Is a cruise the best way to see Vietnam and Cambodia?

WE'RE A GAY COUPLE IN OUR SIXTIES LOOKING FOR A COMFORTABLE, PHYSICALLY UNDEMANDING 2-3 WEEK TRIP INCLUDING ANGKOR, HO CHI MINH CITY, HANOI AND OTHER INTERESTING DESTINATIONS IN THE REGION. WE'RE LOOKING AT RIVER CRUISES BUT WONDERING IF THAT MIGHT BE AWKWARD IF WE DON'T FIT IN WITH OUR FELLOW PASSENGERS AND WE'RE STUCK WITH THEM THE WHOLE TRIP. BUT WE LIKE THE IDEA OF SOMEONE ELSE TAKING CARE OF ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS. WOULD A LAND TRAVEL/HOTEL TOUR BE BETTER, AND PERHAPS CHEAPER? WE USUALLY AIM TO STAY AT FOUR STARS OR BETTER.

D. POLLARD, ELTHAM NORTH

River cruises along the Mekong are a great way to see the sights. They're also comfortable and relaxing in the extreme. It's true that you could visit these places more cheaply on a land tour but I'd be inclined to stretch your budget for the cruise. I wouldn't be too concerned about getting along with your fellow passengers. Typically these cruises will carry upwards of 30 passengers. They're always a mixed bunch, everyone is out to have a good time and chances are you'll find plenty of like-minded travellers to mix with. APT (aptouring.com.au) and Scenic Tours (scenictours.com.au) are a couple of operators with Mekong River cruises that will get you from Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor. Aqua Mekong (aquaexpeditions.com) is a luxury vessel that has just begun operating along the river.

For the Hanoi part of your trip you might take a look at Travel Indochina (insiderjourneys.com.au). They've been running guided tours in this part of the world for many years and they have plenty to choose from. If you're into food, take a half day street food tour of Hanoi with Daniel Hoyer (welleatenpath.com), it's a fantastic insight into Vietnamese culture, as well as a fabulous gastronomic experience.