The Mekong River
is the longest river in Southeast Asia, and the 12th longest in the world. It has a length of about 2,700 miles (4,350 km). Starting in the plateaus of Tibet, the river then flows through China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea south of Ho Chi Ming City. About three-fourths of the drainage area of the Mekong lies within the four countries the river traverses on its lower course—Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietna
River Commerce
I enjoyed watching all the boats that were laden with products as they headed south to the ports on the South China Sea. Many boats contained rice as Vietnam is the fifth largest exporter of rice in the world.
Life On The River
To me, the most enjoyable feature of being in Chau Doc was to watch the activities of the people on the river. Living and working on the Mekong River is a very different lifestyle choice compared to how we live. Most boats had very simple structures on the back of the boat. This is where the families live in very cramped quarters with no real toilets or electricity on board. Toilet waste - the Mekong River.
Floating River Market
Boats traveling on the river don’t have to put into port to restock supplies as there are Floating Markets on the Mekong River that will provide boats with fresh fruits and vegetables. I signed up for a very interesting trip to experience how people live on the river. Look at the first photo and the poles protruding from the front of the ship - that will tell you what fruits they have to sell.
Riverfront Homes
By looking at the type of structure, you can tell what trade the owners are involved in. Some are fisherman and some fish farmers. Underneath some of these buildings/homes you will find massive nets that will hold thousands of captive fish growing to be harvested and sold to local and national fish markets throughout Vietnam.
Women On The River
It’s not just a “Mans World” on the Mekong River. Often you see women on all kinds of boats transporting goods and selling products.
The faces of the people living on the Mekong River show a hard life, but also a happy one too. Living conditions are simple and not easy compared to the amenities that surround our lives. Traveling to South East Asia, try to find a tour that will allow you to experience first hand how the people living on the Mekong River - depend on the river and each other to live a life very different from our own.
