Taiwanese students and UEFers explore the Mekong Delta
Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Lan Islet (Con Lan) and Phung Islet (Con Phung) are two ideal destinations for those yearning to discover the natural beauty and experience the rustic life of this southern region. This was also the destination for students from Ming Chi University of Technology and UEF during their Day Trip on June 28. Here, international students have been introduced to the beautiful cultural aspects of the river region of Vietnam.
Two hours after departing from UEF, the tour group arrived at My Tho Cruise Port to board a boat and begin the journey to discover Lan Islet
Con Lan (Thoi Son Islet) is located downstream of the Tien River, Thoi Son Commune, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. Away from the smog and bustle of Saigon, the group had a day to enjoy the green natural scenery and fresh air, drifting towards the alluvial rivers, and experiencing unique ecotourism activities here.
As the boat docked, the students reached their first destination - the beekeeping village. This is one of the famous traditional craft villages that cannot be missed when visiting Con Lan. Not only were they able to enjoy pure honey, but they also had first-hand experience and learned about the process and products made from honey.
Students visiting the bee farm
Eating garden fruit, sipping a cup of tea and enjoying southern amateur music (known as Don ca tai tu) is the signature cultural feature of the Southwest. The folk tunes expressed through the distinctive voices of Tien Giang people, bringing a new and interesting musical experience to the tour group. Dedicated to our Taiwanese tourists were Chinese songs performed on traditional musical instruments.
Artists showed their advancement when singing Chinese songs for Taiwanese tourists
Another unique experience that excited international students was traveling by sampans to explore the panoramic view of the river in the islet region. On both sides of the creeks are rows of nipa palms growing densely, creating a verdant and pristine landscape. Students immersed themselves in the peaceful space and connected with nature. The stories about life and people here were also vividly recreated through the simple and heartfelt sharing of the locals.
Immersing oneself in the river scenery of Southwest Vietnam
On the way to Phung Islet, the students had a refreshing moment with friends on horse-drawn carriages
At noon, the tour group departed to Phung Islet (in Tan Thach commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre province) to enjoy the cuisine of the Southwest region and continue to experience a part of rural life, while learning about traditional coconut candy making craft. For students, what lingered after coming to Phung Islet were the romantic river scenery, fruitful gardens, and unique coconut ranges.
A surprise birthday party was for Ming Chi University of Technology students
The group left Phung Islet in the afternoon and returned to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way back, the car stopped at Truc Xanh store – a unique shopping destination specializing in products made from natural bamboo fibers. Here, tourists are introduced to the use of products made from bamboo. A variety of exclusive products are provided such as head wraps, women's swimsuits, multipurpose wipes, and many other items, all bringing coolness and comfort when used in tropical environments.
The Mekong Delta left many impressions on Lai, Mu-Cheng (blonde male)
The trip left many beautiful memories in the hearts of the students. Sharing about this journey, Lai Mu-Cheng from Ming Chi University said: “On this trip, I got to taste a very special honey tea. It is quite different from other teas in Taiwan. I was thrilled to move around a small creek by sampan rowed by local people. Tasting Vietnamese coconut candy for the first time, I found it fragrant, delicious and impressive. In addition, the food here tastes both salty and sweet, very palatable. Especially, the way they cook pork belly is very similar to my country’s".
Le Huynh Thanh Ngoc, a Chinese Language student, shared that after this trip, she got to know with international friends as well as practiced her listening and speaking skills.
As for Cao Nguyen Dinh Dinh - Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management: “Taiwanese friends are not afraid to try the specialties and local dishes here. I feel delighted about that. The more I talk to them, the more I find that they really want to learn about Vietnamese culture. This trip exceeded my initial expectations, which is participating to improve my foreign language skills.”
After the trip, UEF students made some new international friends
The ecotourism tour in Lan Islet and Phung Islet not only brought unique cultural and natural experiences but also helped UEF students and especially Ming Chi University better understand life and people in the Mekong Delta.
Quy Nguyen
Photo: Lam Tran
