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Our last destination in Vietnam before heading into Cambodia was the Mekong Delta. Much to my dismay, I had to accept that the easiest and cheapest way to see the Mekong is on a package tour. At $34 for 3 days/2 nights including breakfast, hotel, and taking us into Cambodia, you really couldn't beat the price. I will say though, you get what you pay for. In Saigon Pham Ngu Lao Road was lined with tour offices all offering the same tour for the same price. How to choose? Honestly it doesn't matter which tour company one chooses, because they all get funneled down to the same bus. A couple on our bus went to two different agencies and talked to the same girl! We went with the one across from the Bia Hoi 33- location is everything right? The next three days were spent experiencing Mekong life, floating markets, cheesy yet fun touristy stops, our guide Bang singing in English, boats, good food, and the best part- incredible company. Definitely another incredible part of our already incredible trip.

Cruising Down and Up the Mekong

Casey Lary
2007-04-21 23:25:42

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ha baâ" (1-2-3) and threw down a rock. They caught on and all started to challenge me. What can I say, I am a sucker for kids and playing with them. The monastery was not high enough for me, and told Bang I was going to the top. A few others decided to make the trek with me. I was wearing a long peasant skirt and flip-flops. Not necessarily the best hiking equipment in addition to my sprained ankle, but I wasn't going to miss out- hiking being a minor obsession of mine. We made it to the top and saw the most incredible views of Vietnam and Cambodia. You could physically tell the difference between the two countries. It was similar to the border between Mexico and America: once you enter Mexico the terrain and atmosphere changes completely. The same was true about Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam had more rice fields and was much greener. Cambodia was more barren and brown. The sun started to set and it was beautiful.

I had fulfilled my hiking goal for the trip. That night the entire crew had a big feast-our last supper. Great conversation, food, beer, and I ate frog for my first time. After that we wandered through Chau Doc and ended playing hackey-sack with some locals. Jeff and I usually got our separate beds, yet tonight we shared one, and the room was the size of a tin can, therefore nicknaming it our 'love nest.'

Day 3
We got up early to head to Cambodia. We all were dreading the day because we were on the slow boat, which would take around 7 hours to get to Phnom Penh- meaning probably about 9 hours. We even considered hiring our own boat to take us in. Coming up empty handed, we all decided we were going to make the best of it- booze cruise or bust. In the morning we stopped at a fish farm and another village selling hand-woven scarves. I even got to try weaving one myself. The person that buys that one should be honored- I was great! Our boat combined with another group and headed up the Mekong. This boat ride was actually ...