Cruising Cambodia and Vietnam along the legendary Mekong River is an incredible journey.
My flights with Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Siem Reap were excellent as always, making for a smooth and comfortable start to the adventure. Arriving in Siem Reap a day before embarkation allowed me time to explore some of Cambodia's important historical sites. I visited the Killing Fields, a deeply moving and confronting experience that provides valuable insight into Cambodia's recent history. The self-guided audio tour offers a respectful and informative way to learn about this significant chapter of the country's past.
Following my visit, I made my way by tuk tuk to the wharf to board the beautiful RV Indochine II, operated by CroisiEurope. Our four-night cruise would take us from Siem Reap through Cambodia and into Vietnam, finishing in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City.
Cruising the Mekong River is a wonderful way to experience this fascinating region. The RV Indochine II offered all the comforts of a luxury floating hotel, with spacious cabins, excellent dining, a welcoming bar, spa facilities and even a swimming pool on the sun deck—perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing in the tropical heat.
One of the greatest pleasures of river cruising is unpacking just once while waking up each day somewhere new. The Mekong is the lifeblood of the region, with around 80% of the local population relying on the river system for their food and livelihood. There is always something to see, from fishing boats and bustling river traffic to villages and markets lining the banks.
Throughout the cruise, we explored local communities by tuk tuk, rickshaw and small boat, visiting traditional villages, floating fish farms and colourful local markets. These excursions provided a wonderful glimpse into everyday life along the river and offered authentic cultural experiences that would be difficult to access independently.
One of my favourite moments was sailing through the Chao Gao Canal, where we passed stilted homes and riverside communities, watching daily life unfold along the water's edge. In Sa Dec, the local food markets were a fascinating sensory experience, showcasing the diversity of local produce and cuisine that forms such an important part of Vietnamese culture.
The itinerary also included visits to several significant historical and cultural sites, including Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. We also visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), another important but sobering site that helps visitors better understand Cambodia's history and resilience.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we enjoyed a city tour including a visit to Chinatown, offering another perspective on the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
After the cruise, I stayed on for two additional nights in Ho Chi Minh City. One of the highlights was visiting the War Remnants Museum, which provides a powerful insight into Vietnam's history. I also enjoyed spending time exploring the city's bustling markets and soaking up the energy of this dynamic destination.
Without question, one of the most memorable experiences was a "back-of-the-bike" foodie tour. Riding pillion with local guides, we ventured into neighbourhoods rarely visited by tourists and sampled an incredible variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The guides were entertaining, knowledgeable and great company, making it a fantastic way to experience the city like a local.
This Mekong River cruise perfectly combined comfort, culture, history and adventure. For travellers looking to explore Cambodia and Vietnam in a relaxed and immersive way, I highly recommend experiencing the Mekong with CroisiEurope.