On our last day aboard the Jahan, we spent the morning exploring the town of Angkor Ban. This small town is significant because it is one of the few towns spared the ravages of the Khmer Rouge. The homes are still the original buildings, some dating back to the 1800s. Modern conveniences like electricity have arrived, but life goes on in much the same way it has for centuries. It was such a joy to walk among the local people, who welcomed us to the community. We happened upon a wedding, and our guests were invited to be photographed with the bride and groom.
2/23/2024
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The Jahan
Binh Than Island and Cai Be, Vietnam
We hopped on sampans, local passenger boats, for a cruise to a small village on Binh Than Island to walk through local homes and learn about the process of weaving, drying, and exporting functional mats. At the local community center (which is also a colorful temple), we met with village elders for a short discussion about their lives and the area. Afterward, we did a leisurely cruise through the canals and got to witness the harvesting of water hyacinths, an invasive species common in the Mekong Delta. During the afternoon, we boarded sampans again to visit the island of Tan Phong to visit a group of women making baskets, souvenirs, and other items from water hyacinth. Then, we cruised around the town on six-seater golf carts for a scenic ride through the orchards. After boarding the sampans again, we headed to the small town of Phu An to visit a series of small workshops to see the production of a variety of items including rice paper, rice wine, and coconut candies. Everyone was able to sample the treats. Before dinner, the entire staff and crew of Jahan was introduced during our ship farewell cocktail hour and posed for photos.
