Floating markets. Sacred islands. Houses rising from the water on stilts. One of the best things about cruising the Mekong is that local life happens right on the river—all around you. So whether you're taking in the scene from the deck of your ship—or from the little wooden sampan or pedal-powered rickshaw that's whisking you off to your day's adventure—you feel fully immersed. Of course, in a region of jungle-shrouded temples, sparkling emerald rice paddies and layer upon layer of history, terra firma is just as absorbing, as Astrid Vedwijk can tell you. As an expert for Uniworld River Cruises, she's been exploring Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong for years and she's here to share her best stories and secrets.