We’re getting a lot more inquiries from you about river cruise packages in Vietnam & Cambodia, so I thought I’d offer a bit of information on that this week.
Even though you may not be too familiar with Southeast Asia, rest assured that most of your favourite cruise lines from the rivers of Europe are also on the Mekong River.
Here are some things to consider when looking at the Mekong River for your next adventure:
- It’s “New”. The river cruise lines have been there for over a decade, but the number of ships they have there is a fraction of what we see in Europe.
- It’s Fully Escorted. Most of the river cruise lines have packages or extensions to complement a one-week river cruise. About half our clients to Europe travel independently pre or post cruise. In SE Asia, just about everyone takes the cruise line extensions, and they do a very good job of it. After all, you really don’t want to fly all that way for a one-week cruise.
- Flying across the Pacific. We sometimes forget the Pacific Ocean occupies half the planet. It is a very long flight to get to Vietnam – about 15 hours. The good news is there are direct flights from San Francisco. Just like travelling to Australia/New Zealand, once you invest that much time on a flight, you’ll want to stay as long as you can.
- The Food. For some, the culinary experience in a foreign country is a key part of the trip (and Vietnam & Cambodia won’t disappoint). Others prefer to stick to meat and potatoes. The river cruise lines offer you both.
- Happy People. You can expect seemingly never-ending smiles and very accommodating locals. Given the somewhat tragic history in these countries, it’s a real testament to human resilience.
- The Heat. It will be hot if you go May through October. The ships and hotels are all air conditioned, but if you’re sensitive to the heat, go November through April, where your average temperatures will be in the 70s.
- The Ruins at Angkor Wat. The world’s largest religious structure; a UNESCO world heritage site, and much different than anything you’ll experience in Europe. This is a true highlight according to our clients who have been.
- Stop Over? Australia and New Zealand are the other popular destinations WAY across the Pacific. Some of our clients are combining these destinations with a Mekong river cruise, so they only have to cope with one set of long flights.
- It’s Trending. The popular destinations change year to year based not only on demand, but on geo-political considerations as well. Many of our clients (who are typical of travel consumers nationally), are looking for alternatives outside of Europe and the Mediterranean. Japan has been hot for a while, Australia/NZ has seen tremendous demand in the last 18-months, and we’re seeing the same trends with Vietnam & Cambodia. There’s no need to panic if there’s just two of you travelling. But if you’d like to go with a larger group, then the options are already somewhat limited for 2024.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
AMA Mekong departing September 30, 2024 for 7-nights
- Visit Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai be – Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Oknhatey, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap.
- $2400 for a 251 square foot twin balcony. Price reflects 20% off per person
- Available 7-night trip extensions to Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Hanoi and/or Halong Bay for $2399 per person
Uniworld Mekong departing February, March, or September for 15-days
- Visit Ho Chi Minh City for 2-nights, 7-nights on the ship, 3-nights in Siem Reap, and 2-nights in Hanoi.
- $7999 for a 340 square foot French Balcony on the 68 passenger Mekong Jewel.
Viking Mekong — only a handful of cabins left in 2024 – Please enquire.
- Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Be, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Hanoi.
- 2025 departures for 15-days from $7999 for 305 square foot French Balcony
Oceania South Pacific Special Itineraries
If you’re looking for something near Australia, then you’ll be interested in these two really unique itineraries with Oceania – the small-ship cruise line for foodies. Due to our exclusive relationship with Oceania, we can get some nice additional perks on both these cruises. Contact us for details.
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti for 21-days departing March 10.
- Visit Sydney, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Lautoka (Fiji), Suva (Fiji), Samoa, Pago Pago, Bora Bora (overnight), Raiatea (French Polynesia), Moorea, Papeete (overnight).
- This cruise cuts your return flight time down significantly, OR you can choose to stay on the ship and ride it all the way to LA.
- Verandas from $9199, with a $600 per person shore excursion credit.
Sydney to Singapore for 20-days departing March 22
- Visit Sydney, Newcastle, Townsville, Cairns, Alotau (Papua New Guinea), Port Moresby (PNG), Darwin, Komodo (Indonesia), Bali (overnight), Java, Singapore (overnight).
- This itinerary visits Australia’s Queensland remote coast, and the Island nations nearby with large airports to fly in and out of pre and post cruise.
- Veranda rooms from $7199 with a $600 shore-excursion credit per person.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
