Siem Reap and Cruising the Mekong

Tan Chau

2.29.20 - 2.29.20 90 °F

Today we experienced the first town in Vietnam - totally different from Cambodia, only a few kilometers away. Our town was Tan Chau, a small delta town untouched by tourism. It is famous for Tân Châu silk with the famous product Lãnh Mỹ A, whose black color comes from the Diospyros mollis's fruit. Châu was formed in 1757. We tendered in from the ship, and boarded rickshaws for the 15 minute ride to the silk factory.

We then reboarded our rickshaws and took another 15 minute ride to a rattan mat factory. The mats are the mattress of choice for Delta villages.

It was then back into the boat for the 20 minute ride to the small farming village of Evergreen Island. During the rainy season this island is usually underwater and everyone has a boat to get to the markets. While on the island a local family invited us into their house...one of the greatest honors you can pay a family in the Delta culture. After walking through the village, it was back on the boat and back to the ship. This afternoon is cruising to our next town for tomorrow's morning excursion.