Cambodia to Vietnam along the Mekong
One of the most amazing ways to experience the sites and cultures of Cambodia and Vietnam is to travel between the two on the Mekong River aboard the Jahan. The Mekong River is the 7th longest river in Asia and the 12th longest river in the world. For centuries she has linked small communities in trade but more recently she has become an important international trade route as she connects six Mekong countries. Even with modernization the Mekong has retained her heritage and culture. Community trade is still vibrant and a way of life on this amazing river.
Travel Indochina offer a wonderful small group tour that starts in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This is the gate way to Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world first being a Hindu and then a Buddhist Temple. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman 11 in the 12th century and this area was the capital of the Khmer Empire. It became his state temple and then his mausoleum.
Today Angkor Wat has gone under restoration mainly to remove vegetation and to open up parts for the public to view. This temple is a powerful symbol of Cambodia and due to its artistic legacy this led directly to France adopting Cambodia as a protectorate in 1863. Cambodia became independent of France in 1953 and has controlled Angkor Wat since then.
It is hard to image the scale and beauty of Angkor Wat unless you see it for yourself. The outer wall encloses a space of 203 acres and the temple is surrounded by a 190 metre wide moat. It really is one of the manmade wonders of the world and a must see at some stage in life.
Siem Reap is a vibrant city and the start of most tours down the Mekong. The hotel that is a must stay is the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. This hotel is part of the Raffles group who has the famous hotel in Singapore. She was built in 1929 in the grand colonial French style. Today she combines colonial grandeur with modern elegance and is one of the most beautiful hotels you can image. Surrounded by French gardens, rooms with classic four- poster beds and the restaurant complete with silver candelabras and white linen.
After leaving Siem Reap the next stop is to board the luxurious Jahan for an unforgettable cruise down the Mekong to Vietnam. The Jahan design was inspired by the Shah of Jahan who was known for his love of his wife which inspired him to construct the Taj Mahal in her honour. The Jahan has 26 spacious cabins all with large balconies, air conditioning, luxurious beds, en-suite bathrooms and all decorated in Raj – era designs. The Jahan is a luxury floating hotel with public areas such as the bar, restaurant and pool all in the same style. She has brought cruising on the Mekong to a whole new level of style, comfort and service.
The Mekong cruise is all about meeting the people and experiencing life in Cambodia and Vietnam. The people centre their life around the Mekong so cruising down her is the best way to see the real Cambodia and Vietnam. The Jahan does not cruise far each day and the water is very calm. There is plenty of time each day to explore the different villages on guided tours, explore on your own or take one of the optional tours. Since she pulls up right at the shore you also have the luxury of going back to the boat when you feel like it for a rest or a swim. Some of the highlights of this cruise are Tonlp Sap Lake, Kampong Chhang, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Chau Doc, Cai Be and M Tho where the cruise ends.
The first stop once leaving Siem Reap is Tonlp Sap Lake that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. This lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and the home to many ethnic Vietnamese who live in floating villages around the lake. During the wet season the lake fills and at the end of the season the local people make their living out of fishing where the majority of fish in Cambodia comes from. Kampong Chhang is located at the western end of Tonlp Sap Lake and is gate way to Phnom Penh as it is connected by a highway and railway. Just outside Kampong Chhang and on the way to Kampong Cham there is an amazing pottery village.
The next highlight of the cruise is Kampong Cham which is located in Eastern Cambodia. It is another fascinating village and here you can experience village life and a seldom visited silk weaving village.
The next day you arriving in Phnom Penh once known as the “Pearl of Asia “ as it was considered the most beautiful off all the French-built cities in Indochina. It is the capital and largest city in Cambodia and become the capital of the Khmer Empire in 1432 when it was moved from Angkor. The buildings are amazing and you can see why it was known as the Pearl of Asia.
There is also a dark side to Phnom Penh which lies 17 km from the capital in a place called Choeung Ek. This is the site of the Choeung EK Genocidal Centre or as we know it as the Killing Fields. You are encouraged to visit the centre and learn about the sad history of Cambodia between the years of 1975 and 1979 where over one million people were executed by the Khmer Rouge. This tour is confronting but very worthwhile. After a day of reflecting on what humans can do to each other you are treated to a fantastic beach BBQ and traditional Khmer dance performance to celebrate the rich Cambodian history from ancient happier years.
The following day you cruise towards the Vietnam board and arrive in Chau Doc with its rich French Colonial architecture and bustling market and then on to Cai Be which is known for its colourful floating markets. Here you get to experience the markets, visit local orchards, traditional homes and rattan making.
Leaving the Jahan at My Tho to travel overland to Saigon was a sad day. The crew and guides on board were amazing and the food was outstanding and the experiences along the way are one of a kind and never to be forgotten.
Saigon is an eye opener. So different from life on the Mekong. The buildings are grand, the streets are wide and lined with beautiful trees. The War Remnants Museum is well worth a visit if you are interested in learning more about the Vietnam War and the Cu Chi tunnels on the city’s outskirts are a must.
The Cu Chi tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and are a network of connecting underground tunnels. They were used not only as hiding spots during the war but as supply routes, hospitals, storage of food and weapons plus living places for many during this period. They are fascinating to visit and just amazing to see.
Both Cambodia and Vietnam are fascinating places. There is so much more to see in these countries but this tour gives you a great insight to their way of life and history. The people were so beautiful and friendly and the whole experience you could not fault.