MEKONG RIVER

MEKONG PRINCESS 

SAIGON TO SIEM REAP

( ANGKOR WAT)

Day 1  From Cleveland Brisbane to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam

   Day 2 Singapore to Saigon 

My Destination at Changi Airport was reached on time at 5:55 am local time ( two hours behind Brisbane) and I had 4 hours to make my way to my connecting flight to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City).  Changi is absolutely huge with three massive terminals (T1,T2,T3) and each in it's own right bigger than any international airport in Australia.  There is an Air Train service (small shuttle train) to help get between terminals and even with travelators (moving floor sections) it can take up to twenty minutes to reach some of the check in/ boarding gates.  Each terminal has a myriad of Shops, arcades, and MORE DUTY FREE stores along with coffee shops, newsagents etc that it's just mind blowing in size Customs and Immigration were straight forward without any bells ringing or complications as restrictions into Vietnam have been relaxed.  All I needed was to wear a mask on the flight.   We took off in beautiful weather on an A330, the take off was a breeze.   Arriving in Saigon an hour and forty minutes later.  The name Saigon (which I much prefer) was changed to HO Chi Minh City after the capitulation of South Vietnam in 1975 when the treaty was signed with North Vietnam.  However, either name is now acceptable and is in everyday use.  

Because I was upgraded my luggage was taken off at the luggage point and placed in priority.   After searching for it I found it and made my way out the front where I was met by my local guide.   There were a couple of others waiting just outside so I joined the mob.  Our guide rang for our bus but wasn't allowed to come in to the terminal.  We had to cross the road and made our way to our small bus.   We took a half hour drive through the city looking at the sites and arriving at our Hotel ( Inter Continental Saigon)

Arriving around 2pm we had the afternoon to explore Saigon.  We were meeting for Dinner at 6pm at the famous Restaurant Yu Chu.

We dined and drank wine to then after dinner head off to the famous Top of the Roof bar - Rex Hotel ( Drinks here at your own arrangement)

If only these walls could talk.  Rex Hotel Saigon Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the hotel is one of the few remaining bars in this rapidly-developing city with such a long and colourful history to tell. Way before sky bars, craft beer and social media became ‘things’, drinks flowed uninterrupted at the very heart of the city, the Rooftop Garden is the place that the memories still remain, of which it recalls the world to its past famous calling “Five O’clock Follies”, where international correspondents covered the Vietnam war, U.S officers and GIs had their drinking niche during the 60s. Here you will be welcomed by warm & friendly staff and enjoy meals & snack or savor your favorite cocktail at sunset. There is a variety of high quality drinks to suit everyone’s taste.

. Not even a war could prevent thirsty politicians, journalists and soldiers from risking a sneaky happy hour beer on the patio and balconies that overlook the city and along with one of its most famous and historical streets.   We headed back to bed for an early morning rise. 

Day 3 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Up at 0630 we had to have breakfast then a hotel inspection.  Our bus departure was 1100 hours this morning.  So we had time to enjoy our last minute walking the streets, packing or just enjoying the hotel.  But first I enjoyed the complementary buffet breakfast at the hotel.  There was everything you could want on the menu and enough staff to make you afraid to put your coffee cup down or it would be refilled or cleared away before you knew what was happening.  The staff were all very friendly, happy and eager to impress.  Just great.

The time came to board our bus.  It was just a 10 min drive from the hotel.   We passed the Presidential Palace ( sometimes called the Reunification Palace or the Independence Palace) which was where the treaty between North and south Vietnam was signed in 1975 following the Vietnam War.  There was quite a bit on the TV news at the time about all this with tanks shelling the Palace to force the capitulation of South Vietnam.   Well those tanks, a Russian tank and a Chines tank, still stand outside the Palace to this day. 

As we drove to the port we were going to board our boat in the city.  Most other river cruise lines have to drive 3 hours to board.  We are feeling very special as this boat starts from the city center.  We are about to see part of the Mekong other boats dont see.

Embarkation and a welcome drink along with the Mandatory safety drill we set sail to Ben Tre.  Our luggage was in our rooms waiting for us.

I made my way to my Junior Suite.  This boat has 14 rooms, 2 decks.  The reason only 2 decks is so we can fit under all the bridges along the Saigon part of the River.  The other companies boats are larger and have to start down stream.    My Junior Suite was amazing.  Set on the ground floor I could open my balcony doors, ceiling to floor, stand holding the wooden railing and there was the Mekong in all its glory.   I could lay back and watch it go by.  Lunch was set for 1300 in the Indochine Restaurant on the Main deck.  My room was 2 down from the dining area.  The upper deck at the lounge and bar areas.

