Notes of a Journey on the Upper Mekong, Siam

"Notes of a Journey on the Upper Mekong, Siam" by H. Warington Smyth is an adventurous tale of exploration in late 19th century Siam, filled with the excitement of discovery and respectful observations of culture. The story begins with our narrator's departure from Bangkok in December 1892, along with a team of dedicated Siamese assistants, setting the stage for an expedition fraught with the challenges of jungle navigation. Commissioned by the Siamese Government, the narrator is on a mission to scout out the terrain along the Mekong River, seeking to uncover valuable mineral and gem resources, chronicling his riverboat travels through gorgeously forested areas. The narrator’s encounters with local communities and their customs are depicted alongside the geological investigations, creating a sense of admiration for both the beauty and the natural challenges in his discoveries.