Combine City and Country While in Cambodia and Vietnam
For travelers who are eager to get away from the more common destinations, both Vietnam and Cambodia have incredible appeal. Rich in history and culture, home to spectacular local cuisine, affordable and not yet heavily developed, both countries offer a stunning contrast of urban life and rural countryside.
To see the best of both worlds in this part of Asia, river cruises are often ideal. If you are an independent travel agent working with a host travel agency, find out how a river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia could be the complete package for your future travel clients.
The Appeal of River Cruises
On a river cruise that is a part of the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, passengers get to enjoy more than simply a way to get from point A to point B.
It’s an opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery on the Mekong River, stop at destinations usually inaccessible by car, see the traditional villages and culture throughout Asia and still enjoy upscale, luxury accommodations along the way.
The staterooms are elegant and spacious, the sundecks and restaurants have a distinct colonial feel and the entire experience lets you step back in time and enjoy Cambodia and Vietnam from an entirely new perspective.
City Adventure: Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Phnom Penh
Highlights of a cruise along the Mekong River will undoubtedly be the bustling and vibrant cities of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Phnom Penh.
Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and is better known to some as Saigon. It is home to incredible attractions like the Reunification Palace, the Museum of Vietnamese History, the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral and the Twenty-Three September Park.
Hanoi may be smaller than Ho Chi Minh, but it is the political and economic capital of the country. Hanoi also boasts beautiful parks, museums and architecture, with some of the most popular spots including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum.
Into Cambodia, the capital of Phnom Penh is located right on the Mekong and boasts a breathtaking Royal Palace, traditional temples and bustling markets.
Historical Exploration: Siam Reap and Kampong Cham
In between exploring the vibrant cities of Cambodia and Vietnam, passengers on a Mekong River cruise will be able to visit some of the most historically significant landmarks in all of Asia.
Siam Reap, for example, is the gateway to the stunning Angkor Wat, which was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. Visitors will be able to stroll through ruins, tour ancient temples and admire the architecture that makes Angkor Wat one of the top historical destinations on the planet.
To get a taste of traditional Cambodian culture and heritage, Kampong Cham is a riverside city where you can tour temples from the 8th century, see massive statues of Buddha and watch performances of the ancient Apsara dances.
Incredible Culture on a Mekong River Cruise
Finally, the opportunity to cruise along the Mekong River is a way to dive into the local culture, cuisine and language of both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Prepare for water puppet shows in Hanoi, tours of family-run rice paper factories or shopping in floating markets.
A host agency like Travel Planners International is the perfect partner for booking unforgettable getaways. A trip along the Mekong River can be one of these memorable opportunities that clients won’t ever forget.