Boats on Mekong

Most of the river boats are long and narrow, with relatively flat bottoms.  Most are powered by small engines on very long poles--the river is deep and they want to avoid getting the rotors caught in the floating vegetation.

The boats that aren't meant for fishing all have big eyes painted on the prow.  Supposedly, this traditions tells the fish to stay away from these boats.  

Some people obviously live on their boats.  We could see families having meals or hanging laundry.  The occasional dog barked from a deck as we passed, and children waived.