Dec 09, 2021
Whether you’re a cruise devotee or it’s your first time on a river journey, there’s always an element of excitement when you board the ship. And, when you factor in your exotic Asian itinerary from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City through to Cambodia’s Siem Reap along the stunning Mekong River - life starts to take on a different, almost meditative perspective. Particularly when witnessed from the water’s edge.
The 9-day guided cruise grants guests the opportunity to do as little or as much as you like. Your mood, you choose. Perhaps your content relaxing and observing the natural beauty of Vietnams landscape as you cruise by postcard worthy vistas or maybe you’re all about getting amongst the local communities and exploring how the locals live. In any case you’re bound to impressed with the cuisine here (yes, all meals are included on tour) since Vietnam and Cambodia are renowned for their fresh Asian flavours, delicately prepared dishes and moreish menu items.
Ho Chi Minh
Formerly known as Saigon (you’ll notice many locals still refer to the city’s original name) the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling epicenter filled with historic landmarks, colourful fresh produce markets, kitsch boutiques and beautiful temples of worship. Take the opportunity to join our guided excursion and be introduced to the cities many sightseeing highlights. Be sure to collect a few travel mementos from local vendors as you explore the wonders of Ho Chi Minh City. Visting the organized chaos of the Benthanh Street Food Market is a terrific opportunity to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine, while an excursion to the Central Post Office and/or the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a slower paced way to absorb the architectural elegance of these grand city buildings.
Phnom Penh
To experience the magic of Phnom Penh is effectively your Asian holiday daydreams turning into reality. Here, the capital of Cambodia hugs the edge of the mighty Mekong River. Disembark the comfort of your cruise ship and step into an otherworldly mix of tropical scents, tuk-tuk adventures, remarkable local cuisine, awe inspiring yet sometimes confronting history and the city’s ever enchanting music sounds. Monks glide through the city in their saffron robes, curious children laugh and play as you pass and historic landmarks tower amongst the vine grip of the natural kingdom. The Cambodian culture is welcoming to travelers and the locals take pride in their many palaces, temples and spiritual shrines. The influence of French colonial history is still evident here by way of city building architecture and via delicious Cambodian meals.
Tonle Sap Lake
Located in the lower Mekong River basin this magnificent lake is one of the world's most productive ecosystems. Fact; Tonle Sap Lake once effectively supported Cambodia’s entire Angkorian civilisation (the largest pre-industrial settlement in history). As the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, this priceless region of Siam Reap is filled with a variety of interesting wildlife and is famed for the fascinating local communities and the hypnotic floating villages. It’s incredible to see houses, shops and even schools all cohesively operating whilst bobbing along the waters surface. Have your camera ready to snap some wonderfully interactive soon to be memories.
The Mighty Mekong River
The Mekong River flows for 4350 kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea and supports the people of six different nations: Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and China. In its lower reaches, it spans into the Mekong Delta, mythically known to the Vietnamese as the Nine Dragons region. Here river life is at its most intense level of dazzle - especially when you’re experiencing it from the comfort of a professional cruise ship. Note: your captain will announce the magnificent Chao Gao Canal, which the ship passes through, indicating the change from the Saigon River to the Mekong Delta. The surrounding countryside in these parts feature a lush visual display of coconut palms, tropical gardens and fruit orchards buffered by seemingly untamed jungle.
Hint: start your day with a hearty breakfast onboard before setting out to explore the local villages dotted along the Mekong River. Or, if you’re inclined to relax for the day just stay put in your sophisticated suite or up on deck enjoying the Zen like ambience of cruising at leisure. There’s plenty on on-board activities if that takes your fancy too. Overall, there’s no better way to discover the thrills of exploring the mighty Mekong River than a guided cruise tailored just for you!