Today was the day that it seemed everyone was waiting for – the trip to the Mekong Delta. This trip was packed with fun activities, including taking a boat down the delta, taking small row boats down creeks on an island, and exploring the traditional food. We were able to eat fresh honey and fruit, as well as a whole meal that included octopus, shrimp, and chicken. Traveling through the delta was one of those experiences that let you see things so differently from what you normally experience that you have to reflect on it afterward. Seeing boats and houses lined up along the small creeks, with locals making a living through either tourism or agriculture, was one of the most unique sites I have seen.

                Stepping away from the tourist activities, it was interesting to think about the future of the delta as well. With the increasing salinization of the water, locals will have an extremely hard time continuing to grow the rice that contributes to 90% of Vietnam’s total production. In this case, a shift to tourism may have to take place, although this will be difficult as well. Hearing some of the locals speak, it turned out they only make about 30,000 Dong per day doing boat tours, which require 2 round trips of strenuous rowing. If tourism cannot provide the same food security and wealth that agriculture can, then it is increasingly important to protect the delta from the effects of climate change, which can have devastating effects on the water.