For those keen on an early start, we commenced the day with an early morning walk with the expedition staff. Emily showed us how to take photos of the traffic and sunrise from the esplanade, before taking us through the markets and finishing at a lone large tree full of Lyle’s flying-foxes. I told everyone about these magnificent bats and the vital role they play in our environment.
Back onboard for breakfast, we cast off at 8:30 a.m. As we left Phnom Penh we passed the Royal Palace and headed back onto the Mekong River towards the Vietnamese border.
The remainder of the day was spent cruising on the beautiful Jahan. However, the day was full of on-board activities and talks to keep the group entertained. First, our guest lecturer, Dr. Jean Michel Filippi from the University of Phnom Penh, gave an amazing and highly entertaining talk on 20th century Cambodian history. Most of the passengers were riveted to their seats during this fascinating presentation.
There was plenty to do after lunch as well, including a tour into the ‘inner workings’ of the ship, presentations by me about the mighty Mekong River Basin, and David on the cultural differences between Cambodia and Vietnam. After the talks there was even a fun cooking class held in the dining room by the ship’s chefs.
Late in the afternoon, many gathered at the bow as we turned into the man-made Tan Chan canal connecting the upper river to the lower ‘Bassac’ river towards the fishing port of Chau Doc. As we witnessed the river traffic and bustling early evening life on the river, it was obvious that we were now well and truly in Vietnam, and ready to explore this country in detail over the next few days.
