This was published 8 years ago
Vietnam and Cambodia river cruise: 10 reasons to cruise the Mekong
Oodles of charm: La Marguerite.
1 CITY LIFE
Before you board your ship, start with a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City. It has a distinctive personality and plenty to see. Enjoy the tranquillity of old Saigon's boulevards and neighbourhood temples, then fling yourself into the frenetic traffic, street crowds and chaotic energy of a city experiencing an economic boom. Be sure to grab a pho noodle soup (or pickled scorpions, if you dare) in the shadowy alleyways of the covered Ben Thanh Market.
2 DONG KHOI STREET
Tomb raider temples: Angkor Wat.Credit: Getty Images
The best thing about the Grand Hotel, where we spend two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, is its location on Dong Khoi Street, perfectly positioned to take advantage of ample free time for shopping, an evening stroll or city exploration. The street links grand colonial sights such as the cathedral and opera house, and is lined with boutiques, shopping malls and cafes.
3 LA MARGUERITE
Launched in 2009 and formerly used by APT, La Marguerite has oodles of charm, with decor in a vaguely colonial Vietnamese style, very spacious cabins and great showers. A rooftop deck at the back of the ship features a small pool, bar and deck chairs well positioned to admire the passing scenery. See travelmarvel.com.au
Phnom Penh's royal palace in the heart of Cambodia's capital.Credit: Brian Johnston
4 PROVINCIAL TOWNS
The towns of the Mekong Delta provide a charming insight into everyday Vietnamese life, virtually undisturbed by tourism. We visit the floating markets of Cai Be and later a local sweet-making factory. In Sa Dec, our guide leads us through colourful riverside markets where tropical fruits tumble and frogs twitch. And at Tan Chau, we have the opportunity to visit a village known for silk weaving.
5 LOCAL CUISINE
Kudos to Travelmarvel which, unlike the bland international fare offered on some cruises, provides passengers with both Western and local choices at every meal, even breakfast. It enables us to try dishes such as green mango salad, pork dumplings in cabbage soup and Cambodian-style curries. Although there isn't the wide buffet choices for breakfast and lunch of some companies, the quality is excellent.
6 TWO COUNTRIES
The Mekong takes you through both Vietnam and Cambodia and, while the two countries share some similarities and a tortuous modern history, they're more distinct than you might think. Vietnam, influenced for a thousand years by China, has an oriental liking for incense-swirling temples, Confucian ideals, bonsai and calligraphy. Cambodia looks towards Thailand (and, even further, to India) in its culture, favouring Buddhism, the traditional wai greeting, curries and Hindu architecture. See www.vietnamtourism.com and www.tourismcambodia.com.
7 THE ROYAL PALACE
A guided tour of Phnom Penh's royal palace complex in the heart of Cambodia's capital is a highlight of the journey. It dates from the 1860s and has a tranquil, timeless appeal, combining veneration for the Cambodian king with gaudy, glittery show. Its blinding white buildings, topped by sweeping golden roofs, are beautiful. Check out the gilded Throne Hall and the ornate Silver Pagoda and its diamond-studded Buddhas.
See www.killingfieldsmuseum.com
8 ENTERTAINMENT
The crew of La Marguerite comes up with new ideas every day to keep us amused as we float upriver. We learn the art of towel folding (elephant, anyone?) and fruit carving, and are taken through a tasting of tropical fruits: mangosteens, rambutans, dragon fruit, star apples, sapodilla and even the stinky (but tasty) jackfruit. An evening dance performance by local Cambodian kids is delightful.
9 TOUR GUIDES
Nothing brings a destination alive better than a good tour guide, and on our river cruise we're blessed with several whose encyclopaedic knowledge is coupled with good nature. The Cambodian guides Pisit and Savon are particularly wonderful, willing to share their knowledge of the country and its history, but also their own personal stories. See travelmarvel.com.au
10 TOMB RAIDERS
If you start your cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, you've arguably saved the best for last. We visit the temples of Angkor Wat, including Ta Prohm, nicknamed the 'tomb raider temple' thanks to its outing in the Angelina Jolie movie. The fabulous, tumble-down temple is entwined in lianas and backed by jungle, and is one of the most atmospheric places you're ever likely to visit.
The writer travelled as a guest of Travelmarvel (a division of APT).
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.