It's often said that each region has its own distinct character: Northerners are reserved and cautious; Southerners are dynamic and outgoing; and Westerners are simple and gentle. But is that really true? Or is it just a "rumor" passed down through generations?
The land and the formation of character
Perhaps it's not without reason that people say individuals from different regions have distinct personalities. Could it be that natural conditions and climate have gradually influenced and shaped this? And the riverine region of the Mekong Delta is no exception?
The Mekong Delta, or Southwestern Vietnam, is a region blessed by nature in a way rarely found elsewhere along the S-shaped strip of land that is Vietnam. Large rivers like the Tien and Hau rivers branch into hundreds of smaller canals and waterways, weaving through the countryside and creating an intricate network. This flow not only brings fertile silt to enrich the land but also nurtures a unique culture - the culture of the rivers and the people of this region.
For generations, the people of the Mekong Delta have lived off the water, from rice cultivation and fruit farming to fishing and shrimp catching; everything is closely intertwined with nature.
The waterways of the Mekong Delta contribute to the unique culture of this region.
The abundant resources - from plentiful seafood and orchards laden with fruit to vast rice paddies - have made life here much less harsh than in many other regions. And when food and clothing are more readily provided by nature, people become more peaceful, gentle, and less competitive and calculating. They don't place too much emphasis on winning or losing, but value sharing and community spirit.
People in the Mekong Delta are more fortunate in terms of natural resources.
Furthermore, living amidst the waterways has shaped the free-spirited character of the people of the Mekong Delta - the open space, the wide rivers, and the high sky encourage a more expansive spirit. They easily adapt to change, as each flood season brings new challenges but also new bounty. This close connection with nature has instilled in them patience and diligence, while simultaneously creating a genuine and honest character.
Perhaps that's why people from the Mekong Delta are often remembered for their simple, unpretentious, and sincere nature. They readily open their hearts to strangers, readily offering a cup of tea or a piece of cake, as a way of showing the hospitality that is deeply ingrained in their blood.
People from the Mekong Delta are often associated with a simple and sincere image.
Simple and down-to-earth like people from the Mekong Delta.
Returning to Vinh Long, then passing through Can Tho and An Giang, we had the opportunity to interact with people from the Mekong Delta. Their genuine, simple yet sweet nature captivated us, leaving us feeling pleasantly intoxicated, like drinking a glass of sweet, fragrant palm milk in the early morning.
Simple, charming language
People from the Mekong Delta region typically speak in simple, unpretentious language. Their greetings are usually brief but full of warmth and affection: "Have you had dinner yet?", "Where are you going, dear?". These seemingly simple phrases make the listener feel close and sense genuine care.
The Western Vietnamese accent is sweet, soft, easy to listen to and understand, straightforward, and without pretense. This simplicity in language reflects the honest, frank, yet affectionate nature of the people here.
Friendly and hospitable
In An Giang, when we asked locals for directions, even though they were busy with work, they still stopped, chatted, and enthusiastically gave us directions.
"If you don't know anything, just ask that guy over there!" - an elderly man cheerfully pointed us to the person we could ask for detailed directions. When he heard that we wanted to visit An Giang and explore more of the Mekong Delta, he was very enthusiastic and even offered to invite the whole group into his house for a cup of tea and a meal.
The people here are not suspicious of strangers, nor do they harbor any ulterior motives in helping; instead, they see it as a joy, as treating others like neighbors.
This hospitality is not merely a formality, but stems from the heart. People in the Mekong Delta treat guests as family, readily sharing whatever they have, even if it's just a cup of hot tea or a piece of cake.
Help without hesitation
When we visited Cho Lach (Vinh Long Province) during the run-up to Tet (Lunar New Year), we decided to buy some flowering plants to take home for the festivities. We thought it would just be a regular wholesale transaction, but the locals treated it like an opportunity to share. Not only did they offer enthusiastic and friendly advice, but they also meticulously guided us on how to care for the plants and shared their gardening experiences, as if each flowering plant delivered to the buyer carried with it a precious piece of their life experience.
The kind smiles of the ladies and gentlemen, the brothers and sisters in Cho Lach made us feel not just as customers, but as close friends and neighbors.
People in the Mekong Delta are naturally friendly, approachable, easy to talk to, and helpful to visitors from other places. They are not hesitant or calculating in their help. This generosity and open-mindedness are nurtured by a life closely connected to nature.
Free-spirited amidst the river
At Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho), we clearly saw the open-mindedness of the people of the Mekong Delta. On boats laden with fruit, vendors rowed, chatting and laughing as they invited customers to buy their goods. There was no rush, no pressure, only sincerity in every greeting and every transaction.
They trade not just to make a living, but also to socialize and connect. Once, we were even invited to have a meal right on their boat. It was a simple meal of braised fish, sour soup, and white rice, but it was full of warmth and hospitality.
Sitting in the middle of the river, eating with them, we clearly felt their generosity and openness. It wasn't just a meal, but a cultural experience, a testament to the genuine nature of the people here.
Hospitality, kindness, and generosity - these three adjectives vividly portray the people of the Mekong Delta, and are also the three experiences we felt.
This genuine nature not only creates the beauty of the people but also contributes to the unique identity of the Mekong Delta - a rustic, intimate, yet vibrant land.
Conclusion
"People from the Mekong Delta are genuine and down-to-earth" - I think this notion isn't absolute. Even if it's a characteristic of the region that shapes their personality to some extent, there will still be certain differences between individuals. But from my travels and the people I've had the chance to interact with, I think this notion is about 90% accurate.
And perhaps, it is this genuineness that makes the Mekong Delta so beloved, not only because of its waterways, orchards laden with fruit, and bustling floating markets, but also because of its simple, hospitable, generous, and sincere people.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Trung Huynh
