In April, Natalie – part of our Marketing team – experienced our 13-day ‘Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River’ cruise from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Vietnam and Cambodia are two extraordinary countries. Despite having been through incredibly difficult times, they have rebuilt to become stronger with some of the most resilient and friendly locals you’ll ever meet. If you’re looking to discover these destinations with Avalon, here are some handy tips from my time on the Mekong River.
Add an extension
We chose to add on the 3 pre-nights in Siem Reap and 2 post-nights in Ho Chi Minh City. This is the most popular extension for Avalon’s Mekong cruise and is well worth it!
In Siem Reap, the Angkor complex, its temples and history are mind blowing and beautiful. We spent two half days visiting four of the best temples – including Angkor Wat, of course! – with our incredibly knowledgeable local guide, Sokun. Afternoons were at leisure for you to practice haggling at the Central Markets, indulge in a massage or time at the freshwater pool, or soak in the vibe of nearby Pub Street.
Whereas Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic, bustling Southern Vietnam city. The traffic is next level, but this doesn’t detract from seeing some of the iconic landmarks like the French colonial-designed Post Office. Learn how to make crispy spring rolls and a zesty papaya salad at a hands-on cooking class, then visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for an insight into the Viet Cong’s underground operations.
All the while, you’re staying in gorgeous hotels to rest your head at the end of the day We stayed at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap and Saigon, both impeccable properties with the loveliest staff.
Avalon also offer extensions to Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, Bangkok, or a combination of all these. Most of our group were travelling on the 16-day cruise itinerary that included Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and the cruise.
Make friends with the crew
We cruised with a wonderful group of 30 guests, mainly from the USA but also Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A smaller number of guests means a smaller crew compared our European cruises. Not only does this give you ample opportunity to make friends with your fellow travellers, but with the crew as well. All the bar and dining staff happened to be Cambodian for this departure, and all were more than happy to chat about their hometowns, favourite foods and family life. It was a real pleasure forming friendships with them over the week.
Dine off the ship in Phnom Penh
If you’ve cruised in Europe before, you may have chosen to dine off the ship when docked overnight. In Southeast Asia, you can do this in Phnom Penh. Your Cruise Director makes it seamless with dinner recommendations and organising a tuktuk driver for you. At USD$10 per hour, it’s easy to ask them to wait for you outside the restaurant while you dine. We chose to check out Bassac Lane, a vibrant street full of bars and restaurants. An added bonus? Our tuktuk driver spoke excellent English so we also had a mini tour of Phnom Penh along the way.
Make the most of the views
There is a decent amount of daytime sailing, as the Avalon Saigon sails between excursions and/or locations. This provides an excellent way to relax whilst taking in the daily lives of those who live and breathe the Mekong way of life. From rice milling factories to fish farms and floating houses or houses on stilts, you won’t see the same view twice. The Observation Deck provides a breezy way to do this, or if you prefer a comfy couch, the Panorama Lounge or your Suite also have remarkable views.
Indulge in local specialties
There’s no better way to learn about the destination than through its food culture. Onboard, there is a mix of both local and Western options at all mealtimes. Savoury rice porridge for breakfast? No problem. A steaming bowl of pho at lunch? Perfect. Fish amok curry for dinner? Delicious.
Onshore, visit a Cambodian family who make fresh Khmer noodles (with a bowl or two for you to try), and participate in a fun cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City that results in a tasty lunch.
I can only sing praises about my time on the Mekong River. It is equal parts fascinating, humbling, and joyous. Take a look at your options for cruising on the Mekong with Avalon today.
