Cruising the Mekong Delta – The Antithesis of a Groundhog Day Vacation
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South East Asia during the months of June and July isn’t the ideal time of the year — it’s hot. Let me rephrase that — you will walk outside and be drenched from the heat and humidity in a matter of minutes. Once I got passed the heat and just decided to mentally “go with it” since there’s really not much else you can do — it’s ok. Everyone else is as hot as you and you’ll come to appreciate cold showers once back on board the ship to freshen up. Coming back to the Amalotus was always cool and refreshing. We would be welcomed with a cold drink and cold towels to cool ourselves off.
When it comes to clothing and gear, you need loose, lightweight, breathable clothing! I thought I could get away with jeans, but I was so wrong. Jeans are just too heavy! Footwear is another thing — you need good, comfortable shoes for walking on unpaved terrain. And, be prepared that your shoes can get really dirty or muddy since we walked on a lot of dirt roads, sometimes, full of mud from rainy days. Fortunately, the crew on the Amalotus took our shoes upon return to the ship and cleaned them all off for everyone! That was a really nice touch! Another essential — bring mosquito repellent for those remote villages, jungles and wooded areas — you will be eaten alive if you haven’t sprayed yourself down.
When it comes to the sun, have sun glasses, sun screen and you need a hat with a wide brim because the sun is unrelenting. I purchased a Tilley Hat for the trip and it was the best thing I could have purchased. It was lightweight, it breathed since it had vents at the crown area, straps so that your hat won’t blow away and it was water repellent. I felt like Indiana Jones the entire time, but my head, face and neck were well protected.
In preparation for traveling to Cambodia and Vietnam, you’ll also need Visas if you’re coming from the U.S. so check the consulate requirements. I was able to apply for the Cambodian Visa online, but for Vietnam, we had to mail in hard copies of everything along with passport copies (even though they say you need to send your actual passport). I contacted the embassy several times and confirmed that I could send copies — I wasn’t too comfortable shipping off our passports.
Finally, if you’ve never traveled this part of the world, just have an open mind. The food is different – but so amazing — light and vibrant and filled with tropical fruits and vegetables that awaken your taste buds. I didn’t see one English sign outside of the airports and you may stop into a rest room on your journey and it’s literally a “hole in the ground”. All I’m saying is that you will be taken out of your comfort zone but that’s part of the adventure of trying something different.
For me, sailing on the Amalotus was a big departure from my normal vacation. It wasn’t a 24/7 entertainment experience, but that’s ok. It was quiet luxury, thoughtful excursions, a laid back experience, intimate and a way to totally enjoy what’s around you — the people you’re with and the world just outside of the ship. I hope you experience this for yourself because I will never forget this sailing on the Mekong River.
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Additional photos taken during this trip by D. Gans
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Fabulous array of photos, Danny – thanks! This really would be so up my alley with my love of Asia over quite a few decades. For a currently single person also a foolproof and safe way to experience the spectrum of life. I would love being away from all the media and, although Caucasian, I do not think I would be out of my comfort zone for one moment!! Oh the history and colour and those wonderfully inquisitive children!!!
Thank you Eha! You should definitely add a river cruise to your vacation options. It’s smooth sailing the entire way and not overwhelming given the number of passengers. It’s funny what you mentioned about being Caucasian because even though I’m obviously Asian, I stood out like a sore thumb — must have been the hat LOL. And yes, the children were wonderful around every turn — lots of “hellos” and constant smiles and waves. Be sure to let me know if you do take the plunge! 🙂
A fabulous article, I especially enjoyed the photos, they certainly added depth to your post! I’ve never taken a cruise of any kind, perhaps the longest boat ride ever was the Singapore to Tioman ferry, which then took 5 hours and that was 5 hours too long!! Of course, a cruise is something else altogether, you make it sound terribly enticing!
And like you, I cannot understand the logic behind going back to the same place every year! But I always thought that it was a particularly British habit!
Thank you for an enjoyable read! xx
Hello Azlin! I’m glad you enjoyed my story and photos. You definitely need to consider a river cruise as maybe a first step to the world of cruising and yes, it’s nothing like that 5 hour ferry ride 🙂 I understand that going back to the same place is “safe” and you can be sure you’ll enjoy your holiday, but there is just so much of the world to see so I say, explore and enjoy the journey! 🙂 Thank you again and all the best! Danny
Fascinating and very informative, Danny! I share your same views on vacations—I enjoy the opportunity to discover someplace new, though I’ve never traveled anywhere as exciting as Cambodia and Vietnam! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences and amazing photography!
Hi Emily — and honestly, this trip is one I didn’t even have on my bucket list until it just presented itself when we started thinking about the possibilities and knowing that we would be in this part of the globe. You just never know and sometimes you just have to go with the flow 🙂 Thanks for the great comments!
Love this and I have so many friends who say they go to the same place each year because it is easy and comfortable. My family we love the adventure and experiences the different people, food, smells etc. We are heading to Colombia soon to explore and in the fall I plan to travel to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos with my husband and a boat on the Mekong has been discussed. Now seeing all these photos I am getting excited to get back to explore new parts of Southeast Asia.
Hi Jordan. I hope you have a wonderful time in Columbia — never been so you’ll have to let me know 🙂 The Fall in SE Asia should be a great time. I hope you have a chance to see all the amazing temples in Cambodia. Also be sure to check out my other stories on Cambodia and Vietnam here on the site to give you a preview of what you’ll see in person. All the best and thank you for visiting us!