Vietnam: Can Tho & Chau Doc

Had a really knowledgable boat guide in Can Tho that took us on a tour of the floating markets and surrounding area. Ate some dragon fruit and papaya from the boat market and then did a bit of botany along the river identifying fruit plants. Enjoyed two whole pineapples during the journey which were carved in the best way that turns them in to giant pineapple lollipops.  This will have to be attempted when we get back.

In Chau Doc I finally succumbed to some asian cold (probably from the 8hr night bus the day before) so had my first sick day and Nick went out exploring the town in the afternoon whilst I slept it off. He came back with fresh lychees from the market and descriptions of massive river fish that were being kept in water filled tubs on the street ready to sell- can't get much fresher!

The next day we went to find Mr Long who owns a tiny bookshop in town and does non-touristy trips out to a lesser know forrest reserve: Tra Su. We arranged a trip which was our first proper excursion in to the countryside. It was a weird cross between LOTR and waterworld, we had to navigate the forrest by boat as all the trees grow out of the water which is covered by thick vegetation. Had some good bird sightings from the 23m viewing platform, including a kingfisher species I had never seen before. When driving back (by moped) at sunset along the quiet country road out of the reserve about 50-100+ white storks flew directly over in the opposite direction to roost. This was an amazing sight.