Mekong Cruise

VIKING’S 'Marvels of the Mekong' - SAIGON

The Marvels of the Mekong cruise reveals why Viking's attention to detail transforms river cruising into an art form.

We discover a travel company's reputation for meticulous organisation isn't merely marketing rhetoric. Viking's 'Marvels of the Mekong' journey—a comprehensive exploration combining seven days overland with river cruising from Kampong Cham to Ho Chi Minh City—demonstrated why this operator has earned such devoted following amongst discerning travellers.

The adventure begins not on water, but across the varied landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia. Our guide Tony proved invaluable during the land portion, his encyclopaedic knowledge of historical sites matched by an impressive ability to maintain group cohesion—no small feat when managing the logistics of temple visits and cultural immersion. The itinerary's thoughtful construction allowed for two nights in Hanoi and three in Siem Reap, providing adequate time to absorb the majesty of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complexes without the rushed feeling that often plagues organised tours.

Hanoi's offerings proved both sobering and enlightening. Daily coach excursions included visits to the infamous Hanoi Hilton—the prison that housed American POWs during the Vietnam War—and explorations of the Old Quarter via electric car, a civilised approach to navigating the district's narrow, bustling streets. The brief hour-and-a-half Vietnam Airlines flight to Siem Reap provided seamless transition from Vietnam to Cambodia, where the Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel served as our base for temple explorations.

The coach journey to Kampong Cham marked the transition from land-based discovery to river-borne luxury. Boarding the Viking Saigon felt like stepping into a floating sanctuary designed specifically for the mature traveller who appreciates both comfort and cultural authenticity.

Our first shore excursion—exploring the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, followed by a silk weaving village visit—established the tour's remarkable pace. Viking's philosophy appears to be maximum cultural immersion with minimum downtime, though never to the point of exhaustion.

Phnom Penh presented both whimsy and profound historical gravity. The morning rickshaw city tour created an almost surreal spectacle—eighty rickshaws moving in convoy through the capital's streets. The afternoon's sobering visits to the Tuol Sleng Detention Centre and the Killing Fields provided essential context for understanding Cambodia's tragic recent history. These sites, remnants of Pol Pot's genocidal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s, serve as powerful reminders of humanity's capacity for both cruelty and resilience. The following day's independent tuk-tuk exploration of local markets provided welcome respite and personal discovery time.

The shore excursions throughout the journey exemplified what can only be described as military precision in organisation. One particularly memorable morning involved transfer by sampan to Tan Chau, rickshaw city touring, return via sampan to Evergreen Island for cultural observation, and a fish farm visit—all executed seamlessly without feeling rushed or manufactured.

The Mekong Delta's final day offered exploration of the region's famous floating markets and intricate canal systems, providing insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The farewell to our floating home preceded a comprehensive Ho Chi Minh City experience, including the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels—an underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War—and city highlights encompassing the Grand City Hall, Reunification Palace, Opera House, Chinatown, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

The Viking Saigon herself deserves particular recognition. Completed in 2022, this 79.9-metre vessel represents thoughtful engineering for Mekong navigation—any ship exceeding 80 metres requires tugboat assistance on this river. Her 13-metre beam and 1.9-metre draft, powered by twin Caterpillar 725 HP diesels providing 11-knot cruising speed, create optimal balance between comfort and manoeuvrability.

The ship's 80 river-view cabins ensure every passenger enjoys the constantly changing scenery. The Sky Bar, featuring the pool area and serving as an alternative breakfast and lunch venue, provides respite from the main restaurant when desired. The spa, fitness centre, and library—complete with 24-hour tea and coffee service, morning croissants, and afternoon biscuits—cater to varied passenger preferences.

Deck Two's lounge and bar became the evening's social heart, largely due to Armin's remarkable piano performances. His ability to accommodate virtually any musical request, delivered with genuine enthusiasm and considerable skill, created the kind of spontaneous entertainment that transforms good cruises into memorable ones.

The crew's international composition proved fascinating. Captain Vuong Nguyen Van explained that whilst hotel staff hailed from Cambodia, all nautical personnel were Vietnamese—a practical arrangement reflecting regional maritime expertise. Hotel Manager Enrico Schiappapietra, from the Swiss-Italian border region, demonstrated the kind of omnipresent hospitality that distinguishes exceptional service. Whether welcoming passengers back from excursions or arranging cabin refreshments, his attention to detail proved invaluable.

Executive Chef Zsolt Noszko deserves special mention for transforming nightly menu presentations into theatrical performances. His culinary skills were never in question, but his evening comedy routines in the lounge added unexpected entertainment value that passengers clearly relished.

The Seasoned Traveller's Verdict:

Viking's 'Marvels of the Mekong' represents river cruising at its finest—comprehensive cultural immersion delivered with logistical precision that allows passengers to focus entirely on the experience rather than the mechanics of travel. Every detail appeared pre-arranged, nothing left to chance, yet the execution never felt rigid or impersonal.

For fellow seasoned travellers seeking authentic cultural discovery without sacrificing comfort, this journey provides the ideal balance. The combination of overland exploration and river cruising offers perspectives impossible to achieve through either approach alone.

The Viking Saigon herself sets new standards for Mekong river vessels, whilst the crew's international expertise and genuine enthusiasm create an atmosphere of sophisticated hospitality. This truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience that justifies its premium positioning through exceptional execution and unforgettable memories.