Home » Vietnam » Cruising Down and Up the Mekong

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

Displayed times (last time: )

actually my favorite of the entire trip. I sat on the bow of the boat and enjoyed looking at my surroundings. No touristy stops and no one trying to sell us stuff. We got to see the 'real' Mekong- large fishing nets hanging in the water, people washing clothes, farming, rice fields, yaks, cows, stilted houses, and kids that would scream at the top of their lungs and wave at us as we went by. It was fascinating. We met a group of people around our age traveling. I was talking about couchsurfing in Vietnam, and it turned out the German guy was part of the 'project' and was going to hit up Andrew and John when he returned to Saigon.

We stopped at the border for lunch. We ended up being there for almost 2 hours, waiting for the border patrol to open so we could pass through- one reason why it takes a long time on the slow boat. Yet, not a moment wasted. Beers were cheap, cute kids were everywhere, and we were with a fun group of people. Lois was my partner in crime drinking beer-for-beer with me. I befriended a girl with a bicycle who rode me around for a bit. Only problem was her bike did not have any brakes, only minor details! Driving a little under the influence on a bike with no brakes, I was asking for problems, thus a short-lived adventure. When the border opened I grabbed my bag and ran across. Sweet Victory! They let me in (honestly I think I really said this too)! Shouting with excitement, Lisa goes "She's an American" explaining my behavior to others- which did make me laugh. Then we went through more customs and I was allowed to take a photo with the customs officer. Lois lived in Phnom Penh for a year (and was returning for a quick visit) and her Khmer was quite helpful in my photo endeavor. We next boarded the 'Yellow Submarine' boat. We all camped out along the top enjoying more food and more beers, relaxing, great conversation, sun, and more kids who started to do flips off the mud banks into the river. ...