Fascinating Discoveries on The Mighty Mekong
The Upper Mekong River adventure had so many interesting experiences, even before it was time to embark on the Mekong Pearl. A three-night hotel stay in Bangkok, a longboat cruise on the Chao Praya River through the narrow canals to view firsthand life on the river; a Thai cooking class; visits to just the right number of temples and spectacular palaces. From Bangkok, we flew north to Chiang Rai for a two-night hotel stay to experience lush tea plantations, village visits and a lively night bazaar. Travelling to the fabled Golden Triangle region, once the centre of the opium industry, we enjoyed a city tour and an interesting visit to the Hall of Opium Museum. Soon, it was time to board our little ship, the Mekong Pearl, where our voyage on the mighty Mekong began.
At dawn one morning, as the new day’s light began to peek through my balcony curtain, I heard the slight creaking of soft footsteps passing my cabin door and I suspected it was a waiter about to prepare coffee for the early risers. Outside, two crew members scampered up the sandy incline to untie the heavy ropes from around a tree and massive rock, that had been holding our little vessel secure. They pulled them onto the ship and as we set sail, a rooster crowed in the nearby village. Strolling to the deck, several of my fellow travellers were enjoying the quiet of this tranquil morning. The sun began to peek from behind the mountains in the distance. We watched in silence, taking in the beauty and serenity of this magical scene.
In the hill tribe villages, residents greeted us quietly; young mothers carrying babes at their hip; children curiously sizing up these strangers in their village; dogs running freely and chickens pecking at the dirt; men weaving straw baskets that would store rice, and young fellows tying dried grasses and reeds together to make a new roof. Rickety wooden tables were covered in hand-embroidered pieces of fabric and hand-loomed scarves ready for sale.
Throughout our voyage, we visited three primary schools and had the opportunity of interacting with the children, who were from various tribes. Our group had brought toys, balls and school supplies. When the gifts were presented, it was only a minute before the school supplies were set aside, but the balls were soon thrown, kicked and tossed around to everyone’s delight, kids and visitors alike.
In Luang Prabang, the alms-giving ceremony, or Tak Bat in Lao, is a centuries-old, tradition in the Buddhist culture of Lao people. Alms-giving takes place daily from 5:30 in the morning, starting from temples in this ancient town to the main roads and back streets. We were honoured for the opportunity to take part in this solemn ritual. We sat on sat on plastic chairs along the street, while barefoot monks in orange robes, walked towards us, with their alms baskets. Earlier, each visitor had been given a small container of rice. As each young monk passed, head bowed, we placed a small amount of rice in each basket. The monks collect the rice and other donated food items as a form of meditation. This is their meal for the day.
Disembarking Mekong Pearl one morning, tuktuks were waiting to take us a short fifteen-minute ride to the pristine, cascading Kuang Si Falls, a World Heritage site. Because the location is somewhat remote, tourism is limited and the terrain remains rugged, natural and stunningly beautiful. Wooden walkways keep visitors safe and there are wonderful areas to swim in the clean, turquoise water, in the midst of the spectacular waterfalls.
Returning to our riverboat late one afternoon, we found that the crew had set up a party place on the sandy beach, built a massive bonfire, hung a string of lights and attached palm leaves to poles in the sand. That evening, there was a wonderful barbecue on the beach. The crew brought out a guitar and drums and sang Lao songs late into the night to entertain us. When they broke into John Denver’s “Country Roads” we all joined in. We danced in the sand, enjoyed wine, Lao beer and the local moonshine. Later, paper lanterns were lit and sent into the night sky over the mighty Mekong. Special memories are made of this, a voyage like no other.
Ready for your own adventure in Laos and Thailand? Join our upcoming Upper Mekong River cruise.
