Becoming Alluvium continues Phan’s exploration of the Mekong River and its cultures, using allegory to examine environmental and social changes from agriculture expansion, overfishing, and farmer migration to cities. Phan describes the Mekong civilization through its material and spiritual significance, highlighting its wet rice agriculture and Buddhist heritage. However, she contrasts this with the reality of turbulence and conflict affecting the region. Recent human interventions have drastically altered the river's flow and the lives of its inhabitants, reflecting a stark departure from the Buddhist teachings of compassion and mindfulness.