mekong river cruise

We've been talking to folks about Southeast Asia, recently, especially how incredible we think Angkor Wat is. We couldn't imagine going to that part of the world without building in a visit, there. But there's so much else to see in the region, as well. How best to go about having the best experience possible?

Well, how about a river cruise? On an 8 or 13 day cruise on the Mekong River, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most interesting places along the mighty Mekong River. And, if you like, you can also add-on Thailand as a land excursion.

Via sampan, cruise into Vinh Long and experience Vietnamese culture with a visit to a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. See firsthand how handcrafted sampans are built at the home of a family in Cu Lao Gieng. Walk through a colorful market as the locals are busy with their daily routine of buying and selling produce. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. Enjoy a song and dance performance by children from a local orphanage. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue this diverse river cruise and stop in a Silversmith Village to see craftsmen making silver artwork using ancient techniques. Go on an ox cart ride amongst rice paddy fields in the enchanting Cambodian countryside and witness the daily lives of farmers. 

And at the end of the cruise, you can visit the spectacular ruins of Angkor Wat!

These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and best of all, you're on a luxurious, intimate river ship, with so much included. Amazing food, gorgeous vistas, with the bed in your room facing the beautiful views through your floor-to-ceiling panorama windows that open up to turn your entire room into a balcony. Best of all, you only have to unpack once! 

Avalon will have a second ship coming to the Mekong, soon, but both ships have fewer than 20 cabins, so your experience is guaranteed to be intimate and luxurious, without sacrificing immersion and authenticity.

What do you say?