Five years ago I travelled from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam through to Siem Reap in Cambodia by road. It was a long and often tiring journey, so when I was offered the chance to do it again but by river I was very keen. Vietnam and Cambodia are fantastic countries that I wanted to return to and so the option of travelling on a 5 star river ship this time was very appealing.
Avalon’s purpose built ship for cruising the Mekong is quite easily the best on the river. The two main reasons being that it is one of the smallest with only 18 cabins and that these are spread across just two decks. This allows the ship to cruise right into the centre of HCMC by fitting under every bridge. For all other cruise ships, you’ll embark about 1.5 hours down river at My Tho.
Once on board, the atmosphere is very friendly and casual. The crew are almost entirely Cambodian with just the captain and his crew being Vietnamese. They knew everyone’s names by the second day and couldn’t be faulted on their attentive and friendly service all done with a great sense of humour too. The dress code on board is casual and with a mix of predominantly NZ, Australian and American passengers it was a very friendly and informal environment.
Everything really is included in this cruise fare with the only extras you need to think about being top shelf alcohol and anything you might want to buy as souvenirs on the shore excursions. Gratuities can be prepaid when booking or allow around $120 USD per person for the week. Otherwise there is more food and drink available on board then you could possibly eat and it was of the highest standard I’ve ever come across on a cruise. There were several Asian and western style dishes for every meal, whether on the buffets at breakfast and lunch or the a la carte evening meal. Additional services on board are a laundry, spa and small fitness centre.
There is just one opportunity to leave the ship for a local dinner and this is in Phnom Penh. The ship is so centrally docked that you can walk to several local restaurants or there will always be tuk tuks and taxis waiting too. I took this opportunity to do a Vespa Street Food Tour with a local guide and a couple of other passengers from the ship and it was excellent. I would highly recommend it for a great insight into the local life, history and cuisine of this buzzing city http://vespaadventures.com/phnom-penh-tours/
Every day you have one or two shore excursions of around 1.5 hours each with the exception of the visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison in Phnom Penh (4 hours). With all of these, the ship is able to moor up on the river bank and you just walk off the ship or there may be a short ride on a sampan boat. The excursions revolve around the craft industries and livelihoods of the communities that live along the Mekong River and its religious monuments. As predominantly Buddhist countries, there are beautiful pagodas, temples and monasteries to be visited. Ensure that you have clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visits to these.
I’d always recommend doing this cruise in a northbound direction for two reasons. The first being that the temples at Angkor in Siem Reap really are the highlight so a great way to end the trip but also because the ship takes on its provisions for two back to back cruises in HCMC.
The time of year is another important factor, as during the dry season from around April till August, the Tonle Sap Lake runs dry and so on the northbound service, this means returning to Phnom Penh on the second to last day to overnight for a flight up to Siem Reap the following morning. My cruise, which departed HCMC on the 3rd August was the first one for the season to be able to cross the lake and I’m so glad we didn’t miss it. As the largest freshwater lake in Asia, it is immense and to reach Siem Reap, we disembarked just before where the floating villages are anchored and took a smaller sampan boat 30 minutes through these to Chongknea Pier. From here it was a 30 minute coach ride into Siem Reap.
I was blown away by the rate of change in both countries in the last five years. They are modernising so quickly and the ‘trendy’ districts of the big cities such as HCMC and Phnom Penh are starting to look a lot like any other in the world. Foreign investment means that roading and other infrastructure is rapidly improving but along with all of this so is the cost of travelling here. These are definitely countries to visit sooner than later.
