Vietnam and Cambodia: A Mekong Voyage

In Ho Chi Minh City, the air is infused with the fragrant scents of pho and fresh herbs, mingling with the aromas of street-side cafes. French colonial buildings, such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, provide an elegant counterpoint to the sleek, modern skyline of this frenetic metropolis. At the bustling Ben Thanh Market, rich textiles and sizzling street food stalls conspire to create a lively, sensory-rich atmosphere, while in the maze-like streets of District 1, traditional markets coexist with chic boutiques.  

Rolling from the peaks of Tibet, through lush Indochina and out to the South China Sea, the Mekong is more than one of the world’s longest rivers: it is a thread that binds Southeast Asia together, one that has seen faiths flourish and empires fall. To cruise its waters is to sail through Asia both old and new: through bustling cities, growing outwards and upwards above the river’s lush banks, and rural farming communities, who have reaped rice and fruit from the valley slopes for countless generations.  

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s rapidly modernizing capital, pulses with glistening temples, backstreet bars and intriguing history. Travel by tuk-tuk through the city to admire French colonial-era architecture alongside the resplendent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The National Museum guards Khmer treasures while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum offers a somber reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s legacy. An unmissable local pitstop is the Russian Market, where antiques, handicrafts and live produce echo the city's dynamic evolution.

In Siem Reap, dynamic markets pulse with energy as smoky outdoor grills infuse the air with tantalizing aromas. Chic modern restaurants and stylish coffee shops offer a contemporary twist, blending seamlessly with the city’s old-world charm. At Angkor Wat, just three miles beyond the city limits, immerse yourself in the awe of Cambodia’s architectural masterpiece as you wander through its labyrinth of intricately carved corridors and hidden courtyards. The towering spires, mirroring the sacred Mount Meru, rise majestically from the mist. Stroll along the ancient galleries adorned with timeless bas-reliefs, reflecting the grandeur of Khmer artistry. The early morning light casts a golden glow across the reflective pools, enhancing the mystical ambiance of this spiritual and cultural sanctuary.