Fiona – part of our Customer Sales team – sailed away on our Avalon Waterways ‘Mekong Discovery’ cruise in April. With Cambodian Chinese ancestry, here’s how Fiona rediscovered her heritage during this trip.
As someone who works in the travel industry, I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible destinations. But every so often, a journey comes along that feels deeply personal. That’s how it felt when my partner and I travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia for an Avalon Mekong river cruise.
Our family histories are deeply connected to this region. I’m of Cambodian Chinese descent, and my partner is Vietnamese Chinese. His parents lived through the Vietnam War, and mine endured the Pol Pot regime. Although neither of us were born during these tumultuous times, the echoes of those stories have always been part of our upbringing. We had both visited these places when we were younger, and while we were told stories about our families’ histories, our understanding was limited at the time. This trip was an opportunity to see familiar, and new, places with fresh eyes and a deeper sense of purpose. A very special way of rediscovering my heritage on the Mekong.
The River That Connects Lives
The Mekong is more than a river; it’s a lifeline. From the Avalon Saigon, we watched as daily life unfolded along its banks: fishermen casting nets, floating villages, and children splashing in the shallows. These weren’t just beautiful travel moments; they were glimpses into the lives our families once lived generations ago.
Life Onboard Avalon
Avalon provides the perfect balance of comfort and space for reflection. Our Panorama Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, became a quiet retreat to sit, talk, and process each day. Meals were another highlight. From delicious noodle soups to fish amok curry, the vast array of fresh, flavourful dishes reminded us of home cooked meals. The Cruise Director, crew and local guides made the experience warm and personal, sharing stories that added even more meaning to the journey.
Returning With New Eyes
Exploring places like Ho Chi Minh City, sailing through the Mekong Delta, and visiting family-run workshops was eye-opening. We gained a deeper understanding of the resilience and daily life, especially around the Vietnam War and its aftermath. These experiences helped us see how communities endured and adapted through hardship. We also learnt a great deal about the war itself which added important historical context to our journey. For my partner, it provided personal insight into his parents’ life before and during the war. While these visits offered a meaningful glimpse into life during those difficult times, we also wondered how much life has changed in these small villages since then. Overall, the trip helped us appreciate the enduring spirit of local communities and their ability to persevere through adversity.
In Cambodia, my reflections grew even deeper. At the Killing Fields, the site’s eerie remnants and haunting atmosphere served as a powerful reminder of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Although I had visited before, I still found it difficult to hold back tears during our visit. Visiting a local school to help children practice their English and receiving a traditional Buddhist blessing at a hilltop temple enriched my understanding of Cambodian culture and community. These experiences allowed me to feel more emotionally and personally connected to the country’s history and resilience. They also made me reflect on my own family’s strength and the importance of remembering the past to better understand the present. I appreciate the struggles and perseverance of Cambodia’s people, and how understanding history can give insight into my own life and family.
Why This Journey Mattered
For us, this wasn’t just a holiday. It was a way to reconnect with our families’ histories while experiencing the comfort and thoughtfulness that Avalon brings to every journey. Being able to reflect on such personal stories in the setting of a river cruise made the experience even more meaningful.
Our cruise reminded us that travel isn’t just about new or familiar places; it’s about new perspectives. Returning to Cambodia and Vietnam gave us the chance to honour our families’ pasts while appreciating the present, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.
