Photographs of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam – Life on the Water in Can Tho and Cai Rang
The Mekong Delta, a vast network of canals and floating villages, offers a unique perspective on river life in southern Vietnam. From traditional markets to fish farms and daily scenes, this photo series captures a culture in transition, shaped by water.
Leaving from Saigon, it takes over four hours by road to reach Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Located along one of the nine branches of the river, this bustling city is famous for its floating market: Cai Rang. One of the most authentic in the region, this market is a living scene of trade between boats and barges that never dock.
However, these traditional markets are in decline. With the expansion of road infrastructure and the increasing number of bridges, land markets have become more accessible and are slowly replacing the floating ones. Yet markets like Cai Rang remain a precious window into a unique river culture.
As you follow the riverbanks, another aspect of the delta unfolds: fish farming. Numerous floating platforms—easily recognized by their metal roofs and square shapes—house pools where fish are fed with pellets. This form of intensive aquaculture plays a key role in the local economy.
Photographing the Mekong Delta: A Matter of Perspective
Capturing the essence of the Mekong Delta is no easy task. The landscape is often flat and lacks elevation, so it’s important to focus on details: daily gestures, water reflections, the texture of wooden boats, and fleeting exchanges between vendors.
Gaining altitude would help, but drone use in Vietnam is highly regulated and difficult for independent travelers. Therefore, one must play with light, angles, and human activity to create impactful, evocative images.
A Country of Remarkable Diversity
This journey through the south of Vietnam revealed a country both warm and full of contrasts. From region to region, landscapes, architecture, and ways of life change dramatically. Spanning over 2,000 kilometers, Vietnam is a land of incredible diversity.
If I return, it will be to further explore the north: the terraced rice fields, the Sapa mountains, and the Hoa Lu region and the terrestrial Halong Bay, which left a lasting impression.
I would also gladly revisit the central region to deepen my visits to Hue and Hoi An, two cities rich in history and visual atmospheres.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer specializing in travel and architectural photography. From Vietnam to Venice, his images highlight contrasts, textures, and unique atmospheres.
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