Sadly today we must disembark the boat...what an unbelievable experience we had onboard! As we all know, I am an unapologetic hotel snob and the Viking Saigon was quite possibly the best hotel I have ever experienced! From the moment we walked the gangplank to the boat, they were calling us by name and every time they saw us, they called us by name. The dining room servers remembered our preferences and would ask before lunch and dinner if we'd like that item or if we would like to try something new. With our cabin, we got breakfast delivered to our room and each morning it would arrive right on the exact minute we requested it. Our cabin stewart paid such attention to detail and often placed things in a much more efficent location than we had thought. The hotel manager was there at every turn with a smile and a kind word. What makes it all so amazing is the guest turnover time is only about 6 hours from the time the previous guests disembarked and we boarded and the staff seemed to work around the clock but each and every one of them always looked like they had 8 hours of sleep based upon the smile on their faces and their professional level of service. The other thing we really appreciated was the luxury accommodations and service but the casual elegance of the experience.
Here's a little travel tip: When we booked our cabin, we booked a Veranda cabin but definitely had our eye on Explorer Suite. Upon arrival in Saigon, I took a look online and the two Explorer Suites were still available. I asked our Viking director about the possibility of upgrading our cabin. Because the cabin was still available, we were able to upgrade for only 20% of the cost...money well spent! By upgrading, we got more than twice the space, breakfast room service (room service is not offered on river boats due to the size of the galley), the swanky beverage package, a Nespresso machine (super excited when I saw it) and daily laundry (a definite must given the warm temps even in December). So the next time you find yourself on a cruise, book the cabin you like and can afford but when you arrive check about upgrading...you never know!
The ports of call along the Mekong were a little more premative than what you would experience on a larger cruise ship or even what I have experienced on the Nile and the Yangtze. When we were in Vietnam, we would have to board a sampan to get to shore. When in Cambodia, some times there would be a proper dock and other times like today, Kampong Cham, we pulled right up to the side of the river and had to walk up the hill. While it was a little bit of an incline for us, we didn't have to schlep our luggage but instead our wonderful crew handled it for us. Then with smiles on their faces, they assisted each person up the hill. Again, I cannot say enough how truly fabulous the onboard experience was and if you ever get the chance to take the Magnificent Mekong cruise with Viking...do it!
Just a few pics of the drive from Kampong Cham to our hotel in Seim Reap. I think I was a little too sad from leaving the Viking Saigon to take many pics today.
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| Scooters are to the Cambodian family what SUVs are to the US family |
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| Rice drying |
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| We stopped at a rest stop for the "happy room" and they were drying fish |
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| Spirit Houses are everywhere |
Anyone know where I can find a Buddha to take home?
After a two hour bus ride, we finally arrived at our home for the next three nights. We received a local greeting from the hotel staff. Later that evening, we had a dinner show at the hotel followed by LuLu and I heading to the spa for a late night massage...perfect way to end the day.
All throughout Vietnam and Cambodia you'll find lotus flowers. They represent spiritual englightenment, beauty and eternity. You'll often see them offered to Buddha. The image above on the left is a blooming lotus. The image above on the right is what it looks like after the bloom has fallen off. Both equally beautiful in my opinion.
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