A gorgeous red sun greeted us this morning, seeming to float horizontally along the treetops as we drifted gently downstream. A fresh early start fuelled by a healthy breakfast and we soon stepped into the view, out on our sampans, exploring the bustle of the local produce exchanges on the Mekong. These floating supermarkets – a flotilla of fruits and vegetables in well-weathered wooden boats, many painted in splashes of bold aqua blue, and skewered high on a flagpole, a pineapple, watermelon, or a hand of banana’s, advertised to buyers what each boat was offering.
Alighting on shore, walking through a narrow alley, a buzzing scene exploded into view as we spilled into the centre of the local marketplace, caught our breath, senses of sound and smell overwhelming. Weaving our way to a clearing by a temple we then boarded the favourite local transport, vinyl art deco seats attached to bicycle wheels powered by two human legs! They’re really quite comfortable and are the best way to melt into the street scene in Vietnam. And there is nothing to block your view of the action around you! After a tour of the surrounding streets we were given free time in the market – so much to see! Dragon fruits and hairy Rambutans, bananas reached out their inviting yellow fingers from woven reed baskets. Women recited endless chants to declare their wares, a woman on a motorcycle stopped to pick up ‘drive through’ takeaways in a plastic bag that would be used to bring a goldfish home from the pet shop. Everywhere the lively hum of foreign scents, sounds, accents and most interesting activity. A quick visit to a local family’s floating fish farm was an excellent chance to get a closer look at river livelihood.
We were back on board as Jahan repositioned upriver to the border crossing with Cambodia. We enjoyed the wonders and sights of simple life along the river banks – children swimming, a mother washing clothes in the river, a man sitting patiently while his water buffalo enjoyed some soothing bathing to beat the tropical heat. Floating houses lining the shore are a great way to live here as the dry and swollen moods of the rivers seasonally change. After a tasty lunch, we relished gleaning some local knowledge and greater perspectives from our cultural and natural expert Stephane in his presentation on the ‘Mighty Mekong’ which we very much enjoyed. Then with the sun on its way west, a fun cooking lesson put on by the ship’s galley of spring rolls and ‘Cambodian chicken amok,’ attracted a gathering of those culinarily inclined.
Sunset at the cocktail bar is a great way to celebrate a day of new vistas and experiences, and we gathered and chatted, photographed and shared our memories of today’s events and moments. We toasted a birthday among our group, and added a touch of extra festivity to the occasion. We enjoyed the wonderful dinner as we sailed upstream to adventures that lie in wait for us with tomorrow’s sunrise - a fitting close to a day of uncommon pleasures.
