What is a typical travel day like? Well, after a backpacking stroll to the Ben Tranh hub, one boards a city bus to the south station. It's forty five minutes and 5000 dong (25 cents).
Once at the main south bus station, it's a good idea to stock up on supplies, in my case iced coffee and a baguette for the trip. Then it's just shy of two hours on a small bus made for small people. Think knees pressed against the seat in front of you, bodies pressed tight to both thighs, and try not to think of your aching ass. The cost? 50,000 dong, or about $2.50.
Crossing one of the six main branches of the Mighty Mekong, it is a simple thing to know that one is not in Kansas anymore Dear Toto.
From the Ben Tre station to Ben Tre town is five kilometers and a shared taxi, 30,000 dong apiece.
And so, here I am, ensconced in a great hotel on the Mekong, with a sleepy little provincial town to explore. I have done one short walk-about and am about to head out for dinner.
Ben Tre is a huge shift from Saigon. A superb riverfront to stroll down, all manner of weird cargo boats chugging up and down laden with everything from bricks to lumber, and a wonderful little market and backstreets.
Off I go.
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