This weekend sees the start of Sue Perkins’ journey along the Mekong. Well, the TV version of it at least. The Great British Bake Off star is taking her own river voyage along the epic waterway, through Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond, in a new four-part BBC series which begins on Sunday. Before you tune in, I thought it would be a good idea to remind you of some of the fabulous sights along the river that you can experience on a Mekong river cruise.
Like Sue, you’ll begin your journey, like a lot of Mekong River cruisers do, in Vietnam. On your Mekong river cruise however, you’ll fly into Hanoi in the North of the country and have time to explore the city before taking a transfer flight to Cambodia to board your vessel. Hanoi is the country’s capital and the former capital of French Indochina, meaning there’s plenty of colonial history to explore, especially in the city’s French Quarter. The Old Quarter’s the place to go if you have your souvenir-buying head on and colonial architecture is everywhere. There is however chance to seek out a little eastern enlightenment in the Temple of Literature. Hanoi’s also the place from where a number of excursions are offered to Halong Bay, one of the world’s most stunning areas of natural beauty.
You’ll then fly to Siem Reap, which acts as your gateway to the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex. Though Siem Reap isn’t located on the Mekong it lies on the shores of Tonie Sap Lake, which meets the river, meaning that it’s the perfect place to board your vessel. Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there’s a wealth of Hindu and Buddhist history to explore and some incredible architecture to behold. Sitting on the Mekong’s banks, Cambodia’s incredible capital Phnom Penh will also be on your itinerary. The most celebrated attraction here is the opulent Royal Palace. Though it looks much older, it was actually built in the historic Khmer style by the French and boasts the awesome silver pagoda, with a floor comprising thousands of silver tiles.
Just as Sue will during the course of her adventures, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture of both Vietnam and Cambodia during your river cruise, with stops at, depending on your itinerary and cruise line, such ports as Kampong Cham, Ta Chau and Sa Dec. You’ll be able to see villagers at work, visit local businesses, take a trip round traditional markets, sample local produce and experience a rickshaw ride. As well as offering the chance to explore some of Cambodia and Vietnam’s most iconic cities, Mekong river cruises are all about offering you an authentic look at life in the region and are as educational as they are enjoyable.
If after sharing Sue’s adventures, you feel inspired to explore this awesome waterway for yourself, you’ll be pleased to know we have an excellent selection of Mekong River cruises available. Just call our dedicated River Cruise Concierge on 0800 197 0854 to find out more and book your place.
