Every journey starts somewhere. The ever-quotable proverb “the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step” exemplifies this. Our all-inclusive kosher vacation travels take us all around the world, from the historic destinations of Europe to the scenic wonders of Asia.
One such wonder is the metropolitan travel destination of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the first locale that our Mekong River expedition in 2020 will visit. This city is full of historic and cultural sites, such as the Giac Lam Pagoda and the Reunification Palace. Afterwards, we will then travel to My Tho, where the Jayavarman will take us on a tour up the Mekong River.
What is My Tho?
My Tho is the regional capital of Tien Giang Province, and is an inland port connected to both Ho Chi Minh City (via highway) and the Mekong River. This allows My Tho to be an ideal spot for tourism, a place where various river tours (such as our own) can embark on their respective journeys. As a city in the abundant Mekong Delta region, it is rich in fruit and vegetable production, while its floating markets serve both as an economic hub and as a tourist destination.
History of My Tho
A former part of the Khmer Empire, My Tho was founded around the 1680s by refugees fleeing the fall of the Southern Ming Dynasty, when the Manchu Aisin Gioro founded the last dynasty of China. The Vietnamese annexed this city the century afterwards, considering its strategic location. However, this city was ceded to France when they solidified their grip on mainland Southeast Asia.
A Step in a Long Journey
Despite lacking the metropolitan gravitas of the neighboring city of Ho Chi Minh, My Tho has its own charm. From the floating markets to the local temples, My Tho is a great first step to fulfilling Glatt Kosher Vacation cruise along the Mekong.
