Cruising the Mekong: Part III, On the Cambodian Border

Kia Ora!

Weaving for the Tourists

Unlike the Cu Lao Gieng Island village we visited earlier, the people of this Cham community capitalize on the tourists that stop here. Obviously they are on the schedule for more tour boats than just Gecko Eyes III. Of course I did a little bargaining and ended up with more items than I anticipated. That is how the game is played. Vendors are quite happy to have their photos taken. That, too, is part of the deal.

Younger Citizens

The 4,000 residents of this village are Malay speakers, descendants of a migration from the west many centuries ago. The Khmer Rouge crossed the border to murder and terrorize these people. After defeating the Americans, the Viet Nam military chased the marauders back across the border to protect these legitimate citizens of their country. 

Cham Village

This is a Muslim village as noted by the dress of the citizens. Perhaps a purpose of Viet Nam tourism is to expose us to the diversity of cultures that make up Viet Nam.

Mosque Interior

Stilt House

Structures are on stilts to accommodate the flooding of the Mekong. More malaria?

Exiting and returning to our floating home was sometimes a bit tricky. The crew was very cognizant of our safety, holding a tree limb as a banister for our balance.

Cheers,

Kiwi Traveler