Viking Tours -Magnificent Mekong
#5
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 22
We went on AMA Waterways AMALotus last year, fabulous trip including land. Hanoi to Siem Reap,then boat to Saigon, a few days there. We added an independent week on in Bangkok after this part ended.Many more companies started doing the trip this year so it may be more crowded on the river. We only saw one other riverboat, the Jahan, one time. However, be prepared for some challenging situations not related to the boat. The places you go ashore may not have real docks, lots of walking on planks. The villages were primitive, some without electricity, the people living the way their ancestors did.It was very hot and humid in October so be prepared for that.Due to high water, we were bused some distance to access the ship, but the ride was extremely interesting. Phenom Penh is a nice small city with French influences; The Killing Fields, Genocide Museum, chilling but a must see to understand Cambodia's history.
The boat was nice,well appointed, good food, always had an Asian choice which was a must for us.
Penom Pehn had some very good restaurants.
Beautiful temples, monks in their orange robes...I highly recommend it. Cambodia has had a lasting effect on me.
I have been on a few Viking river boat trips in the past and I thought AMA Waterways was better,a higher quality.
We had enough free time to explore on our own which I liked.
The boat was nice,well appointed, good food, always had an Asian choice which was a must for us.
Penom Pehn had some very good restaurants.
Beautiful temples, monks in their orange robes...I highly recommend it. Cambodia has had a lasting effect on me.
I have been on a few Viking river boat trips in the past and I thought AMA Waterways was better,a higher quality.
We had enough free time to explore on our own which I liked.
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 0
Thank you for your input. We have booked on Viking because it fits our Dec./Jan. timeline dates. We have been to Thailand, even up to the golden triange so I know what you mean when you say things get basic fast. We also did 5 days in Cambodia and loved it. Looking forward to returning.It sounds like you had a lovely time and I am looking forward to the trip. Any other comments or advise will be greatly appreciated. Want to buy art in Hanoi,Saigon or Phenom Penh. Did you see many art galleries that were interesting? Happy Travels.
#7
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 22
I saw galleries but, sorry, do not have names. Went to one in Saigoni for lacquerware. In Phenom Penh there was a very nice area, on a boulevard near a huge national monument. Perhaps another poster knows the name of this area, has galleries and nice shops. Maybe "google" or a guidebook can pin point this area for you. Enjoy your trip on the Mekong.






