Cultural Enlightenment in Vietnam and Cambodia: Cruise the Mekong

Have you ever thought of cruising the Mekong River in Vietnam?

Did the name “Vietnam” cause you to pause?

Many people don’t have Vietnam or Cambodia on their vacation lists because of the past and common misconceptions of what both countries are like. The truth is that Vietnam and Cambodia are just as safe as any other place, and are an amazing travel experience. River cruising is becoming especially popular there—in fact, river cruise providers are launching more and more ships because they have a tremendous response from travelers.

Following are just a few cultural and scenic highlights from a typical river cruise from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City along the Mekong River. Imagine yourself among the rich culture and breathtaking beauty as you cruise from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam to the serenity of Cambodia.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the entryway to Angkor, one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Angkor, don’t miss one of the most significant and majestic 12^th century Khmer temples, Angkor Wat. The temple ruins are fascinating, and you’ll be mesmerized by their intricate stone carvings. Phnom Kulen National Park is considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, and you’ll see more carvings, as well as spectacular waterfalls and meandering streams.

Hanoi

You’ll love the intimate charm where old meets new in this thousand-year-old city. The Temple of Literature is a classic example of Vietnamese architecture with its maze of stunning courtyards. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and discover the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 50+ ethnic groups. If you choose, you can tour the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” where American POWs were held during the Vietnam War, and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial, dedicated to Vietnam’s most famous leader.

Hanoi’s old town area is best explored via a passenger bicycle known as cyclo. Here you will see and feel the city’s French influence in stately mansions and lush landscaping. You’ll be fascinated by the endless market stalls, offering everything from the finest silk to stark gravestones.

Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy French colonial architecture at its finest in the historic center of the capital formerly known as Saigon. As you walk along Dong Khoi Street, you’ll see the historic city hall, the regal Notre-Dame Basilica and the magnificent Emperor Jade Pagoda. Discover the Vietnamese point of view on the war with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, but be prepared for a plain, somewhat blunt portrayal of the events.

Phnom Penh

Take a cyclo and explore Cambodia’s capital in style. Taking their inspiration from ancient Khmer architecture, the French built the stunning Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda. An excursion to the Tuol Sleng detention center is a sobering yet captivating experience. Tuol Sleng is the former high school in which thousands of victims of the vicious Khmer Rouge regime died.

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Riverboat Cruises vs. Ocean Cruises: Which is for You?

When it comes to taking a cruise, you have a decision to make. Do you want to cruise the river, or the ocean?

Both types of cruising offer the ultimate in relaxation, onboard activities, and offshore excursions. No matter which you choose, you’ll see the world and experience new cultures and people. However, river and ocean cruising differ in several ways:

• River cruising offers a more intimate setting than ocean cruising. You’ll cruise the river on a smaller ship, and you’ll receive more personalized service than ocean cruisers.
• Unlike ocean ships, most cabins on a river cruise ship have a window view. The cabins tend to be more spacious as well, but not always.
• On the ocean, typical activities include a shipboard casino, several boutiques, and Vegas-style shows. Typically, river cruising ships do not have onboard casinos, and their onboard activities tend to focus on discovering the region and its culture. You’re more likely to enjoy lectures, cooking classes, and wine tasting.

• River cruise ships pass by large cities, medium-sized towns, and small burgs. They dock close to city centers for easy access to shore and ship. You’ll have more opportunity to get to know the locals and see authentic culture. Ocean cruise ships dock in coastal cities, which are often tourist-oriented areas, and you may not have as much exposure to the locals.
• On the ocean, you might sail for hours or days without seeing land. River cruising is a constant vista of spectacular scenery such as majestic castles and charming villages.
• On shore, river cruise entertainment, excursions, and dining are locally owned and staffed, so your experiences will be culturally authentic. Ocean cruises tend to offer popular, well-known shore excursions that many others have experienced.

While both river and ocean cruising involve relaxation, superb service, sumptuous food, and water, the differences between the two are significant and could be a consideration as you plan your cruise.

Have you ever been on a river cruise, ocean cruise, or both? 

