river-cruises
Experience the ultimate Asian adventure on a once in a lifetime cruise through the very heart of Indochina. From the fascinating history and breathtakingly ornate temples of Cambodia, to the staggering limestone cliffs and rolling rice paddies of Vietnam, you’ll experience culture and heritage unlike anywhere else in the world. Carving its way through these two stunning countries, from its source in the plateaus of Tibet, the mighty Mekong River is a pivotal part of the Cambodian and Vietnamese way of life. Undulating past Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, before crossing the border and splitting out into the narrow, winding rivers of Southern Vietnam, you’ll see the dazzling city lights give way to the riverside houses, floating markets and remote islands of the Mekong Delta.
Discover the best of Cambodia, visiting Siem Reap’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Penh’s humbling Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Then head over to Vietnam, soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of Ho Chi Minh’s Ben Thanh Market and enjoying a slice of calm amongst the chaos at Hanoi’s tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake. And, of course, no trip to Vietnam and Cambodia would be complete without experiencing the mesmerising wonder that is Ha Long Bay.
Things to know
- At 4,350km in length, the Mekong River is the 12th longest river in the world and flows through six different countries
- There are 45 million motorcycles in Vietnam, which is almost one for every two of its 96 million people
- Over 17 million people live on the Mekong Delta, with many of the villages and islands only accessible by boat.Cambodia has a staggeringly young population, with over half of its inhabitants being under the age of 15
- Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, with its site measuring 162.6 hectares. Thousands of people flock here on a daily basis to catch a glimpse of sunrise over the temples
- The Ao Dai is the traditional dress of Vietnam – once worn by women and men, but now mainly by women. Tailoring is a popular business in the country, so people visiting the likes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can have their own Ao Dai or suit made to measure
Key Destinations
Hanoi
Vietnam’s beguiling capital city, Hanoi boasts a distinct air of traditional charm and culture. Wander through a sea of brightly-coloured lanterns in the city’s Old Quarter, where the seating from family-run restaurants spills out onto the narrow streets. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you visit Hoan Kiem Lake’s peaceful pagoda and be sure to catch a must-see show at the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Ho Chi Minh City
An endearingly-chaotic city, Ho Chi Minh is fast-paced, energetic and bursting with life. Dare to step out onto the thriving streets, surrounded by the beeps and blurs of heavily-laden motorcycles and sample the delights of enticing street food stalls as you go. Take time to delve into the past at the incredible War Remnants Museum, crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a guided tour around the Independence Palace.
Ha Long Bay
Like something straight out of a fairy tale, the enchanting Ha Long Bay is a sight to behold. Situated in the far northern reaches of Vietnam, this archipelago of tree-covered limestone cliffs emerging from glistening emerald waters needs to be seen to be believed. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of the boat or get out amongst it all, exploring surrounding caves and going on your own kayaking adventure.