A Captain’s Journey: Navigating the Mekong River on the Toum Tiou 2

First Officer Tran Minh Duc

As the captain of the RV Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour, offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, I have the privilege of guiding travelers on one of the most beautiful and historically rich rivers in Southeast Asia—the Mekong River. Our 9-day Discovery Cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia is an unforgettable adventure, taking guests through vibrant floating villages, tranquil waters, and landscapes that seem to have remained unchanged for centuries. But for me, every day is an opportunity to reconnect with the river, the people, and the incredible culture that surrounds us.

The Role of a Captain

My work as captain involves much more than simply steering the boat. I am responsible for the safety, navigation, and overall operation of the RV Toum Tiou 2, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for our passengers and crew. The Mekong River is both a beautiful and unpredictable waterway, so it requires constant attention to the changing tides, currents, and weather conditions. Each day, I’m in charge of planning our route, adjusting for obstacles, and deciding where we’ll moor for the night. But my job is also about creating a memorable and safe experience for our guests. This means I work closely with the First Officer and the rest of the crew to make sure everything operates smoothly and as planned.

The Mekong: A River of Life

View from Toum Tiou 2

The Mekong River is the heart and soul of this part of Southeast Asia. As we glide along its waters, I see firsthand how it sustains the communities that line its banks. From the bustling floating markets to the serene villages nestled along its shores, the river is both a lifeline and a living history book. As captain, I have the honour of navigating this waterway, ensuring that we stay on course while offering our passengers a front-row seat to the wonders of the region.

The Mekong River is the heart and soul of this part of Southeast Asia. As we glide along its waters, I see firsthand how it sustains the communities that line its banks. From the bustling floating markets to the serene villages nestled along its shores, the river is both a lifeline and a living history book. As captain, I have the honour of navigating this waterway, ensuring that we stay on course while offering our passengers a front-row seat to the wonders of the region.

One of the most unique aspects of the RV Toum Tiou 2 Discovery Cruise is that we get to introduce our guests to both the natural and cultural aspects of the Mekong. Along the way, we stop at floating villages, local markets, and ancient temples. But there is always more to discover—whether it’s seeing fishermen in their boats at sunrise, or watching children playing on the riverbanks. The landscapes change with each bend of the river, offering our passengers a sense of wonder and awe every day.

A Day in the Life of a Captain

Toum Tiou 2

My typical day begins early, long before the sun rises. The first order of business is checking the weather and river conditions, which can shift quickly. I also communicate with local authorities, ensuring we have the necessary permits to navigate certain parts of the river, especially when we’re crossing into Cambodian waters. Once everything is in place, I inspect the boat, check the engines, and make sure our crew is ready for the day.

My typical day begins early, long before the sun rises. The first order of business is checking the weather and river conditions, which can shift quickly. I also communicate with local authorities, ensuring we have the necessary permits to navigate certain parts of the river, especially when we’re crossing into Cambodian waters. Once everything is in place, I inspect the boat, check the engines, and make sure our crew is ready for the day.

The pilot house of the Toum Tiou 2

When we set sail , it’s a careful dance between navigation, timing, and safety. The RV Toum Tiou 2 is designed for comfort and stability, but the river can be challenging. In some areas, the waterways are narrow and congested with fishing boats and cargo barges, demanding constant alertness and strategic navigation. I must keep a steady course while staying vigilant for potential hazards. Our guests are often on the deck, taking in the sights, and it's my job to ensure they enjoy the journey safely.

Travelling on the Mekong River during flood season is a completely different experience—one that evokes awe and respect for the power of nature as the waters swell and spread across the landscape. During this time, the river transforms into a vast, nearly endless expanse, stretching far beyond its usual banks and sometimes submerging entire fields and villages. The local people are well adapted to the floods, building their homes on stilts to keep them dry during the rising waters.

View from Toum Tiou 2

The once-defined riverbanks disappear into wide, muddy plains, with the water stretching far beyond its normal limits. Navigating the Mekong in flood is a unique experience—both awe-inspiring and humbling. The wide, disorienting waters can be difficult to navigate, as new tributaries and channels emerge, making the waterway seem more like a giant, interconnected lake than a river. For me as captain, it requires extra caution and skill, as the current becomes stronger, and the waters are often filled with debris, making navigation more challenging. Yet, there’s a certain beauty to seeing the river in this expansive state—a sense of awe at the scale of nature’s forces. It’s a reminder of the river’s power and unpredictability. For our passengers, it offers a rare chance to witness the Mekong at its most dynamic, flowing with untamed energy, reshaping the land, and revealing a side of the river few ever get to see—submerged trees, flooded villages, and wildlife in unexpected places. The flood season reminds us of the river’s ever-changing nature and the respect we must have when travelling through it.

Some of the Toum Tiou 2 crew

Throughout the day, I work closely with the RV Toum Tiou 2 crew, making sure that everything is running smoothly. We have a small but efficient team, and we operate like a well-oiled machine. I’m also responsible for adjusting our itinerary if necessary. Sometimes the current or weather conditions require us to change course, and while this can be challenging, it’s all part of the adventure.

In the evenings, as we arrive at a new mooring point, I oversee the docking process. There’s always a sense of accomplishment when we safely arrive at a new destination, whether it's a small village or the bustling city of Phnom Penh. It's a moment of tranquility before the evening's activities kick off—dinner 
and cultural events that our guests look forward to as part of their cruise experience.

Experiencing Life Along the River

Toum Tiou 2

Every time we pass a floating village or approach a local market, I feel a deep sense of connection to the people here. Many of the communities we visit are generations-old, and their way of life is intimately tied to the rhythm of the river. Seeing our guests’ reactions as they witness this way of life is always fulfilling. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you spend time on the Mekong. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a  feeling of being part of something much bigger than yourself.

The Beauty of the Mekong

View from Toum Tiou 2

After nearly a decade of navigating the Mekong, I still find myself in awe of the river’s beauty. The sunrise over the water is always breathtaking, and the sunsets are just as spectacular. There are moments when I take a pause, standing at the helm of the RV Toum Tiou 2, and simply look out at the horizon. Whether we’re passing through the lush forests of Vietnam, the ancient temples of Cambodia, or the ever-changing waters of the river itself, there’s a deep sense of tranquility.

Every time we pass a floating village or approach a local market, I feel a deep sense of connection to the people here. Many of the communities we visit are generations-old, and their way of life is intimately tied to the rhythm of the river. Seeing our guests’ reactions as they witness this way of life is always fulfilling. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you spend time on the Mekong. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a feeling of  being part of something much bigger than yourself.

The Mekong is not just a river; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. And for me, guiding the RV Toum Tiou 2 through its waters is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am proud to share this incredible journey with our passengers, showing them a side of Southeast Asia that few have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

As we approach the end of our 9-day Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour, offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, I reflect on the many moments we’ve shared on the river. The Mekong is a place of constant change and timeless beauty, and every day spent here is a reminder of why I chose this life on the water. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that our guests leave with memories that will last a lifetime—memories of a river, its people, and the adventures that unfold along its banks.

Toum Tiou 2

Toum Tiou 2

*New Discovery Tour offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope 

Website: www.cfmekong.com
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Address: Office 20, Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, 12207, Cambodia
Phone Number: + 855 (0) 23 216 070, + 855 (0) 12 240 859