Day 1 – Depart UK
The original plan was flying through Charles De Gaulle (CDG) then onto Singapore (SIN) before reaching Siem Reap the following day. Flying nowadays seems to be fraught with problems, even before we left Newcastle (NCL) we were told our return flight from SIN to CDG was cancelled and they would send us back via Amsterdam (AMS). They then changed times of the departing flights and we were getting into CDG 2 hours after our connection to SIN had left…. Luckily Singapore Airways realised the folly of this and changed our flights to go through AMS. We then found out that the outward flight, NCL/AMS/SIN, had no connection from Newcastle so it meant us going from NCL to AMS at 13.20 the day before our 11.00 flight to SIN. A lot of time travelling but this seems to be par for the course nowadays…..
Most recent flights have been on either Emirates or KLM/Air France so it was interesting being on Singapore after a long abscence. I’d forgotten how good it is. I guess the others have sat on their laurels and not progressed…….
A quick check to see if a jumper is needed …..
Day 2 – Arrival in Siem Reap
Sous Sdei welcome. After two airport hotels and three flights we’ve arrived, it seemed like an eternity. A quick chill in hotel then off to downtown Siem Reap for shopping and chilling. Several dresses, shirts and swimming trunks later and it’s rehydration time.
Day 3 – Siem Reap
A relaxing day exploring chilling out and getting over the jet lag. Then in the evening we meet our Cambodian tour director to learn more about the days ahead, before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Day 4 – Siem Reap
We start with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom. The city was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII and covers an area of 9 square kilometres.
After the tour we visit the sacred temple of Ta Prohm, overgrown by jungle trees.
This evening, its the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus, a spectacle of acrobatics, theatre and music. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts.
Then we take a night a Vespa tour of Siem Reap.
This evening, its the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus, a spectacle of acrobatics, theatre and music. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts
Day 5 – Siem Reap
We rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat then a walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout.
This is what the Instagram videos looks like
This is the reality
Day 6 – Siem Reap – Prek K”dam Embarkation
Today we leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Prek K’dam to embark Emerald Harmony. En route we stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant.
On arrival in Prek K’dam we board then set sail whilst enjoying first dinner on board with fellow travellers.
On arrival in Prek K’dam we board then set sail whilst enjoying first dinner on board with fellow travellers.
Day 7 – Oudong – Phnom Penh
We start day with a visit to the Oudong Monastery and Temples which are located north of Phnom Penh, and was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple sight include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. We receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks.
We then sail to Phnom Penh relaxing on board then after dinner and later enjoy a Phnom Penh by City Lights Remork (tuk tuk) tour.
Day 8 – Phnom Penh – Vietnam / Cambodia Border Crossing
Phnom Penh, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning, we learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history, then off to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here we walk through the fields, visit the small museum and learn about this sad historic chapter. Then visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.
Back on board there’s a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens, followed by a shopping stop at the central market located in the heart of the city.
This evening, there’s a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, before setting sail to the border. We celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
Back on board there’s a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens, followed by a shopping stop at the central market located in the heart of the city.
This evening, there’s a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, before setting sail to the border. We celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
Day 9 – Tan Chau – Long Khanh Island
In Tan Chau, we visit a unique family-owned Lanh My A silk producing factory and learn about the long and complicated silk-making process and have a chance to touch the real Lanh My A silk, created with dyes made from the mac nua fruit, originating from Tan Chau silk village around 100 years ago.
Then a sampan to Evergreen Island and walk through a local village for a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community.
This afternoon, its Long Khanh Island, known for its scarf weaving and Hoa Hao Buddhist pagoda.
After anchoring for the night near An long, there’s a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.
Day 10 – An Long – My An Hung
This morning it’s a tour of Tràm Chim National Park, home to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary.
This afternoon, a visit to My An Hung village which is recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers and enjoy some local folk singing during the visit, wander through coconut farms, meet the locals and learn about life in the village.
Tonight there’s a Vietnamese family-style dinner.
Day 11 – Sa Dec – Cai Be
We visit Sa Dec on a walking tour, with stops at the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung, the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.
Back to the boat by sampan and, after lunch on board arrive in Cai Be, again travelling via sampan we visit a coconut candy workshop and learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, then visit a local French colonial heritage villa.
Day 12 – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City
Today is just relaxing with a full day of sailing the magnificent Mekong River and canal watching as life in the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam awakens for another day as the ship departs early this morning to begin transiting the Cho Gao canal.
Tonight we dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with views of the city lights and have a trip ashore.
Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh City Disembarkation
Goodbye to ship and head into the country with rice paddies, villages and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam then spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. We hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the French and American Wars and incredible tales about the unusual foods the residents ate to survive and much more. Once above ground, we see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves, such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. Paul had another go at some of the weapons.
Back to Ho Chi Minh City and check into hotel then enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 14 – Ho Chi Minh City
We start with a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence, Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way and admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the old Saigon Post Office while listening to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.