Happy hour at 1800 to 1900 hours was upstairs in the Ramvong Lounge (upper deck).  Here we met our cruise director.   A few whiskeys later I made my way down to dinner.   The bar is open and complementary,  Beers, Wines, Spirits.  If you like to purchase top shelf spirits they are available.  I was being charge $5 USD for scotch.  We had drinks included on Lunch and Dinner and though out the day.  

Dinner was served this evening at 1900 hrs in the Indochine Restaurant on the Main Deck.   We were met by the crew and every door opened for us.   The food choices were amazing.  5 courses available every evening.  Same for lunch.  The food was so well presented and the staff were very experienced. 

After dinner and a fun filled day and evening I went home to my room with a belly full around 9.30 pm. 

Day 4 Ben Tre

This morning, after a delicious breakfast we are heading out on board the sampan which will take us through a channel lined with mangroves to visit a local coconut candy maker.   After watching the candy making process, walking through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine.  After a fresh fruit tasting, you continue to a pier where you board a small, local boats, ( two guests per boat) for a trip through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship.   

Well the sky opened up and everyone is wet.   LOL returning to the ship soaked.  Warm showers for everyone.  After being home my daughter informs me that I was hit by a Monsoon and 57000 people displaced.  Well we were upto our knees in water.  Was a fun morning. An adventure. 

This afternoon, the ship sails through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touches by tourism to Can To City.  As we sail under all these bridges the area is amazing.  The capital riverside city of Mekong Delta of Vietnam.  We took a short and orientated city tour with visiting to the Zihuang Pagoda ( Chua Ong) and enjoyed the welcome unicorn dances.  Exploring the charming city this evening after dinner.  We had to be back on board by 2000 hrs as the ship sailed for Can Tho for our over night stay.

Day 5 CAN THO  ( HOA AN, VIETNAM)

Todays start is an early one.  Up at 6am for a buffet breakfast.   We are due to set off this morning 7:30 am.   Boarding the Sampans for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating markets near Can Tho.  You have to get there early or everything sells out before you get there.  The sampans weaved in and out of the many boats that sailed into the market.  All these boats were filled with their produce and other items the residents of the Mekong delta needed in their daily lives.  As they weave through the market, there are many opportunities for amazing photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese anti ageing drink, (not sure if that worked, I don't look any younger), fresh coconut water. 

Before returning to the ship , we stopped at a local noodle factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made.   AND YES I was one of 5 that went up and made ONE.  Rolled the milk on a hot pan, swirled it till it filled the pan.  Let it steam up lifted the lid and took the bamboo rolling pin and lifted the rice paper.   Laying it flat on a bamboo runner for it to dry out.   The next step is to put this rice paper through a cutter to make the noodles.  OMG its done.  YAY !!!  made my first noodles.  Amazing.

After lunch on board, we continue excursion by boat to the Hoa An Village, where its untouched and well known with flower growing and handmade craft.  Our first stop at flower gardens where we saw many different kinds of lowers and learn how to grow and take care of them.  Then, a short walk to a local house and chat with the host to see how they live and work in their daily life.

After another short walk, we continued our excursion on motor cart to another village.  We stop by at the conical hat making and mat weaving families.   Have a memorable time chatting with local family members and learning how to create products through hands on experience.  Enjoying the walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, fruit trees in between visiting few local families. 

The days event was full.  Ending back on board for the 1800 to 1900 Cocktail social hour in the Ramvong Lounge.  We had a short briefing with Eric Our Cruise Director about the following day.     Our Movie tonight after dinner is call "the Lover"

Many centuries ago the Mekong was full of huge crocodiles which would attack fishing boats thereby making this source of food gathering very dangerous.  the crocodile would surface, eye off the fisherman in his boat and then attack, upsetting the boat and capturing it's prey.  Well one fisherman decided to paint some eyes on the bow of this boat so that when the croc surfaced it would be confronted with something as big or bigger looking back at him.  This ruse worked and the fisherman went about his business without harassment from the crocs.  in no time the idea caught on an is still employed today all though the crocodile has long been extinct from the waters of the Mekong.

The Mekong Princess sails and anchors this evening near Gieng Island

Day 6 CU LAO GIENG ISLAND, HONG NGU, VIETNAM BORDER

Yesterday we travelled some 45km up the Mekong River where we moored overnight at Gieng Island.  I had expected to find a lot of debris and other floating rubbish in  the Mekong River so I was surprised to see it quite free of floatsam and although the water was very brown looking, the only things floating on it were hyacinth plants.  I also noticed considerable dredging in the river by huge grab buckets mounted on pontoons which hauled up silt from the bottom and placed it onto/ into large barges.  there was literally dozens of these barges travelling to and fro either loaded or empty and, although I do not know where the dredging was going, i assumed that it would be used to reclaim land somewhere. 

