The Mekong river (also known as the red river due to the amount of mud in it) is the 10th longest in the world, with the estimated length being 4,350 km (2,703 miles).
The scenic environment makes for a peaceful trip
My mode of transport down this major link of Laos is the traditional tourist packed slow boat (as opposed to the smaller fast boat).
Another slow boat docked beside the river
There was about 100 of us on there for the first day passing 6-7hours and the same amount of people but on a smaller more cramped slow boat on the second day for about 8 hours, it’s quite hard going on the rear end on small wooden benchs, most people purchased pillows for the epic journey, myself included.
Shipping container docked along the river
The scenery was consistently spectacular and green all along the river, with the odd stopping point to pick and let off passengers, I have no idea how these spots were decided though, just seems to be where the biggest crowd gathers.
A village alongside the river front
There was fishing nets cast in certain areas along the river (usually near rocks where the water was a bit fresher so fish are more likely to dwell) so the occasional fisherman was spotted getting food from his nets.
A fisherman awaits his catch of the day
Certainly a stylish way to see the country and relatively cheap too. The scenery was occasionally spoiled by the odd patch of rain though as plastic tarpaulines were lowered down the side of the boat so the view outside was limited to the fellow passengers inside the boat.
Another fisherman retrieving his net to see what's for dinner
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Still cool though.
Your posts always have a great set of photos and information!
Thanks very much Alex.
The scenery does look consistently spectacular, I am a big fan of green along the river beds. Great post, thank you.