Down the Mekong River: Welcome to Waterworld

Leaving Cambodia and entering Viet Nam by boat was one of my best decisions. The ride down the Mekong River was awesome. I cannot believe I am fortunate enough to make a trip like this. We left Phenom Penh at noon time and crossed the border into Viet Nam about three hours later. It was a little nerve racking, entering a Communist country for the first time. The border guards didn't make things easier.

Boys Waving

As we followed the river down the Mekong Delta we saw more and more settlements along the banks. Closer to Chau Doc there were kids swimming in the water and men stringing out fishing nets. The feeling was almost dreamlike. I could not believe what I was seeing. An incredible life on the water. The highlight of my trip so far.

Girls Washing

I got into Chau Doc, the major border town after the border, just before dusk. A cyclo driver named Wong asked to take me to a good hotel and I accepted. His english was excellent making things easy for me. The hotel was good and cheap and he waited outside while I showered then took me to an ATM so I could get Vietnamese Dongs. After that we went and booked my bus for Saigon, then a massage, and then some well deserved beers.

We did get drunk together. He told me all about things in his city. Then we went for dinner, where the waitresses sit and actually feed you. It was interesting to say the least. Exhausted, I had Wong bicycle me to my hotel about 10 pm. It was a day I'll never forget.

Leaving Cambodia, Phenom Penh from the river.

Men Working

River Shacks