I woke this morning feeling a little sore.  I did miss a step on the first night on board and needed a massage.  This morning we boarded our sampans for our Cu Lao Gieng island tour.  We visited the homemade sampan village, where many sampans are produced per day by this village.   

Our excursion will continue to cruise on an unexplored canal along the orchards, rice and veggies fields.  After a short walk to visit an orchard and local family, our EX Lio or motor trishaw takes us along the quite country road to visit the beautiful Phanxico Monastery.

With the beauty of the fruit laden orchards of Mekong Delta region, beside the canals, the lush green canopies is the shadow of a classical Western style building - Phanxico monastery.  That landscape picture captivates many people to visit this place.  This monastery, with an are of 764,000 square feet space, a place was used to train priests since the 19th century and charitable foundation in 1967 in order for treating leprosy patients in the Mekong delta,  

Nowadays, the monastery is a welcoming place for those in need of retreats or meetings.  the priests continue their religious life through labor and prayer, in the spirit of joy and peace of the patriarch.

We made our way back to our Mekong Princess boat.  Our morning had been very busy as another beautiful luncheon awaited us in the dining room followed by time to relax until our afternoon excursion.  As we cast off to sail further upstream the weather was quite warm and humid with the ever threatening of afternoon storm not far off.  While the boat was underway conditions were very pleasant sitting out on the deck in our shorts sipping a cocktail for the afternoon. the breeze would disappear when the boat stopped so the sanctuary of our air conditioned bar or cabin was sought after.  

This afternoons excursion sets off at 1400 hour for a couple of hours a tour of Hong Ngu by Sampan.  Our final Vietnam excursion takes us to the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam - Cambodian border.  Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, we had the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes.

Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes.  The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the Mekong Princess, and are especially friendly and welcoming.  Before returning to the sampans, guests will visit the local temple dedicated to ta unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam Hoa Hao.

This evening the Mekong Princess will cross the border into Cambodia and continue up the Mekong, to the Captial City of Cambodia: Phnom Penh, where we ill dock tomorrow morning for two night.

We had to be back on board in time to reach the border by 1700 hrs. 

All excursion reminders:

Always wear comfortable shoes at all times,

don't forget your headset (supplied to you by the ship along with the listening device).

Swap your suite key for your boarding pass (if you don't do this we may leave you behind)

and thermos water bottle fill up before you go out daily.  (hot or cold drink which ever you prefer. The ship provided a great thermos)

CAMBODIA

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia.  Covers a landmass of 181,035 square kilometers (69,898 square miles).  It is a constitutional monarchy, with Norodom Sihamoni the current ruler, chosen by the Royal Throne Council.  the current head of government is Hun Sen, who is the longest serving leader in Southeast Asia, having ruled Cambodia for 25 years.

With a population of 14.8 million people, 50% of which is under the age of 22,.  it is the 68th most populous nation in the world.   the primary ethic group is Khmer.  Minority groups are the Vietnamese, Chinese, Cham and 30 hill tribes,   The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, and 95% of the population is practicing.

tourism is Cambodia's fastest growing industry with arrivals growing from 219,000 in 1997 to over 2 million in 2007.  Only the textile industry brings in more hard currency to Cambodia.

The Khmer language is the official language of Cambodia, and is a member of the mon Khmer language group.  French is still taught at many schools, and spoken by many older Khmer,.  English is favored by younger Khmer, and is taught in many schools.

Day 7 Phnom Penh Capital city of Cambodia "Kingdom of Wonder"

Our day starts with an early buffet breakfast with a lazy day ahead.  While we devoured breakfast the Captain was making fast the boat the port of Phnom Penh where we will dock early afternoon.   At 9:15 am our Chef on board along with his team began our morning demonstration on carving and tasting tropical fruits from the area. 

The Cambodian immigration had to come on board today with our passports and Mandatory face check by Police immigration.   Sill on board we enjoyed our lunch.  

This afternoon our first tour of Cambodia.  Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh, river Front, Wat Phnom, Independent Monument & National Museum ( Vox Box needed)  Our local Cambodian guide : Sophea.  Following lunch on board, cyclo three wheel bicycle taxi drivers met us for a tour of Phnom Penh.  Ride along the riverfront to Wat Phnom, and independence Monument visit the National museum for a comprehensive look at its spectacular collection of artifacts.  excavated in Angkor and brought here for safekeeping.  Storm hit us this afternoon.  Returning to the ship Drenched.

We were docked over night here in Phnom Penh.  After dinner many wondered off the ship to see the city in lights.  The night markets opened there was a bargain to be sort.  I brought a cable for my phone for $2 USD. Should have brought a few.  Very strong cable.  

Tonight's Movie " The Quiet America"  Lights out!

Mekong princess stays overnight in Phnom Penh tonight.   If you plan to have dinner on shore don't forget to swap out your room key.  We didn't leave any one behind. 