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Discover the passion and grandeur of Russian history, art and culture. The imperial cities, grand artistic treasures and spectacular architecture of Russia await your arrival. From the glittering metropolises of St. Petersburg and Moscow to the timeless towns along the … Continue reading →
Upper Egypt and the Eternal Nile
This is a perfect small group and family friendly itinerary to discover Egypt with unforgettable sightseeing in Cairo, a visit to the historic Carter’s house in Luxor, followed by an idyllic four night Nile cruise – allowing you to savour … Continue reading →
Cruising Croatia’s Central Coast
Live the Dalmatian dream on this 8-day adventure cruise along the breathtaking Croatian coast. Join Peregrine on a new round-trip adventure cruise from Split, taking in the small villages, Dalmatian lifestyle, winding streams and crisp blue waters that make this … Continue reading →
Discover Avalon Active Cruising
Active Cruising is fast becoming the emerging new River Cruise trend! This new and exciting way of river cruising allows you to actively discover well-known and off-the-beaten-path treasures along theRhine. At each stop, you choose your activity—get some exercise with … Continue reading →
Vietnam Food Explorer
Salty, spicy, tangy, fresh — fire up the taste buds in delicious Vietnam Satisfy the hunger for adventure on this authentic food exploration of Vietnam. Taste your way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and fill the eyes with … Continue reading →
Active Discovery on the Rhine
A new and exciting way to river cruise and to actively discover well-known and off-the-beaten-path treasures along the Rhine. At each stop, you choose your activity—get some exercise with an active outing, discover a fascinating but perhaps lesser-known site, or … Continue reading →
Galápagos — West & Central Islands aboard the Monserrat
On this cruise you’ll view the Galápagos from the deck of the comfortable Monserrat as she cuts through blue waters bound for another island paradise loaded with natural splendour. You’ll get up-close and personal with aquatic wildlife like sea lions … Continue reading →
Best of Georgia & Armenia
Georgia and Armenia may sound like unconventional destinations, but trust us, they ought to top your list of places to visit. This eight-day trip is a wonderful showcase of the cultural and natural highlights the Caucasus Region has to offer, … Continue reading →
Annapurna in Style
Trek the spectacular Annapurna foothills. Introducing Peregrine’s latest Annapurna adventure, a unique itinerary that combines luxury mountain accommodation with all the hallmarks of a classic Nepal trek. Discover a stunning wilderness of alpine ridges, holy lakes and sensational mountain views. … Continue reading →
Everest in Style
Adventure through the foothills of the one and only Mount Everest Embark on an unforgettable Everest adventure that makes no compromise on creature comforts. This new and unique itinerary combines the thrills of Nepal trekking with the very best available … Continue reading →
Vintage Nepal
Experience the diversity of Nepal from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan National Park This adventure encompasses much of what makes Nepal so beloved by travellers. Whether you’re exploring the exotic capital of Kathmandu, discovering Pokhara, beneath awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks, or … Continue reading →
Colombo, Caves & Kandy
Discover Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle and visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the exquisite Dambulla cave temple and the historic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Add a scenic train trip through the verdant tea plantations and spot wildlife … Continue reading →
Borneo Family Holiday
Hang out with orangutans and snorkel in pristine waters on this unforgettable family escape Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo’s lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys on a scenic cruise down … Continue reading →
Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat
There’s simply no better place to appreciate the magic of this precious little blue planet of ours than the Galápagos Islands. Join us aboard the roomy Monserrat for a mind-expanding cruising adventure through the archipelago’s central, southern and eastern islands. … Continue reading →
Adriatic Small Ship Cruising
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board as you discover the Dalmatian Coast visiting the many islands, villages and beaches. CRUISE ITINERARY Day 1: Split – Makarska Departure from Split harbour towards Makarska at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst … Continue reading →
Southern India
Lush and tropical, southern India is inspiring and delightful. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, meet with locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, on buses and boats or even on pilgrimage … Continue reading →
