Rivers into Roads: The terrestrialisation of a South-east Asian River Delta

Abstract

Vietnam’s lower Mekong delta is a unique human environment, where life for 17 million people centres around a vast and intricate system of rivers and canals. !e majority of the population resides along the banks of freshwater courses in a pattern of continuous ribbon-like settlement. Confluences form the heart of settlements where markets, religious institutions, and administrative buildings cluster. Settlement is open, solidarity loose, and mobility high. A large, continuously floating population reside, work, and move around the network of waterways in a rich variety of boats and floating structures. Show more