Day 8 Phnom Penh Capital City of Cambodia

The morning starts early with Breakfast over by 8am.  Out excursion today takes us to "The Killing Fields", deemed appropriate, as we approach the area where Pol Pot exercised his reign of terror.  We departed the ship at 8am and would be away all morning as we visited the S-21 Genocide Museum.

The former longan fruit orchard of Choeung Ek was the scene of one of the most disturbing acts of violence in contemporary history.  In 1988 , the Memorial Stupa was erected, and a museum in the corner of the grounds offers detailed background information on the Khmer rouge leaders, as well as their victims.  Of the 120 communal graves at Choenung Ek, 49 have been left intact.

Originally a school, Tuao Sieng, also known as S-21 , was turned into  the Khmer Rouge's largest detention and torture headquarters.  More than 17,000 men, women and children moved through S-21 on their way to the Choeung Ek Killing fields,  the prison has been converted into a museum, with thousands of photographs of the Khmer Rouge victims, as well as photos, diaries and poems. 

While there is no specific dress code for this afternoon's visit, we required that we dress respectfully, in accordance with the somber atmosphere of these memorial sites.

Cambodia appears to be a place with a very wide gap between the 'Haves"and 'Have nots' - while the Haves are driving around in their big, new, Lexus, Mercedes and Toyota, the Have-nots are lucky to own a scooter ( at best), bicycle or cart.  like Saigon, traffic here is chaotic travelling in all directions all at once and again, all without road rage.  I found the Cambodians to be a very happy, friendly and basically honest lot.  I say that because the gap in wealth and possessions is so huge that crime must surely be a tempting thought, at best, but they seem happy with what they have and there's no obvious evidence of felony.  The shops, businesses houses and homes are growing larger in size and becoming ultra modern in appearance as more wealth is gained while the streets are relative clean and well maintained.

After a very somber morning we returned to our boat for a Buffet Lunch.   This afternoon our leisure time to visit Phnom Penh.   Relaxing on the deck this afternoon watching the sun set we met again on the top deck for the Cocktail hour.  This evenings entertainment was a wonderful orphanage showcases the local Apsara Dance performances.  On the Sun Deck this evening we needed our cameras.

Tonight movie after our dinner is the The Two Brothers.  Lights out as we have a big day tomorrow visiting Angkor Wat.

Day 9 ANGKOR BAN, CAMBODIA

This mornings beautiful breakfast starts at 7:30, an early rise, as we set sail at 8 for Angkor Ban. Sitting there for an hour enjoying breakfast and the view of the Mekong, I bought myself a Cappuccino ($2 USD). Tea, and coffee is included daily with breakfast, lunch and dinner, however if you want something special, it will cost a little extra.

This morning on the boat we have a lecture on Cambodia's geography and life along the Mekong river with our local guide, Sophea.

The Mekong river is the worlds 12th longest river and Asia's 7th longest. It source is in the Tibetan Plateau, and it is integral to the lives of people in six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It provides a trade route between China and Southeast Asia, and supplies food, economic opportunities and transportation options to the people who live and work along its banks. Converging with the Mekong River is the Tonle Sap River, which is unique in that it changes directions twice per year, filling the Tonle Sap lake from June to October and making it the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997, the Tonle Sap lake is an important resource for Cambodia. Our expert guides will discuss the origins of both the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, the phenomenon of the Tonle Sap directional change, the fascinating, bio-diverse Tonle Sap lake, as well as the controversy over the dams (both built and proposed) in China, Laos, and Cambodia and how they may affect the human and animal life supported by all three bodies of water. 

Lazing on the ships deck with arrive in Ankgor Ban village around 14:30 (2:30pm). Our afternoon walking excursion is located in the Southeast part of Cambodia. In the village we were greeted by friendly faces and had an opportunity to explore traditional Cambodian houses. 

As we walked through the village, we visited a Buddhist monastery, were we took part in a very special ceremony (The Water Blessing) performed by the local monks. 

Afterwards we walked on to visit the local school. We had an opportunity to interact with the students and take photos of their beautiful smiling faces throughout the village. 

Everybody bought along some school supplies for the kids and we presented them to the teacher. The teacher will spread them evenly amongst the children. We were advised we needed to cover our knees and shoulders on this tour out of respect. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Day 10 KAMPONG CHAM, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Our farewell off this morning leaves us disembarking with fond memories and new friends. Before we disembarked, we checked our closets, draws and suite for any items we missed, We checked the safe for our money, we left our headset device on the table with our charger. Upon checkout the purser returned our passports (this means we can go home). We returned our suite key to the crew before departure at the gangway.

We were given a breakfast box to have on our way to Siem Reap, this was going to take us several hours, due to the weather. We hit the floods. WATER EVERYWHERE.