One Year Away

Penny

There are 2 options for overland travel from southern Vietnam to Cambodia.  You can take the bus or you can choose the more scenic boat option.  Joe and I decided that for the same amount of time, the boat was the way to go.  In Chau Doc, Vietnam, we organized our entry into Cambodia.  We decided to go with the slower and much cheaper option of the slow boat versus the speed boat.  The trip would take 8 hours and would require that we change boats at the border and take a one and a half hour bus ride from the Cambodian landing port to the city.

Although difficult and strenuous, the trip proved to be unforgettable.  Along the shores of the Mekong, there were lots of little farming villages.  Many families had built homes by the river banks and as we traveled north, we were able to see how daily life unfolds in this part of the world. 

The warmth, smiles and "hellos" of the children were the most memorable part of the journey.  As we sailed past in our beaten up boat, the children bathing, playing or working by the river bank would stop and start screaming at the top of their lungs "Hello!" and would wave furiously at us with huge smiles.  The constant waving was too much for me but Joe waved like royalty throughout the ride… His technique rivals that of the Queen’s.

The slow boat trip is not for everyone.  It is really hot in Cambodia and in a covered no-aircon questionable boat, it can get pretty miserable.  But if you are up for it, the children make all the difference!  Here are some details:

Where to book:  Most hotels in Chau Doc sell trips by boat and bus to Cambodia

Cost: USD $8 (or USD $17 for the fast boat)

Time: About 8 hours in total including the border crossing

Most tour operators take care of obtaining a visa for you.  The cost of the visa is USD $20 at the border and our operator charged an extra USD $2 for the service of getting it.  The service was well worth the cost.