A river journey of adventure and enlightenment
Whisked by Took Took from our hotel, through the streets of Phenom Penh, the evening's adventure begins. We share it with what we presume is a Europeon couple, as they, our Took Took pilot, and we can not find a common language amongst us. We arrive at the banks of Mekong, and through a series simple words and gestures are told to hike down its bank to where a number of waiting river boats await.
This is not the Love Boat, your typical pier, or even a dock. The flat bottom boat's hull is lying on the bank, and we gingerly step across a couple of loose wooden planks which serve a boarding ramp. Momentarily you question if it is wise to embark on this vessel, but the crew is welcoming you aboard. Once committed, you are glad you did, and are thankful for the memory to share. In a few short years, Phenom Penh will likely be less gritty, and this boat ride will be more commercialized, but likely absent its character.
Finding a spot on the upper deck, the crew offers beer, wine, water, and we depart with the sun still high in the sky. We are treated to a view of the city you can only see from our water vantage point. The narrator, who is both funny, and informative, explains what we are seeing, including the city skyline, and the various encampments which dot the river's banks, and the historical landmarks. We gain insights into the significance of the river, and the culture which has thrived and survived good and bad times through the ages. It's a reminder that travel can be more than sightseeing; it can be a gateway to understanding and appreciation.
As the sun slowly makes its way to the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and tranquil purple, the Mekong River embraces the evening with a serene grace. Aboard our river barge one cannot help but feel a profound connection to the pulse of the city and the ancient waterway that has been its lifeblood for centuries.
The highlight, of course, is the sunset. It's a moment that seems to stand still in time, a spectacle that reminds us of the world's effortless beauty. The water reflects the sky's metamorphosis, becoming a canvas for the sun's final performance of the day. It's a scene that captures the heart and etches itself into memory.
As the cruise comes to an end and the night blankets the Mekong, we see other brightly lit boats on the Mekong. All of us sharing a moment. The Captain deftly brings the boat to rest on the shore again, we climb down the deck's ladder, and wish a farewell. We leave grateful for having been able to experience this moment.
Great idea of including a tuk tuk pickup in the price. Lovely ride to the boat with a welcome beer and soft drink to take to our seats. The tour was interesting, the waiters spoke very good English and the beer was plentiful.
We booked impulsively as an easy evening activity on our first day in Phnom Penh. Free pickup from the hotel was a big plus!
With only some 15-20 people on board, everybody were gathered on the top floor (of three). We quickly got beer and were attentively refilled the entire time. We got some pineapple and watermelon too.
The guide set off immediately and talked for about 1/3-rd of the trip.
His English was not the best, but unfortunately what we did understand, was the most racistic spew we've ever heard. Apparently muslims are all polyamorous, poor, have > 10 children and live in the house boats on the riverbanks of the Mekong.
If you can live with all the "mouth diarrhea", it's a good little trip to take.
Try to do it on a day with little clouds/smog.