We’re a family of four – two parents and two daughters (ages 8 and 11) – and we recently joined a tour to Family Tiny Garden in the Mekong Delta. Our guide, Chow, made this trip unforgettable in all the right ways.
Canoeing in the Rain – Surprisingly Magical
Our day began under grey skies, and within the hour, the rain started to fall – not hard enough to cancel, but enough to make us hesitate. But Chow gave us a smile and said, “Rain makes the Mekong more honest.” And he was right.
We hopped into a traditional wooden canoe and glided through the gentle rain, past a lime orchard that shimmered in the wet light. The rain made everything smell alive – fresh leaves, muddy riverbanks, and the sweet tang of limes hanging overhead. My daughters giggled the entire way, trying to catch raindrops with their hands. It wasn’t a picture-perfect Instagram moment – it was better. It was real.
Kayaking Through Mekong Canals – Jungle Zen
Later, we took individual kayaks into smaller side canals. The girls got their own and paddled like champs (with a little zig-zagging). Narrow waterways, overhanging coconut trees, and the quiet lapping of water – it was the kind of peace you can’t buy. Chow stayed close, making sure we were safe but also encouraging us to explore a little. At one point, we floated under a tree filled with singing birds while a local farmer waved at us from the bank. Pure serenity.
Cooking Bonh Xew – Crispy Joy!
Back on dry land, we changed into dry clothes (thankfully we packed extra!) and joined a cozy, open-air kitchen with local hosts. Chow translated with ease and warmth, helping my girls learn to swirl the rice batter into hot pans, toss in shrimp and bean sprouts, and fold the bánh xèo just right. The sizzle, the golden crispness, the dipping sauce – we ate like kings. There’s something powerful about cooking together as a family. We’ll be trying it at home again (though I doubt ours will be as crispy).
Catching Catfish – Hilarious and Messy
The final event of the day was the catfish pond – muddy, murky, and the most fun my daughters have had in a long time. You step into this shallow pond, roll up your pants, and get ready to slip, laugh, and maybe scream a little. The girls caught two fish each and proudly held them up (after a lot of squealing). Chow got right in there with them – cheering, laughing, and helping with a gentle hand.
What Made It Special? Chow.
Tour leader Chow wasn’t just a guide – he was a calm leader in the rain, a skilled communicator during the cooking, a safety net during kayaking, and a cheerleader during catfish mayhem. He balanced safety, learning, and fun so naturally that the whole day felt seamless.
Final Thoughts
If you want something polished and plastic, this trip might not be for you. But if you’re looking for real connection – with your family, with nature, and with local life – this is it.
We left muddy, full, tired, and absolutely in love with the Mekong. Our daughters haven’t stopped talking about it. Chow – if you ever read this – thank you. You helped us make memories that feel like treasures.
Source: K.M
