Viking Rivers Cruises – Magnificent Mekong (Vietnam, Cambodia) 15 Days

Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive and check in to your hotel. A French-conceived colonial city, no other destination better represents the contrasting nature of modern Vietnam than Hanoi. It was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954 and today boasts one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region, with more cultural sites than any other city in Vietnam. Amid more than 600 pagodas and temples, Hanoi’s Old Quarter displays the original streets and architecture from the early 20th century. A stroll along its historic streets is like stepping back in time.

Hanoi, Vietnam
At the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter lies a labyrinth of narrow streets that, despite the noise levels, are well organized. Amid the bustle, a pattern of trade emerges from the street names, each dedicated to the products that have been produced and sold here for centuries. From Hàng Bạc (silver) to Hàng Bồ (baskets) and Hàng Bông (cotton) to Hàng Đào (silk), just about any item can be found at a store or market stall alongside a variety of Vietnam’s famous street food vendors.

Shore Excursions – Historic Hanoi
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes     
Get an excellent overview of Hanoi on this comprehensive full-day excursion. Begin with your guide at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the museum and the simple stilt house that was the leader’s dwelling from 1948 until his death. Continue to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century monument rebuilt after the French destroyed it in 1954. Then, enjoy a stroll through the peaceful walled courtyards and graceful gateways of the Temple of Literature. After time for lunch on your own, pass colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral on your way to the Museum of Ethnology, which chronicles the nation’s astonishing ethnic diversity. Cap your tour with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” where American POWs were held captive during the Vietnam War.

Hanoi, Vietnam
A treasure trove of tasty delights awaken the senses in the Vietnamese capital. Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, serving up an array of dishes from all corners across the city. Steaming bowls of pho, a Vietnamese rice noodle soup, are served alongside marinated meats grilled to perfection. The café scene in Vietnam is equally as popular; egg coffee is a local specialty and a decadent cap to any meal. After breakfast, check out of your hotel. This afternoon, fly to your destination city and check into your hotel.

Shore Excursions – Hanoi Old City & Hanoi Hilton
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes  
Enjoy a leisurely ride by “green” electric car through the Old Quarter of Hanoi. In existence for more than a thousand years, this district remains one of Vietnam’s most lively and unusual places. See local life during a short drive around picturesque Sword Lake, then board your electric car for a panoramic sightseeing drive along the tree-lined boulevards and narrow lanes bordered by charming old homes. Pass iconic city landmarks, including the grand Hanoi Opera House. Visit the “Hanoi Hilton,” where American POWs were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. Explore the maze of back streets and discover endless mementos, from wool clothes and cosmetics to gold and silver jewelry. Hear stories about the Old Quarter, and learn why it has become the inspiration for numerous writers, poets and painters, and one of Hanoi’s most desired tourist destinations.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
Gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap boasts an atmospheric Old French Quarter where colonial-style buildings stand alongside Chinese architecture. Everywhere there is evidence of its place in history as a city with strong ties to its rural past. Still, Angkor Wat gets much of the attention; the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, drawing not only historians and archaeologists but also the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
The lasting legacy of the Khmer Empire is evident across many parts of Southeast Asia. The Khmer were known for their construction skills and ability to establish economic links with societies across the continent, trading in rice, fish and other goods via the Mekong River. The Khmer civilization was deeply embedded with Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, which are reflected in much of the country’s ancient architecture. The majestic monuments of Angkor Wat and Bayon pay tribute to the Khmer’s vast power and wealth, which at its peak was larger than Europe’s Byzantine Empire.

Shore Excursions – Angkor Wat
Duration: 4 hours 
Explore the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat. From Siem Reap, journey to one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Built for King Suryavarman II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. See the delicate artistry, intricate stone carvings and beautifully proportioned layout of this impressive Khmer structure. Enter the central sanctuary and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later, explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom, home to several of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter via the monumental South Gate and visit the mysterious Bayon Temple, followed by the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper Kings. These former venues for ancient public ceremonies are adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
From Siem Reap, a number of stunning smaller temples can be explored. The ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, featured in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is a fascinating sight, with its collection of towers, courtyards and corridors of delicately carved stone enveloped by the vast roots of banyan trees. The center of Siem Reap enjoys a vibrant atmosphere with eateries offering a range of local and international cuisine, as well as stores that are open until late selling a variety of goods, from Khmer art and jewelry to handmade silks and lacquerware.

Shore Excursions – Ta Prohm & Angkor Thom
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes   
Visit Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom, more intimate in scale than Angkor Wat but no less spectacular. Both ancient sites are part of the larger Angkor archaeological complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide and drive to the temple of Ta Prohm. Founded as a Buddhist monastery during the late 12th and early 13th centuries, this photogenic site has been left largely untouched since its discovery. The jungle growth has overtaken much of the ruins, so you will see these staggering remains much as European explorers did when they first stumbled upon them. Admire how this imposing temple has merged with the surrounding growth without quite becoming part of it. Then continue to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Set out and gaze at its ancient structures, such as the Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper Kings and the mysterious Bayon Temple.

Shore Excursions – Viking School Visit
Duration: 3 hours     
Meet some winsome children during a fun and fascinating visit to a local school. In rural Cambodia, the government provides general education. Yet it is not enough to prepare children for successful careers in the modern world. Viking has funded the construction of a school and sponsored a program to help provide English and computer skills lessons, preparing young adults for finding jobs in nearby cities. You will have the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the village and school. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm greeting from the staff and children. During your stay, your hosts will share some of their lessons and you can talk with the teachers about the positive contributions of the unique Viking sponsorship programs in this area. Guests are also welcome to donate school supplies and pre-loved books in good condition to the school library.

Kampong Cham, Cambodia
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Approaching the capital city of Kampong Cham province by boat demonstrates why its name means “the port of the Cham people”. The Kizuna Bridge over the river, opened in 2001, is the first span to cross the Mekong in Cambodia. Koh Paen island rests in the middle of the river and hosts Khmer and Cham villages that are mounted on stilts in anticipation of high water season. The streets of Kampong Cham itself spread away from the Mekong River and exude a pleasant French colonial charm.

Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Amid the serene riverside setting of Kampong Cham’s provincial capital, life unfolds at a slow, relaxed pace. Few travelers venture off the beaten path to this ancient Asian city, but those who do make their way here soon find themselves captivated by quiet streets, friendly locals and a leisurely waterfront promenade. Among its most notable sights is Wat Nokor, a 12th-century temple complex predating Angkor Wat. It was constructed in black sandstone by Jayavarman VII, the Khmer king also responsible for the Ta Prohm and Bayon Temples.

Shore Excursions – Kampong Cham
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes     
Enjoy an excursion to the scenic Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, Man Hill and Woman Hill. Meet your guide and drive by motor coach into the countryside to see this pair of summits. Upon arrival, marvel at the enormous gilded Buddha statuary at the base of the mountains and the memorial stupas placed here to honor those lost in the Killing Fields during the dark era of the Khmer Rouge. The gardens here are still used during traditional festivals. Admire the Phnom Pros pagoda on its namesake summit; atop Phnom Srey, a few nuns have taken up residence to maintain the temple there. During your visit, you might encounter some of the playful monkeys that call these hills home. Afterward, visit a nearby village, where you will meet farmers and artisans who will welcome you into their homes and show off their craftwork while you learn about this self-sustaining community.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Time seems to have passed by Phnom Penh. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” this bustling Cambodian capital is home to charming French colonial architecture along relaxed boulevards, beautifully wrought pagodas and the monumental Angkorian complexes for which Cambodia is revered. The city’s park-like riverfront boasts plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants, and its rich collection of universities, museums and other institutions have grown into Cambodia’s center of cultural heritage.

Shore Excursions – Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Duration: 4 hours     
Tour Phnom Penh on your own private cyclo. You will meet your skilled driver-guide and set off into the city for an exciting excursion. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace, built in the 19th century by the French Protectorate but inspired by the centuries-old architecture of the Khmer. In 1863, King Norodom signed the Treaty of Protection with France and the Royal Court was moved from Oudong to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. The complex is divided into three main compounds. The Silver Pagoda is on the north side, Khemarin Palace is on the south, and the central compound contains the Throne Hall, still used today for religious and royal ceremonies. You will also see the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses treasures of Khmer art and craftsmanship. Here, you can see the world’s largest collection of Khmer artifacts, as well as other relics that predate the mighty empire.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Twice chosen as Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh’s history is punctuated with periods of Khmer and French rule. More recently, the city has experienced rapid urbanization and has enjoyed a thriving cultural and food scene. Although often shadowed by the more well-known cuisine of neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, traditional Cambodian fare represents the flavors and techniques of one of the world’s oldest surviving culinary traditions: Khmer cuisine. In Phnom Penh, opportunities abound to sample its signature dishes, from savory fish amokto fresh nom banh chok rice noodles.

Shore Excursions – Udon Monastery & Silversmith Village
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Immerse yourself in daily life along the Tonlé Sap River, visiting a revered monastery and a silversmith village. Embark on a scenic drive through the Cambodian countryside and river delta of the Kampong Speu province. Upon arrival in Udong, you will witness a life largely unaffected by the modern world. Enjoy a tour with your host and meet residents with your guide, getting a rare glimpse of a small community which was also the royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Then, continue to the Udon Monastery, one of Cambodia’s major Buddhist monasteries. Marvel at its sculpted golden dragons keeping watch over the grand entrance and the ornate facade. During your visit, you will receive a blessing amid a shower of jasmine petals from the monks. After, get a glimpse into life in the silversmith village and learn about their traditions before returning to your ship.  

Scenic Sailing: Mekong River
Journey along the Mekong and understand why it is truly the “Mother River of Southeast Asia,” sustaining civilizations through the centuries. Pass Mekong rice fields, villages and towns that seem frozen in time, and see ample evidence of the river’s role in farming and fishing. A lush landscape of evergreen and broadleaf forests drapes across flat landscapes that rise to rugged peaks. As the river opens up to the Vietnamese delta, narrow rivulets lead to inviting floating markets where all manner of the earth’s bounty is sold from ubiquitous longboats.

Tân Châu, Vietnam
A thriving border town on Mekong shores, Tân Châu occupies a rural district in the delta of Vietnam. Founded in the mid-18th century, its growing population has earned it an upgrade to a township. High-quality silk is produced here, skillfully woven in delicate traditional patterns and expertly dyed in bright colors. Sedge grass weaving is another long-held tradition, producing mats, baskets and other useful items. The surrounding terrain, crisscrossed by canals and smaller rivers, is mostly flat and supports rice fields and other agriculture.

Shore Excursions – Tân Châu
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes    
Get an up-close look at the deeply traditional side of rural Vietnam. You will meet your guide at your ship and board an authentic wooden sampan for your transfer ashore to the bustling border town of Tân Châu. Upon arrival, embark by rickshaw with an expert driver for an orientation ride past the central market, religious sites and shops. Afterward, reboard your sampan and set off along the Bassac canal, viewing life along the waterway as you travel to a floating fish farm. As you browse the facility with your host, you will learn how this important food source is harvested. Continue your leisurely boat ride to Vinh Hoa, known as “Evergreen Island.” Here, take a short walk to see some locals demonstrate traditional Vietnamese farming, craft making and other daily activities. At the end of your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Founded as a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now Vietnam’s largest city. Though still commonly called Saigon, locals are as likely to simplify the name of their hometown to HCMC. No matter what you call it, it is a seamless blend of history and modern youthful energy, where pagodas and French colonial grandeur mingle with bustling old-world marketplaces and modern skyscrapers, all against a constant buzz of motor scooters and trill of bicycle bells. From enduring, narrow alleyways to wide, Parisian-style boulevards, Ho Chi Minh City has an identity all its own. Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Shore Excursions – Cu Chi Tunnels
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes     
Descend into the mysterious, once-secret tunnels used as supply routes, hospitals and living quarters by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These subterranean passageways outside Ho Chi Minh City are a tiny part of a huge network that extends through much of Vietnam. Stop to explore the memorial park of Cu Chi, preserved by the Vietnamese government. As you walk with your guide, you will glimpse daily life underground, where soldiers spent days out of sight of American forces; they came above ground at night to seek supplies, farm their land or engage in combat. Narrow passages lead to living quarters, small dining halls where soldiers shared meals and conference rooms where campaigns such as the Tet Offensive were planned. After time to explore the tunnels and the memorial park above ground, rejoin your motor coach. Note that this tour is not recommended for those with back issues.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is a heady mix of French and Vietnamese cultures, where baguettes and croissants are sold alongside pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and motor scooters buzz past colonial-era architecture. The city’s wide boulevards are reminiscent of Paris, lined with jewels such as the Opera House, fashioned after the Petit Palais, and the grand Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Aromatic food stalls and colorful shops purvey local specialties and all manner of Vietnamese wares, from conical hats to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 4 hours   
Witness a rich blend of French colonial and old-world Asia as you explore Ho Chi Minh City’s major sites. From the historic center, drive along Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping center and the heart of old colonial Saigon, where remnants of its rich history remain. See some of its classic colonial landmarks, including the ornate City Hall and the Opera House, both of which boast a grand facade. Briefly stop at the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, an elegant French colonial gem designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower. Immerse yourself in recent history at the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace, where Saigon fell. Explore with your guide before visiting a lacquer factory. Here, you can watch the steady hands of local artisans at work as they create beautiful and artistic wares.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.