Explore with Viking—Mekong

Embark on a sunset boat ride to see how people have adapted to life in a constantly fluctuating environment. Head to the shores of Tonlé Sap, which translates to “great lake,” the largest body of fresh water in Southeast Asia. Here, you will meet your guide and board your vessel, a traditional wooden boat, to embark on a relaxing cruise where you can take in the unique way of life that has developed around this lake. Enjoy a drink and see the various ways the people have adapted to the seasonal flooding of this region, from floating villages that include restaurants and schools, to homes built on bamboo shafts that rest just above the waterline. The lake is also home to an impressive level of biodiversity. Watch for fish and birds, experience the verdant, flooded forests and revel in the beautiful sunset views before returning to shore.

Enjoy a night ride through Phnom Penh to glimpse this impressive city in a new light. Meet your skilled driver, climb into the back of a tuk-tuk and drive through the colorful streets of Phnom Penh to arrive at your first stop, the historic Wat Phnom, a temple constructed in 1372. See this ancient structure before continuing through the bustling city to see more of its incredible sites, including the Raffles Le Royal Hotel, a French colonial-style hotel. Pause to take in the Independence Monument, which commemorates Cambodia’s independence from the French in 1953, and is illuminated in the vibrant colors of the national flag. Travel through some of the city’s new neighborhoods to see how it has expanded. Finally, ascend to a sky bar for a panoramic view of the city and the streets you have traveled on from a new angle, before returning to your ship.

Witness a cultural performance representing the current cultural reckoning of Vietnamese life in a grand setting. Depart your hotel on foot and walk through the stunning city of Ho Chi Minh to the Saigon Opera House, built in 1898. As you approach, admire the impressive architecture, representative of French Colonial times. Once inside, enjoy a drink in this historic atmosphere before heading into the theater itself. Take your seat to witness the AO Show, with “AO” derived from Lang Pho or "village and city." This performance depicts the contrast between these two lifestyles, displaying both the cultural richness of the Vietnamese countryside and the nation’s rapid urbanization. Witness impressive acrobatic acts and a bamboo circus, and hear live music that recalls southern work songs, all aimed at demonstrating the changing world of Vietnam.

Navigate Phnom Penh’s streets to immerse yourself in the cultural mainstays of this stunning capital city. Meet your skilled driver and set off to explore Phnom Penh in the back of a tuk-tuk. Begin by driving to the grand Central Market, a stately Art Deco-style construction that dates back to the 1930s. Wander the impressive hallways, take in the stalls filled with goods, including food, clothes and electronics, and marvel at the lofty central dome. Enjoy free time to explore amid the bustle of this marketplace, utilizing its photographic opportunities or practicing your bargaining technique, before reboarding your tuk-tuk and meandering through Phnom Penh’s colorful streets to arrive at the stately Raffles Le Royal Hotel. Visit its Elephant Bar, where you can indulge in a drink and take in the impressive atmosphere that has hosted many famous guests, including Jackie Kennedy.

Experience authentic Cambodia on this jeep ride through villages, followed by a farm-to-table restaurant. Meet your guide at your hotel and board your jeep for an afternoon of exploration. As you begin your drive, observe as the bustling city streets around you transform into tranquil countryside. Admire the lush landscape of verdant trees and take in traditional Khmer villages, where you can see natural thatched houses and glimpse the daily life of locals. Pause for a photo stop at an outlook, where you can marvel at the picturesque sunset scenery of this stunning region before arriving at Lum Orng, Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant. Here, indulge in a delightful atmosphere and authentic dinner crafted from seasonal produce sourced from the restaurant’s farms, local markets and the greater region. After, reboard your van and transfer back to your hotel.