Emerald Harmony - Majestic Mekong Day 5  - Sa Dec Wet Markets 

If you’re squeamish, don’t go to wet market in Sa Dec, Vietnam.

Me, I’m a little squeamish, but I also have an insatiable appetite for curiosity, and to explore the sights, smells and sounds of a foreign was exciting.

As tourists, we often forget that we can be intruders into people’s every-day life. Sac Dec markets is where the locals come to sell and buy their produce, this is their world. And, remembering this will ensure that you act respectfully. I mean, don’t we expect the same at home?

Market Meanderings 

It was hot and sticky and chaotic, but I followed our tour guide walking together as a group to ensure no one got run over! There were overloaded motorbikes whizzing in and out of the narrow lanes, beeping their horns to alert the foot traffic get out of the way.


The tantalising colours were beguiling, but there was time to explore all that later as the first stop was inside. Undercover in the humidity, was ever conceivable fruit and vegetable imaginable. Piled high in bright mounds, the produce was as fresh as it could get. Loud voices made exchanges of money for food in the labyrinthian laneways. Fascinated by chillies of every colour and shape, the kind vendor offered me some to try. I politely declined, not knowing if the heat would be too intense.

Dodging humans and machines, outside was even more chaotic. I was careful to not step in the way of bikes, nor to step in the produce on the ground. 

Now before you cast any judgement, this food source was a) a necessity in time of war and starvation and b) a delicacy in their culture. Look, I’d never eat one, but it was fascinating, nevertheless.

Do you know what I loved the most? Meeting the vendors, exchanging a few words and being greeted with the largest smiles. I’d highly recommend always taking the time when you’re in a new city to visit the markets. It will always give you an authentic experience.

Street Food on Board

I Want Candy 

This afternoon was the last excursion for the cruise, and I felt rather melancholy. Tomorrow would be the last day aboard and would be a full sailing day. We headed out to Cai Be to a coconut candy making workshop. Coconut + Candy = Honey’s favourite things. We watched the workers make fine rice paper ( I even had a go and was disastrously unsuccessful), popped rice for snacks, some type of spirit and the candy itself.