Monday, 5 December 2011

A Trip Down the Mekong River in South East Asia

By Ian Smith


Holiday planning can be fun, so as a suggestion why not get on a small barge on the Mekong River for a brief or if you want a longer trip. The river is probably the most important river in this part of Asia, and is a major waterway for the people who live there.It acts as a border between Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

History lets us see the French being the major colonial power but really it is the Mekong that has had the most important impact. The Mekong River is synonymous with the war in Vietnam, and the name has been involved in wars going back several centuries.It is good not to associate the Mekong River with a war, but instead to talk about it in the context of holidays.

The question is why on earth choose the Mekong River. Just come to terms with where the river is, and what is on its banks.It is very definitely the river's past history that made what surrounds it so very interesting.

Historically the river was the main road of the country, and so many of the temples and the towns and villages were on the banks. There are beautiful Khmer temples, villages that time has passed by, and busy markets all along the river. Writing about it is no way to describe the sheer wondrous beauty, you have to go for yourself.

If you are short of time, and you hate crowds of people the small converted barges and a three day trip will suit well.Comfort is the key, and the barges certainly provide that, added to this are extraordinary views from the decks. You are in Laos for this cruise and the river here is renowned, and all of the excursions are top class.

You will visit some of the country's most important sites. Wat Phou is on the list and it is ancient, even before the Angkor Empire.These include Wat Phou which dates before the Angkor Empire. Don't miss Phapheng the roaring waterfalls that are the largest in Asia. Another thing you definitely won't miss are the four thousand islands on the river as it gets close to Cambodia.

If time is not pressing, there are cruises that last up to 22 days.Here you will leave Laos behind and go through Cambodia and Vietnam.You will go through Bangkok to Houey Sai in Laos to board, and then eventually arrive 22 days later in Saigon. You will spend some nights ashore on your river cruise. The whole atmosphere on these boat trips is one of old fashioned Laos hospitality. In terms of being looked after on the boat, everything from your accommodation, to food, and service, is out of this world. In addition you will be learning a great deal about modern and ancient history in this beautiful part of the world with such a violent past.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment