Slow down your pace of life in a longboat along the Mekong River

Someone once told me that if I was ever travelling in Cambodia, I should take a longboat up the Mekong River. Flowing from China to Vietnam, the Mekong River is the longest river in south-east Asia. It flows through six countries, including Cambodia, so it was quite an adventure!

The wooden boats that make their way up and down the delta are – for the most part – a simple canoe-type with the addition of planking for seating. I splurged and spent $10 on the hire of an ‘executive model’, which really meant I had a canvas roof and guaranteed shade on my journey. I recommend this for anyone considering a tour of the Mekong River.

Being river boats, these vessels work in strong currents so being long and narrow is an advantage. It’s also worth noting that due to seasonal flooding, the best time to do a tour of the Mekong is in the ‘dry season’.

One of the best ways you can slow down your pace of life is to take one of these longboats. Seeing the rural life from the water was fabulous! I was afforded some stunning views. Floating communities bob up and down on the palm-fringed waters.

Fish from the river comprise the largest source of protein in Cambodia. Half of Vietnam’s rice is grown on the fertile Mekong River Delta, so it’s not surprising that it’s called the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’.

We stopped at a few villages along the way, just so that boat owner could introduce me to his friends but also to allow me a look around. I was particularly amazed by the old man making silver animals for a shop in the city and purchased a small deer as a memento.

We stopped at another village for lunch and I’ll admit I wasn’t 100 per cent sure what we were eating. Yet, ignorance can sometimes be bliss.

As we headed for home, the longboat’s motor started to smoke. I had visions of all my camera equipment going into the water. However, when I realised that all the petrol was being stored in plastic soft drink bottles I was more concerned about having my butt blown off.

We steered into the bank and a family helped me to shore. They all made a fuss and showed me their house and their prize rooster.

In the meantime, an old boat, which I’m guessing was a version of NRMA maritime rescue had turned up and my deluxe boat spluttered back to life.

We continued back along the river to where we had started our journey and even with the fire — that we referred to as a hiccup — I can say with certainty that I had an amazing day.

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