This is the most common craft on the river and the one offering the most options for comfort, photography and general observation. Geng had arranged the charter several weeks before. The boat could hold up to 10 or 12 travelers. We chose to sit on the roof for most of the journey. It would be possible to sit inside protected from the sun or rain or wind, while still observing life along the river.
Some people choose to travel by long-tailed speedboat.
These craft are four times as fast, but much noisier, more dangerous and brutal on the spine. Passengers on the speed boats are required to wear helmets and life preservers. We traveled with the current at a comfortable pace. We stopped and went ashore at one point to observe work elephants carrying logs out of the forest. At another point we stopped to observe the activities of people panning for gold in the river sands.