For travelers who want to experience a totally different culture, meet local people on a one-to-one basis, and feel less like a “tourist” and more like a welcome visitor, a Mekong River cruise should be on your travel agenda.
There are phenomenal historical and cultural sites that you’ll visit as you travel the river:
Vietnam:
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – is an interesting blend of French colonial architecture and modern high-rises. Street food is king here – try District 4 for fresh seafood and Ho Thi Ky market for classic banh mi and bo la lot. The War Remnants Museum is a grim reminder of the impact of the American invasion of Vietnam and the lasting effects of the war.
- Visit the quiet village of Tan Chau and ride a trishaw to meet local craftsmen at work, enjoy the peaceful Tra Su Forest sanctuary, or take the walking tour to Evergreen Island.
- The floating market at Cai Rang is a wild tangle of small sampans selling everything from seafood to exotic fruits and vegetables, handcrafted items, coffee and noodle soup – the sights and sounds are unforgettable!
Cambodia:
- Phnom Penh – the capital city – is home to the classic architecture of the Royal Palace, the sacred treasures of the Silver Pagoda, and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum documenting the brutality of the Kmer Rouge.
- Attend a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony in one of the monasteries nestled in the plains of Oudong.
- Engage with local craftsmen in their workshops along the river, making rice paper, coconut candy and silk –a painstaking process handed down from one generation to the next.
- Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor Region. Normally a pre- or post-cruise extension, this 2-3 day cruise add-on is not to be missed as it’s the location of the iconic ancient temple complexes of Angkor Wat.
AmaWaterways and Scenic Cruises both offer small ship luxury, featuring varied, curated shore excursions, excellent regionally-inspired dining experiences, and knowledgeable tour guides to provide historical and cultural context in each location. Call your Travel Leaders professional for more information.
