Scenic Cruises: Luxury Mekong, Cambodia and Vietnam
The Luxury Mekong cruise offers a journey along the namesake river, immersing travelers in the cultural riches and breathtaking landscapes of this fascinating region. An itinerary curated by Scenic Cruises that bridges past and present, history and nature, beginning among the ancient ruins of Siem Reap and concluding in the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
The adventure begins in Siem Reap, the ideal starting point for discovering the magnificence of Angkor Wat and its towering spires. After a journey through the Cambodian countryside, you arrive in Kampong Cham to embark on the Scenic Spirit. Once settled in the river-view suites, the cruise can commence. The first stop is Wat Hanchey, a monastery perched on a hill where you can immerse yourself in the spirituality of the place and enjoy spectacular views. Here, you have the opportunity to interact with young local monks, discovering a simple life devoted to meditation, far from the bustle of cities.
In Kampong Cham, local stories and legends come to life during a visit to Wat Nokor temple, an extraordinary blend of Angkorian and modern architecture. This complex is a silent witness to Cambodia’s dramatic history, having survived the fury of the Khmer Rouge. Walking among the ruins, you can breathe the essence of a time that seems to have stood still.
1. Siem Reap view, Cambodia
2. Angkor, Wat Nokor temple, Cambodia
The next day leads to Angkor Ban, a village where wooden houses have remained unchanged for centuries, as if suspended in time. Here, you can participate in a blessing ceremony in a Buddhist pagoda, an ancient ritual that allows for a deep and authentic connection with the local culture.
Continuing towards the capital, Phnom Penh, you can admire the magnificent Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda, symbols of Cambodian history and royalty. However, Phnom Penh is also a place of painful memory. A visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison offers a poignant look at the country’s recent past, an experience that leaves no one indifferent and adds even more significance to the journey.
3. Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia
4. Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia
Sailing towards Vietnam, the Scenic Spirit crosses the border, bringing travelers to the heart of the Mekong Delta. Tan Chau, with its plantations and floating villages, offers a glimpse of rural Vietnam. An excursion to the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary allows exploration of the intricate waterways lined with mangroves, a true paradise for nature lovers.
In Sa Dec, the immersion in the authenticity of Vietnam continues. Strolling through the local market stalls, you can admire the colors and fragrances of spices mingling in a sensory feast. The house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, which inspired Marguerite Duras for her novel “The Lover”, tells a love story from another time, while sailing towards Cai Be where travelers can enjoy afternoon tea in a splendid colonial house.
5. Lourdes Grotto in Sa Dec, Vietnam
6. Ho Chi Minh City Skyline at Night, Vietnam
Ho-Chi-Minh-City-tipical-crowded-street-Vietnam
On the final day, the Scenic Spirit guides travelers towards Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis embodying the dynamism of modern Vietnam. Here, the journey comes to an end, but the memories of the cruise remain alive for a long time.
This proposed journey is not just geographical but also internal, where each stop adds a piece to the mosaic of experiences that comprise the beauty and charm of a world and culture like that of Indochina.
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