Binh Thanh Island, Vietnam

Binh Thanh, locally known as Cồn Bình Thạnh, is a pretty large island-commune located in Cao Lanh district, south of Dong Thap Province, as well as in short reach to Sa Dec. The island is one of the popular tourist attractions not to be missed in many Mekong River Cruises which offer unique boat excursions to the island, exploring its lush tropical landscape scenery and rustic local life only seen in the South of Vietnam. 
Formed by abundant silt from Tien River, Binh Thanh island has a large area of enriched soil with good nutrient source for developing agriculture; growing wet rice, tropical fruits and vegetables – a popular trade along the Delta. If you have a chance to visit the island, it’s highly recommended taking part in a walking or cycling tour around to admire the immense padding fields and see local people working on their farms. A traditional sampan ride can take you gliding through narrow channels and have a look at fantastic orchards where you can experience the harvesting or tasting some tropical fruits. 
Some communities settled here also develop a famous handicraft that nowadays becomes a featured highlight of the region, that is growing water hyacinths and traditional, handmade mats. Right when you step on the island, the lush green water hyacinth plantations will catch your eye with their purple-blue colored flowers and vibrancy. These plants float on the water in clusters by small plastic ropes, quickly be nurtured by the Mekong, then harvested, and processed to become the main ingredient to weave mats and plenty of other useful items. As you visit authentic villages on the island, you will see extensive lines of water hyacinth plants dried naturally by the sun on the both sides of the small roads, then stop by a local house and observe the whole process of mat making that looks quite simple, but actually requires a strict patience and skillful artisanship. The local craftsmen are mainly women working together, usually in pairs, who may even teach you some basic steps and let you try weaving yourself manually. What a rare and interesting experience to delve into the peaceful local lifestyle and culture of the Mekong Delta.