be impressed by how the drying process preserved the fruits’ natural sweetness and intense flavor. Each bite felt like a concentrated burst of the fresh fruit, and I found myself savoring every morsel. The dried fruits were a perfect treat, a delicious reminder of the island’s unique offerings and the day’s adventures.

Vietnamese music

Afterward, we were treated to a lively performance of traditional Vietnamese music. The singers, accompanied by musicians playing instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord) and đàn tranh (zither), performed folk songs that were hauntingly beautiful. Some of our group members even tried their hand at the instruments, with varying degrees of success. The melodies, many of which originated during the French Indochina War, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2013 as part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. The performance, both entertaining and moving, was a perfect immersion into the local culture.

A Bicycle Ride Through Orchards and Villages

Bicycle ride

After the musical interlude, we set off on a short, but delightful, bicycle ride through the fruit orchards and local villages. The weather was warm but not oppressive, with a light breeze that kept the air fresh. The ride was an easy one, as we pedalled past rows of lush mango and coconut trees, their branches heavy with fruit. Children waved and shouted cheerful greetings as we passed, their laughter adding to the charm of the moment. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, ripening fruit, and earth—a perfect mix of nature’s abundance. It was a peaceful and immersive way to experience the rural life of the Mekong Delta—one that has remained largely unchanged for generations, where time seems to move more slowly and traditions are still deeply rooted in daily life..

Sampan ride

At the end of the ride, we boarded small sampans—traditional, flat-bottomed boats that could only fit four passengers. These boats were rowed along narrow arroyos, shallow streams that wound their way through the island’s dense greenery. The quiet, still waters and the soft splash of the oars made for a serene, almost meditative, experience. As we glided through the waterways, I marvelled at the lush vegetation that grew on either side of the boat and the occasional fisherman casting their nets into the water.

A Visit to the Honey Producer and Holding a Python

Holding bee frame

Our next stop was a local honey producer, where we were shown frames filled with buzzing honeybees, working diligently inside their hives. She explained how the bees produced not only honey but also royal jelly, a highly prized substance known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. With her encouragement, I was even given the opportunity to hold one of the frames, feeling the weight of the honey and the faint hum of the bees around me. It was a fascinating experience to see how honey was harvested, with the bees calmly continuing their work. The golden liquid, once collected, was as sweet and pure as I’d imagined, with a smooth, floral flavour. It was incredible to witness firsthand the care and precision that went into producing such a natural, wholesome product.

Wrapped in a python!

Next, we were introduced to a 10kg python. I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, but the guide encouraged us to hold the snake around our necks for a photo op. To my surprise, it wasn’t as frightening as I thought it would be. The snake’s skin was smooth and warm against my neck, and it was an odd sense of connection to this creature that had slithered its way into my day’s adventures. Of course, the photo was a must!

Returning to the Toum Tiou 2: A Safety Drill and Scenic Cruise

Safety drill

Wrapped in a python!By midday, we had completed our excursion on Thoi Son Island and returned to the Toum Tiou 2. The boat was anchored in a peaceful stretch of the river, the gentle flow of the water creating a serene atmosphere. As we made our way back on board, we were greeted by the friendly crew for a mandatory safety drill. Though it was a routine procedure, it was reassuring to know that the crew took safety seriously, and it gave us all peace of mind. After the drill, there was a sense of calm on board as we relaxed in the comfortable lounge, enjoying the tranquility of the river. I found myself taking in the surroundings—the distant sounds of the river, the warm breeze, and the feeling of complete relaxation. It was the perfect moment to unwind and reflect on the morning's adventures.

My Thuan Bridge

As the boat resumed its cruise along the Mekong, I had time to reflect on the morning’s experiences. The river was alive with activity—fishermen casting their nets, children playing by the water’s edge, and boats transporting goods between the islands. We passed large bridges that spanned the river, including the My Thuan Bridge, the first bridge to cross the Mekong River in Vietnam. Completed in 2000, the bridge is an impressive feat of engineering, and it was fascinating to learn that it had been funded by the Australian and Vietnamese governments as part of an international development project.

Lunch on Board

Lunch onboard Toum Tiou 2

The lunch buffet on the Toum Tiou 2 was a perfect follow-up to our morning activities. The spread was expansive, featuring fresh salads, grilled meats, and a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes. I piled my plate high with crispy spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, and fragrant rice, and savoured every bite. The flavours were bold, yet delicate, and it was the perfect midday break before we set off on our afternoon adventure.

Afternoon Excursion: Rice Wine, Puffed Rice, and Cooking Class

Rice wine making

In the afternoon, we once again boarded a smaller local boat, which took us to a rice wine distillery nestled along the riverbank. Here, we were shown how rice is transformed into a potent liquor through an intricate process of distillation. The rice is first fermented in large ceramic jars, where it undergoes a transformation that turns it into a strong, flavorful drink. Some variations of the wine are infused with fruits like jackfruit or banana, or even animals like snakes, often for medicinal purposes. It was an interesting experience, and the guide explained how each infusion is believed to have different health benefits. While I was fascinated by the process, I wasn’t sure if I was brave enough to try the snake-infused variety, though I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the idea of this unique local concoction.

Puffed rice making

Next, we visited a traditional rice puffing station, where workers demonstrated an ancient technique passed down for generations. Whole rice grains, husk and all, were poured into a wok-shaped pot filled with black Mekong River sand and heated over an open fire. As the worker stirred the mixture, the rice popped explosively, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Afterward, the rice was filtered twice—first to remove the sand, then to eliminate any remaining husks, which are used as fuel for the fire. The puffed rice was then mixed with a sweet syrup, flavored with ingredients like coconut milk, caramel, or peanuts, and flattened into squares. The result was a delicious, crunchy treat—simple to make but irresistible, and often sold to eager customers or enjoyed on the spot.

Cooking Class and Return to the Toum Tiou 2

Cooking class

To cap off the afternoon, we had the chance to ride bicycles once more, this time to a local house for a hands-on cooking class. The class was a highlight of the day, as we learned how to make two iconic Vietnamese dishes: spring rolls and Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo). We were shown how to prepare the ingredients, wrap the spring rolls, and cook the pancakes in a sizzling hot pan. Once everything was ready, we sat down to enjoy our creations. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a freshly made meal in such an authentic setting.

Finally, we made our way back to the small boat that took us to the Toum Tiou 2 for our evening dinner. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the river. As I sat down to another delicious meal on board, I reflected on the incredible experiences of the day—each one offering a glimpse into the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. This day had truly been a journey of discovery, and I couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring.

As the boat gently rocked on the river, I felt a deep sense of contentment. This Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour,  offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, had already provided me with memories that would last a lifetime.

Sailing down the river

Toum Tiou 2

*New Discovery Tour offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope
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