Use the links above to see more photos.

We were assigned hammocks and a bamboo mat when we boarded. There were about 15 other passengers, all Vietnamese.

The boat is owned and operated by a family whose kitchen and sleeping quarters are below. Not exactly 5-star accommodations, but a lot of fun.

Avoiding guided tours is not easy in this country as the authorities like to keep tabs on all their foreign guests. They don't hassle you, they just want to know where you are.