Voyage of the Midnight Sun and North Cape
Vikings once sailed these fingers of sea on the way to foreign lands. Today, these traces of indigo between emerald slopes belong to you. On board, partake of delicious cuisine and relax in your elegantly appointed stateroom. Itinerary Days 1-2 … Continue reading →
Baltic Adventure
Get ready for summer in Northern Europe, when the sun shines well into the evening, lighting up extended stays in St. Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Itinerary Day 1 From Copenhagen cruise to Kiel (Hamburg), gateway to lovely Lübeck. Days 2-3 … Continue reading →
Porto, the Douro Valley and Salamanca
Discover World Heritage sites, extraordinary culture and tempting gastronomy on this special cruise. Explore Porto, a city between vineyards and the sea, Vila Real and the beautiful gardens of Solar de Mateus, Salamanca and its radiant beauty, the Porto wine … Continue reading →
Amsterdam to Bruges by bike and barge
The highlights of Holland and Belgium are uncovered on this unique cycling tour of the lowlands and North Sea coast. Beginning in Amsterdam, visit Gouda which is well known for its cheese and then cycle to the world famous windmills … Continue reading →
Waterways of the Tsars
Explore the real Russia On this 13-day itinerary, you’ll tour iconic landmarks such as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and Catherine Palace and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But you’ll also experience the other side of Russia: quaint Golden Ring … Continue reading →
Pyramids, Mummies & Pharaohs
Discover the history and mythology of Egypt as you explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and the Nile 2018 departures: 6 May 2018; 9 September 2018; 7 October 2018; maximum group size of 12 Contact us for 2019 dates and availability. If … Continue reading →
Circle Sri Lanka
Embark on a unique, fun, culture-rich tour of Sri Lanka. A jewel in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating culture, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches. From ancient Anuradhapura city and the well-preserved Polonnaruwa ruins, to … Continue reading →
Pearls of Persia
Iran’s fabulous history reaches back to the dawn of time. – Discover places of legend like Persepolis & Isfahan, and gaze in awe at the glories of the country’s Islamic & Persian heritage. ITINERARY Day 1 Tehran Arrival transfer to … Continue reading →
Upper Egypt & The Nile
A perfect small group & family friendly itinerary to discover Egypt with unforgettable sightseeing in Cairo followed by an idyllic four night Nile cruise from which to savour the atmosphere of Luxor with its majestic temples and experience the unique relaxing ambiance … Continue reading →
Jewels of the Nile
One of Ancient Kingdoms most popular Egyptian holidays, combining a fabulous Nile cruise with time to explore Cairo’s many highlights including the Pyramids and Cairo Museum. Ancient Kingdoms offers you Egypt in all its glory, from the golden treasures of … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti yacht experience
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →
Classic Borneo
Travel to Borneo and leave urban life behind. Head into Borneo’s lush jungles, down scenic rivers and through the vibrant villages of beautiful Borneo. On the way, soak up stunning mountain vistas, meet local indigenous people, relax in hot springs … Continue reading →
Croatia Bike & Sail
Cycle and Cruise to explore the charming islands of Southern Dalmatia. This unique Bike and Boat guided trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its picturesque old … Continue reading →
Delights of Andalusia
Travel to the heart of Andalusia and the Algarve. Along the Guadalquivir discover the town of Cordoba, which combines perfectly history and modernity. Visit Seville and its Alcázar palace, an astonishing mix of architectural styles. Then be carried away by … Continue reading →
Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches
On sale from $4,729pp, based on double occupancy for CAT-E departing 27 April 2021 Combine time in France’s marvellous capital with discoveries of quaint towns along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region. Embark in Paris, sailing to Vernon, … Continue reading →
Magnificent Europe – Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise
On sale from $7,853pp based on double occupancy for CAT-E, departing 24 March 2021 From Amsterdam to Budapest, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this … Continue reading →
Spitsbergen Explorer
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some outlying northern areas home to polar bears … Continue reading →
Cycle Touring Vietnam
More than 30 million Vietnamese can’t be wrong – handle-bar height gives you the best view of Vietnam! Our cycling tours through this mesmerising country provide opportunities to meet the locals and experience their culture in a way that wouldn’t … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti yacht experience
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →