The mighty Mekong . A river so vast and so important in practically feeds the entire population of Vietnam several times over. Known as Vietnam 's ‘rice bowl', the southern trip of the country is sometimes ignored by visitors and yet it holds abundant interest. Flowing down from the mountains of Tibet , through China , Myanmar , Thailand , Laos and Cambodia , the Mekong dissipates into two at Phnom Penh before pouring into the South China Sea . In between these two reaches of water are hundreds of thousands of tributaries and canals, all feeding into vast expanses of agricultural land.

The opportunities to explore this region are endless. Take a private motorized boat and journey up river to the small communities and villages and see life as it has been for centuries. Visit fruit plantations and orchards offering the most delicious tropical fruits, see verdant rice fields teeming with life as they are tended to throughout the seasons and come face to face with traders at the numerous floating markets that are scattered throughout the Mekong.

And if you ever tire of being on the water, stroll through the quaint townships of Can Tho or Chau Doc and visit the local markets or one of the many Khmer pagodas and pass time chatting with a monk, many are of whom are all too keen to practice their English with you.