Already did a photographs of Kompong Chhnang post on the fascinating market of this provincial Cambodian town but thought we’d add a few rainy season photographs for good measure since the views do change radically with the change in water levels.
Boats arriving at the riverside market With the market being located right on the Tonle Sap riverbank, high water means the boats can unload their produce, from surrounding farms and gardens or fish from nearby fish farms and fishing grounds, directly into the market itself. Which does, however, create a total (organized?) chaos of boats of every size and description shuffling for a spot on the muddy bank resulting in a solid mass of river-craft between which you could hardly insert a surf board, (sideways)!
Grabbing a bite to eat wherever there’s room Many of the boats double as homes with the families living on the ‘houseboats’ during the rainy season and then setting up temporary shacks on river or lake banks during the dry season. Some of these itinerant vendors – many of whom are Vietnamese – can cover long distances along Cambodia’s waterways, rivers and of course the great Tonle Sap Lake in order to eke out a living though sceptics would point out that some Vietnamese like to have ‘mobile homes’ so they can make a quick get away if things turn nasty.
Vietnamese family returning from the market This family had even brought the pet dog along!
Guarding the boat Always a fascinating and photogenic market and river scene at any time of year and the hustle and bustle, plus a mix of Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese people can give Kompong Chnang a distinct Mekong Delta town feel.
Local taxi
Plenty of friendly locals around
…and small kids left in charge of large boats All photographs of Kompong Chhnang on our All Points East, Cambodia Overland tour.
Cheers!
