I
began my journey in the bustling city of Ho
Chi Minh, arriving in time to enjoy a few beers at a rooftop
bar while taking in the stunning city views. The city is a fascinating mix of
historic architecture and lively street scenes along with the crazy Ben Thanh Market
which was a perfect introduction to Vietnam’s energy and charm.
A holiday highlight was a fabulous Vespa
tour through the city streets. We navigated the lively traffic,
passed impressive monuments, and visited the wet markets overflowing with fresh
produce, seafood, spiders and frogs! We also explored the colourful 24/7 flower market
and visited Ho Chi
Minh’s oldest temple, tucked away in Chinatown. A big thank you
to Heidi from
Saigon Scooter Tours for being such a knowledgeable and
engaging guide.
We explored Vietnam’s past with visits
to the Vietnam
History Museum, the War
Remnants Museum, and the Independence
Palace. It was a moving day that offered deep insight into the
country's complex history.
The mood was lifted that evening when we
joined a vintage Vespa night tour,
discovering the city under the glow of the evening lights—another great
experience I won’t forget.
After the fast-paced energy of Ho Chi
Minh City, it was time to slow down and relax aboard a 7-night Mekong River cruise
on the stunning Emerald
Harmony, sailing toward Phnom
Penh, Cambodia.
With
only 42 cabins and a maximum of 84
guests, the Emerald Harmony offers a boutique hotel experience
with exceptional service from its 40 crew members. Each suite has a
contemporary Asian design with en-suite bathrooms, premium toiletries,
complimentary robes, and free Wi-Fi throughout the ship. I had a luxurious
Panorama Balcony Suite.
To truly understand this region, you
have to sail the mighty Mekong. The riverbanks are alive with
mangroves, wetlands, and rice paddies, while the river itself hums with
activity—floating markets, fishing boats, and the daily life of locals.
Shore
excursions were thoughtfully curated to offer genuine insight into local life. There
was an EmeraldPLUS complimentary guided
tour almost every
day, with extra optional activities for those wanting to explore further. Some
of the included tours were visits to floating
communities, the
vibrant Sadek
Market, meeting local families, tuk tuk rides and visits to
Temples.
Returning to the ship after excursions
was always a treat. You could unwind on the pool deck with a drink in hand, or
cool off in the outdoor pool enjoying beautiful river views. There’s also a
serene spa for indulgent treatments and a well-equipped gym if you’re feeling
active.
All meals on board were included and
consistently excellent. The daily menus nodded to local cuisine while also
offering international favourites. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks
were served with lunch and dinner, adding to the relaxed, all-inclusive
experience.
Crossing into Cambodia, we
explored local markets and paid a deeply emotional visit to the Killing Fields
and Tuol Sleng
Genocide Museum—a sobering yet important part of the journey
that shed light on Cambodia’s tragic past and resilient spirit.
Further north of Phnom Penh, we
visited Oudong,
Cambodia’s former royal capital. The site features important religious relics
and royal burial grounds, and at Oudong
Monastery, we were honoured to take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing
ceremony conducted by local monks.
As our relaxing Mekong journey ended,
I headed to Siem
Reap for the final leg of the trip—four unforgettable nights
filled with cultural wonders.
The early 4 am start
was well worth it to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat,
Cambodia’s most iconic temple complex. Built between 1113 and 1150, it has
rightly earned its place as the 8th
Wonder of the World.
Afterward, we visited Ta Prohm, the
ancient temple famously featured in Tomb
Raider, and Bayon
Temple, known for its 54 towers with intricately carved scenes
of 13th-century Cambodian life and military victories.
A visit to Pub Street in
Siem Reap wrapped things up with a lively night out—home to countless pubs
offering beers for just 45 cents. Let’s just say it was a memorable evening
from what I can remember!
Overall this trip was full of
remarkable sights, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable experiences. Cambodia truly
is a hidden gem, and it should be on every traveller’s radar. I highly
recommend a Mekong
River cruise with Emerald Cruises, paired with a Siem Reap stopover
to round out the adventure.
Thinking of planning your own
journey to this incredible part of the world? I’d be delighted to help you make
it happen. Get in touch!