Into the Mekong Delta

life on the river outside of Phnom Penh
see all photos »

We took a riverboat down through the Mekong Delta, from Cambodia to Vietnam. Although we were excited to see another new country, we were sad to be leaving Cambodia. The cruise was several hours, but fairly comfortable. There was a huge storm in the middle of it, right when we were supposed to cross the border. Crossing the border usually involves taking out all the luggage and scanning it, then loading it back onto the boat. We were tied up at the barge about to begin the ordeal when the rain saved us from the whole hassle. We still had all the little Vietnamese kids jump on the boat offering to change money or sell umbrellas and raincoats.

river dwellings
see all photos »

The boat pulled up at the Victoria Hotel in Chau Doc. This Vietnamese town was a lot better off than what we had seen passing down the rivers from Cambodia. Our hotel was right across from the market. Once again, we were lucky with the rain. It didn’t start until after we all brought our packs into the hotel. About two seconds after the downpour started, the entire town was deserted. I had brought my raincoat and Sara didn’t care, so we made it across the street to a café where they had amazing pineapple shakes. Vietnamese food is wonderful – so light and fresh but still full of flavor.

laid back border town

Vietnamese river life
see all photos »

When the rain ceased, we headed up to Sam Mountain. Pagodas and buddha statues cover the mountain – we passed tons of shrines on the way up. Our goal was to see the sunset over the flatlands below, but we got there so early that we had plenty of time on our hands. Most of us just explored the peak – a few people played hackeysack with the locals. We found some hammocks to relax in as we waited for the spectacular view of a glorious sunset over the rice paddies. I think all the rain and clouds from earlier got in the way.