Days 14-15: River cruising and Tra Su Forest

 Day 14: Relax on the river cruise and cross into Vietnam

Today was a relaxing day just watching life on the Mekong as we traveled south from Phnom Penh and into Vietnam. 

Leaving Phnom Penh

Leaving Phnom Penh

Life along the Mekong

Sunset as we anchored mid-river for the night.

Day 15: Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary

Today we had an early morning excursion to visit Vietnam’s no Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary. We first took a tender from our river cruise ship

Then traveled by bus though several villages

and past rice fields

before reaching the Tra Su Forest, an inland waterway. This region includes cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies, and bright green moss along with 70+ species of bird species.

We were supposed to take a sampan (small row boat) but as I entered, I realized the seat was too low and I worried I wouldn't be able to get back out, so Steve took the boat and I wandered around on the ground 

I was "attacked" by pigeons (it was terrifying)

Saw fishing nets

Saw all sorts of interesting sculptures 

And enjoyed a walk across bamboo bridges.

When the small row boats returned, we boarded slightly larger motor boats, which I was able to take 

After we finished the boat ride, Steve had to show off by crossing the "monkey bridge" without using the handrails 

We returned to our ship for lunch, then spent a relaxing afternoon cruising further south and enjoying the scenery.