Tulips, Castles & River Cruising: Part 4 of 4

We started Saturday morning taking a coach trip through the Black Forest with a local guide. The area is beautiful and would have been nicer had it not been so cloudy. There are many places to stop and visit, so my recommendation for this area would be for travelers to rent a car allowing for stops at will. We passed several stork’s nests near Gottenheim and Umkirch on top of this church and on these man-made poles, really amazing. They really believe in the power of a stork bringing fidelity, fertility and happiness to you. We unfortunately drove by some nice wineries in Glottertal but were unable to stop and sample the goods – if you love red wine this is the place to come.

The tiny village of Sankt Märgen has a beautiful church and the valley views are really something to see, with the fat dairy cows grazing in the pasture and the typical swiss mountain cottages,  it was still beautiful. The highlight of the morning was a stop at this old hotel of the stars where many famous people have stayed, and they have a cuckoo clock demonstration telling you a bit about the history of the clocks. And if that is not enough, there are Steinbech Nutcrackers, beer steins, and original Black Forest Cake for purchase. The main building is a cuckoo clock, at least one end of it, that we were able to watch at 12 noon in the rain – very cool to watch even if it was raining.

That night we had our cruise farewell dinner which was by far the best meal served. The entertainment with dinner was cruising thru locks, and it is amazing how fast you can rise up and we are still wondering how they manage to fit with such narrow free space on either side. Tight fit is a understatement.

Sunday morning, we departed Basel early for Lucerne. Upon arrival to the Palace Luzern, well before the normal check in time, we were happily pleased all our rooms were ready. With 180 degree unobstructed views of the lake, Mt Pilatus, Rigi and Lucerne, well appointed spacious rooms, unusually large bathrooms, and a welcome plate for fruits and chocolates – it was fantastic!

Making the most of our time we took a walking city tour of Lucerne with my favorite guide, Gabriele, stopping at all the key places like Thorvaldsen’s Lion, a tribute to the Swiss Guards fighting in the French Revolution, the Chapel Bridge with it’s incredible art in the rafters – originally build in 1330 but partially rebuilt after a fire in 1993.

The Swiss Transport Museum is a must for any car, train or plane buff and a easy walk. If you are a music lover, Richard Wagner spent many years here and there is a grand museum on the lake that is also within walking distance.

For Dinner several of us with a few local friends went to the trendy, art deco Montana Hotel with beautiful night cityscape views. The food is outstanding here and I heard from several people the Louie Armstrong  jazz bar is a must visit during the week.

Monday, we started with a walk to catch a lake cruise to Alpnachstadt with several stops along the way. The lake views are gorgous, and once you see them you understand why so many decide to live on the lake. Upon arrival in Alpnachstadt, we boarded the Cogwheel train to Mt Pilatus that in many spots is at 47% incline. The Mt Pilatus visitor center is at 7000 feet and we were lucky to have a decent view considering all the clouds and misty rain they have been having, but of course because it has been so cold there was no shortage of snow and ice. What I thought was interesting were the snow formations that had been blown in such a way they looked like feathers. With all the snow and construction the most hiking we could do was the basic loop sharing the dragon legend. Mt

Pilatus is a a hikers heaven with varying degrees of difficulty. We enjoyed a scenic lunch before our cable car and gondola ride to Kriens. The afternoon we enjoyed free time to explore more on our own, window shop the boutique shops in town,  people watch and sip a warm beverage. Our farewell dinner was lakeside at Jasper’s  where they went above and beyond in service to make the evening most memorable for everyone. A Swiss rosé was enjoyed with many people chosing chicken, trout or halibut for their main course.  It was an excellent finale to a great trip.

What is your favorite stop, site, city or experience on this journey?

Tulips, Castles & River Cruising: Part 3 of 4

Wednesday morning began with us docking in Koblenz to take an early coach ride to Marksburg Castle. Anyone who knows me, knows I am not the best morning person but this is so worth it! Getting there early before any other groups arrive is my best advice. It is a steep walk uphill to the castle with many stairs inside, so if you have any mobility issues this is not for you but the history and views of the valley are spectacular. It is the only castle that withstood 500 years of siege and when you see the walls you understand why.  It is amazing how the early people of the area built these huge, elaborate fortresses to provide the both the defense of the area as well as the comfort of the inhabitants.  Marksburg contained the most modern of luxuries for the era.

