The sampan is a relatively flat bottomed Chinese wooden boat. Some of them include a small shelter on board, and may be used as a permanent habitation on inland waters. Sampan is generally used for transportation in coastal areas or rivers, and is often used as a traditional fishing boat. It is unusual for a sampan to sail far from land as they do not have the means to survive rough weather.   The word "sampan" is literally meaning "three planks". The name referred to the hull design, … [Read more...]