It was an amazing morning as we cruised through the floating villages of Chau Doc on small sampans, watching the flurry of activity as people purchased fruits, vegetables, and other goods along the waterway. Each boat advertises what is being sold by hanging their product on a large pole sticking straight up in the air, an ingenious and effective display amidst the chaos of boat traffic moving up and down the river. Next we arrive at Chau Doc where we hop on cyclos (three-wheeled bicycles) that take us on a short city tour before dropping us off at a magnificent temple at the edge of a market. We curiously peek our heads in and out of the different stalls that make up the busy market, rousing our curiosity about the different scents and flavors of the wide variety of foods and beverages being sold.
In the afternoon, we cruise downriver to the small village of My An Hung. Most of the farm production here comes from hot chili peppers and bananas, and we take a hot afternoon stroll through the chili fields before arriving at one of the local houses for a sampling of various exotic fruits. We are invited inside an elderly couple’s house where they played wonderful music and sang popular songs for our group.
After making it back on board, we enjoy another fantastic evening as we cruise down river and catch the last light of day. The sky glows in a magnificent display of reds and oranges, before the sun finally dips over the horizon and darkness sets in. Another unforgettable day on the Mekong!
