Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Cái Bè, nestled in the picturesque Mekong Delta, is a vibrant town renowned for its lively floating markets and scenic waterways. The Cái Bè Floating Market is a highlight, where local farmers sell fresh produce and handcrafted goods directly from their boats, offering visitors an authentic taste of daily life in the delta. Surrounding the town are lush orchards and tranquil rice paddies, perfect for cycling and exploring the serene countryside. With its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Cái Bè invites travellers to experience the enchanting rhythms of rural Vietnam, making it a delightful stop on any Mekong Delta adventure.

Tân Châu sits in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, and is acclaimed for its traditional craftmanship and high-quality silk weaving. Across Tân Châu, skilled artisans intricately craft exquisite fabrics, often used to create elegant garments. The town gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a serene atmosphere, whilst also offering a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese craftmanship.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Oknha Tey Village is a captivating island situated on the Mekong River. It is most known for its famous silk weaving village, weaving a cultural allure into the tapestry of the picturesque island destination. 

Kampong Cham, the capital city of Cambodia's Kampong Cham Province, is a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history and serene landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Mekong river, visitors to Kampong Cham can explore the nearby Wat Nokor temple and immerse themselves into local life and culture.

Kampong Cham, the capital city of Cambodia's Kampong Cham Province, is a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history and serene landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Mekong river, visitors to Kampong Cham can explore the nearby Wat Nokor temple and immerse themselves into local life and culture.

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Indulge in a special and intimate private dining experience Indochine. Feast on a six course menu paired with premium wines for a truly memorable experience.

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Whether it is an indulgent champagne breakfast or a delicious dinner, flavoursome local dishes or Western classics, the cuisine served in the Lemongrass restaurant is second to none.

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The Mekong Serenity features an onboard swimming pool, alongside the Horizon Bar & Grill, a great place to enjoy a light lunch, relax with a cold beverage or take in the stunning landscapes.

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In most locations you're joined by English-speaking local guides. Enjoy in-depth commentary into each region.

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The Mekong Serenity features an onboard swimming pool, alongside the Horizon Bar & Grill, a great place to enjoy a light lunch, relax with a cold beverage or take in the stunning landscapes.

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Sit back and relax in air-conditioned comfort in the Harmony Lounge. Gather after a day of Sightseeing, listen to a presentation, or enjoy a complimentary beverage.

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Soak in panoramic views of the bustling life along the Mekong from your ship's spacious Sun Deck.

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Our onboard fitness centre features cardio equipment, weights and plenty of space for stretching and yoga. There's even a walking track on the top deck. When it's time to slow down, you can enjoy a massage or some pampering in our onboard spa.

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All cabins include : Minibar filled with local beer, soft drinks, water and replenished daily | Individual climate control | Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) | Flat-screen TV with a selection of TV channels | Plush robes and slippers | Twice-daily housekeeping | Large wardrobe and storage area | Telephone and safe | Complimentary two pieces of laundry per guest per day.

• Spacious dual balcony suite featuring large indoor floor-to-ceiling panoramic balcony plus large outdoor balcony terrace with lounge seating
• Queen-size bed with luxury bed linen
• Large separate sitting area with sofa, reading chair and writing desk
• Private ensuite with separate standing shower, spa bath, hair dryer and locally sourced amenities
• Gold Butler Service including daily fruit platter, evening canapes, shoe shining, booking of appointments, one spa treatment per person per cruise and one bottle of French Champagne per cruise

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All cabins include : Minibar filled with local beer, soft drinks, water and replenished daily | Individual climate control | Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) | Flat-screen TV with a selection of TV channels | Plush robes and slippers | Twice-daily housekeeping | Large wardrobe and storage area | Telephone and safe | Complimentary two pieces of laundry per guest per day

• Spacious dual balcony suite featuring large indoor floor-to-ceiling panoramic balcony plus outdoor balcony terrace with comfortable sun lounge seating
• Queen-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury bed linen
• Comfortable sitting area with sofa, single reading chair and writing desk
• Private ensuite with separate standing shower, spa bath, hair dryer and locally sourced amenities
• Silver Butler Service including daily fruit platter, shoe shining, booking of appointments and one spa treatment per person per cruise

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All cabins include : Minibar filled with local beer, soft drinks, water and replenished daily | Individual climate control | Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) | Flat-screen TV with a selection of TV channels | Plush robes and slippers | Twice-daily housekeeping | Large wardrobe and storage area | Telephone and safe | Complimentary two pieces of laundry per guest per day

• Spacious dual balcony suite featuring large indoor floor-to-ceiling panoramic balcony plus outdoor balcony with comfortable seating
• Queen-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury bed linen
• Comfortable sitting area with sofa, single reading chair, and writing desk
• Private ensuite with separate standing shower, hair dryer and locally sourced amenities