Viking Cruises

viking.com | 73 W I N T E R I S S U E 3 0 VISITING PHNOM PENH We were now in Phnom Penh, a city infamously known for the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the S21 Prison and Tuol Sleng. This was an incredibly moving experience, and we were privileged to meet the only living survivor. He's a charming gentleman of 91, who, via our guide, shared some of his experiences during his four months and 12 days of being tortured and confined in a tiny cell. He relayed how he was only spared from being sent to his death because his captors realised he had a use—he was a mechanic and could repair their typewriters. Truly remarkable. We also enjoyed tuk-tuk and rickshaw rides while exploring Phnom Penh, and that evening's onboard meal, "A Taste of Cambodia," was a gastronomic experience in itself. Another highlight was a trip along the Mekong Delta in a sampan. It was a fantastic sailing and a privilege to visit farmlands and houses. We also visited a wholesale market, observing the locals selling their produce, which covered almost everything imaginable from rice to snakes. TOURING HO CHI MINH CITY We sadly had to leave our ship, but there were many more experiences to follow. We traveled to Ho Chi Minh City—another very lively, bustling city—visiting the tunnels used in the Vietnam War on the way. As you crawl through the tunnels, it makes you think about how terrifying it must have been for the soldiers trying to survive in the jungle. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) was electric. The noise, lights and atmosphere were mind- blowing. We got a feel of the place through the excellent tours but also explored on our own. We used our free time on this last day to visit the War Remnants Museum. We also enjoyed bartering in the markets, which were so colourful and vibrant. SAYING GOODBYE Before we packed to leave, we enjoyed a superb farewell dinner and show, and as our flight was late at night, Viking said they would take us for a meal on the way to the airport. We were cared for to the end. On the way, our taxi driver told us that the local people were so pleased to see tourists back in their country after what must have been a very difficult time during COVID— the Cambodians and Vietnamese were so genuinely welcoming and friendly. A BALANCED VOYAGE To sum up, this experience was a carefully balanced mix of deluxe hotels, city sightseeing, observing and mixing with local people to learn about their lives, plus a superb, luxurious journey on one of the most fascinating rivers in the world. Viking excels in covering an extensive range of experiences in a relatively short time. We all agreed we Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam Another highlight was a trip along the Mekong Delta in a sampan. It was a fantastic sailing and a privilege to visit farmlands and houses. GETTING THERE: The 15-day Magnificent Mekong voyage sails from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or in reverse. G ul f of To n k in S o u t h C h in a S ea G ul f of T h ailan d CAMBODIA THAILAND VIETNAM Bangkok Hanoi Ha Long Bay Phnom Penh Tân Châu Sa Ðéc M• Tho Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Cái Bè Siem Reap Angkor Wat MEKONG MEKONG TONLE SAP LAKE Kampong Cham – C r ui s e • – • A ir •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• M o to r C o ach •• O ve r night VIEW VOYAGE could never have had all these experiences without the first-class, local and incredibly knowledgeable tour guides. They not only relay information, but also make everything enlightening and entertaining. Their enthusiasm and wit were second to none. Someone said you don't go on a Viking journey to rest. Everything is optional, but if you want to experience the culture of an area, Viking does this exceptionally well. The general consensus of opinion seemed to be, "If you choose Viking, you know it will be good." We definitely agree and are ready for our next journey.

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