During the midday, we cruised through the most concentrated section of castles on the Rhine River. Back in the day, ships were required to stop and pay taxes at each castle on the Rhine. In many areas, the ship was required to stay for a few days in the nearby town in order to proceed further along their way to continue selling their wears in the next village. We saw a “small” castle in the middle of the river whose sole purpose was to collect the taxes.  This picturesque area has been shown in many photos and postcards illustrating the beauty of the area.

Our ship arrived in Rudesheim, an area that is rich in wine vineyards. Rudesheim is also known for their special coffee beverage.  It contains coffee, chocolate and a local brandy called Asbach Uralt. – which we got to see a demonstration on how to make this drink as well as taste it.  The group had a dinner and “show” at a local restaurant on the famed Drosselgasse. Our group was involved in the entertainment with selected members doing shots of schnapps with five other persons at the same time from glasses attached to a long board.  They all had to drink at the same time so nothing was spilled.  Others played musical instruments for everyone’s enjoyment.

During the night we made our way to Heidelberg for a visit to the Heidelberg Castle.  The city has always been known for the creation and involvement of the university, the oldest in Germany.  The city center was great to walk through but unfortunately it was a holiday and most stores were closed.  We were able to have a great lunch at a local place before heading to Speyer.  As you cross the bridge over the Rhine from Heidelberg into Speyer you get a glimpse of the imperial church.  The spires’ can be seen for miles.  The church contains the remains of 8 German kings, several members of royalty and Arch Bishops.  This quaint village is not that big but nice to visit the numerous churches, its main street of shops and restaurants or enjoy their parks.

Friday morning, we arrived in Kehl where the group took a coach to Strasbourg. The old town is a bit touristy but nice visit beyond the main streets. The cathedral is huge with the most amazing clock inside.  For those with the stamina you can climb to the observation deck to see views all around. Walking around the city, you can see the German and French influences in the architecture, the language and the food. To me the most amazing sight had to be the many nests of storks with their babies along the Boulevard de L’Orangerie. Strasbourg feeds, cares  and  provides nice nests for them – it is good to be a stork in Strasbourg.

What has been your top pick for part 3? The Marksberg Castle, Rhine River castles, Ruidesheim's vineyards, Heidleberg's castle and university, or Strasbourg's stories and cathedrals?

Travel as Kings and Queens of Old – by River Cruising

                                                   

In ancient times, merchants, musicians, Kings and Queens traveled throughout the lands by various means.  The one considered most luxurious was river cruising. This allowed them to see the heart of the country while traveling in style and security. In modern times, river cruising still provides the elegant lifestyle, all while providing a closer look and greater access to small towns and sites that sea going ships do not provide.

Unlike regular sea going cruise lines that sail around the exterior of countries, river cruising meanders through the heart of the country. Travel on historic and romantic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Volga, Amazon, Nile and Mekong, you still have the benefit of unpacking only once but stopping at many destinations along your journey. The villages, cities and scenery are the destination – not the ship, with itineraries as varied as the rivers with focused excursions like Christmas Markets, Wine Tastings, Culinary Pairings, Gardens, Castles and Museums. River cruising offers the ability to walk off the ship and be in the heart of the city within steps. Because of their small size (8- 150 passenger) you rarely wait to get off or on the ship or need to take a tender, and seldom experience rough water.

                                    

Who is River Cruising ideal for?

• People who like the idea of unpacking once but visiting multiple destinations
• People who enjoy cruising and want to explore further inland
• People who like a laid back environment
• People who appreciate a good value

Who is River Cruising not ideal for?

• People who like having casinos and large workout facilities
• If you have difficulties using stairs some lines do not have elevators, so be aware when booking

Have you tried River Cruising yet?

Images: Courtesy of Uniworld Cruises & Afloat in France by Orient Express