Scenic Mekong Review, December 31, 2022-January 10, 2023

[terry&mike]

Cocktail Lounge

[terry&mike]

Reception area 

[geoffieg]

Terry and Mike:   Thank you so much for the photos and description of the ship.  Our cruise documents and swag finally arrived last evening, and then seeing your posts this morning has gotten me excited in a way I normally don't given how much we have traveled.  Especially appreciate seeing photos of the suite and fitness room.  Both of us work out almost daily.  

 

One question:  are you using your phone for the pictures or a regular camera?  I would prefer to rely upon my phone, but am worried I need to bring my digital 35 mm to properly capture everything.

 

We start our first let tomorrow.  Thanks again for taking us along on your journey.

[trtog7]

Thank you for all the pictures. We did this cruise the first year that Scenic cruised the Mekong and the pictures are bringing back very fond memories

[terry&mike]

2 hours ago, geoffieg said:

Terry and Mike:   Thank you so much for the photos and description of the ship.  Our cruise documents and swag finally arrived last evening, and then seeing your posts this morning has gotten me excited in a way I normally don't given how much we have traveled.  Especially appreciate seeing photos of the suite and fitness room.  Both of us work out almost daily.  

 

One question:  are you using your phone for the pictures or a regular camera?  I would prefer to rely upon my phone, but am worried I need to bring my digital 35 mm to properly capture everything.

 

We start our first let tomorrow.  Thanks again for taking us along on your journey.

I am using an iPhone 11 for all my photos. 
I hope you enjoy this journey as much as we are!

[terry&mike]

Another wonderful day. 
 

This morning we went to a monastery for ‘novices’ - boys from 5-21 years old who attend for an education, and to study Buddhism. We were able to have spend some time with a sweet 13 year old boy who answered our questions, and explained the different ways in which he wears his robe for certain things. Very special. We departed the ship at 9a, and were back just after 11a. 
 

Lunch had a magnificent pork belly, plus lots of other items. 
 

The afternoon had a choice of 3 tours, and we had signed up for the ‘local industry tour’. This was a highlight tour for us. We learned about rubber tree plantations, and then visited a beetle nut village. Through our guide. We were able to interact with several locals and understand their lives in this tiny village and the beetle nut trade. The children of this village don’t see many ‘French’ (as they call foreigners) and were fascinated by us. We departed ship at 2:45p and returned at 5p. 
 

Port talk with cocktails was at 6:30p. I tried a Vietnamese Mojito, which was like a tart lemonade drink. 
 

Dinner was at 7p, and was flavors from France. 
 

Great day. 

[TriMomma]

On 1/1/2023 at 8:14 PM, franski said:

Have enjoyed reading about your trip...  We leave in a month for Hanoi - doing Hanoi/Ha Long & then a cruise starting in HCMC --> with Emerald.  Tonle Sap is an extra (ie: not included, but available) excursion on our trip.  Is it worth the time and money to go?

 

We are stopping in Bangkok on our way home for 3 nights.  Any suggestions on "must see" things while we are there?  We have booked a hotel right across the river from the palace.

 

Fran

I didn't go to Tonle Sap, but you will see lots of floating villages in Ha Long and during the river cruise from HCMC. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

10 hours ago, geoffieg said:

One question:  are you using your phone for the pictures or a regular camera?  I would prefer to rely upon my phone, but am worried I need to bring my digital 35 mm to properly capture everything.

When I lost my Lumix camera last spring I had to finish that trip using my iPhone 13 Pro.  The pictures were amazingly good for a phone, but when I got the camera back for the most recent trip the pictures from a proper digital camera (with 1" sensor) were amazing period.

[terry&mike]

This river cruise journey differs a lot from river cruises in Europe in terms of scenery and docking locations. 
 

In Europe you tend to be sailing past charming towns, vineyards, castles or similar scenic sites. You tend to dock right in the heart of town at a small pier area, or ‘raft’ with other ships at dock. 
 

Cambodia is not a developed nation, so your beauty comes in the form of amazingly open and genuine people, and a simple life along a river that is not always easy but still lived with appreciation for what little they do have.

 

Docking is pulling up to a rough, unfinished river bed, near local fishermen, with a makeshift set of stairs in the dirt, in the middle of nowhere. 
 

I mention this because it is a wonderfully beautiful trip in ways that are very different than visiting a formal garden of a chateau. It may not be for everyone, but if you appreciate different cultures, unique ways of life, and real people who are trying to survive as best they can while remaining peaceful, then you will enjoy this fully. Oh, and the food is divine!

 

 

[terry&mike]

This morning the tour was visiting a pagoda and being blessed by a monk. If you are in Asia for long you may be tempted to skip the tour and enjoy the ship, but don’t  The tour is so much more. 
 

The blessing from the monk is interesting and worth it. But after that, we walked through a tiny rural village, and had a chance to see homes, locals, and life close up. Next, we went to an English school for children. We got to sit with them, interact, let them practice English. Then a few members of our group stood up to let the kids ask them questions. Then a few of the kids stood up and we asked them questions. The group sang us a song in English, we sang them a song in English. It was a special moment. We departed the ship at 8:45a and returned at 10:15a. 
 

The group sizes have been good with sometimes being small groups like 3-8 people, and sometimes being larger at 18-20 people. 
 

We are now headed to a Cambodian Street Market lunch onboard. It will be followed by a class on 101 ways to tie a Cambodian scarf. 

[terry&mike]

Docking in Phnom Penh at 5:30p. 
 

AMADara ship (front) and Emerald Harmony ship (behind), are here currently. 

[terry&mike]

Guide Dara had us laughing at his krama/scarf tying presentation. 
 

At 3:00p to 4:15p, I went on the visit to Silk Island to see silk production and weaving. I’ve seen this before in China, but found this a more local experience. The prices are excellent for scarves, wallets, and other silk items. 
 

Back onboard we had a scenic sailing on the sun deck to Phnom Penh, where we are docked for the next 2 nights. 
 

A local dance troupe came on and entertained us. 
 

 

[terry&mike]

Today, I signed up for the tour ‘Killing Fields and Genocide Museum’. As you can imagine, it is a heavy subject, and the tour is unsettling at times, although always interesting. The Pol Pot regime is something I’ve done some reading on, but this won’t be for everyone. It left at 8a and returned at noon. 
 

Hubby went on a market and architectural tour that included lunch at a local restaurant. Left at 8:30a, back at 1:15p. He said it was “okay, but not great”.
 

I decided I needed some exercise, so took myself on a long walk through Phnom Penh. I walked for 2 hours 20 minutes and gave myself a rather nice private walking tour down the river front to the Royal Palace, over to the Central Market, back up to the Giant Clock, and back to the ship. 
 

When I returned, hubby was not n the room, but came in about 45 minutes after. He had walked to get a massage over on the main drag for $15. Said it was decent, but too much oil. 
 

We are getting ready for the evening port talk now, and had cocktails delivered to our room while we freshen up. 
 

Tonight we have a tour “Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk at night” from 8:15p-10:15p. 

 

[terry&mike]

The ship hosted ‘Gin O’Clock’ yesterday evening for the port talk, which was fun. Lots and lots of gins available to try. I had a Cambodian one, with tonic and lime, which was delicious! 
 

After another fabulous dinner, we set off in a line of 2 person Tuk Tuks for a night tour of Phnom Penh. This was so much fun, so I recommend you don’t skip it. The city is beautiful at night, with lots of activity and everything lit up. There was one stop along the way, at a Cambodian Rum Distiller, where we had a tasting/cocktail party. Then we zipped through the city some more in our Tuk Tuks. Home for 10:15p. 
 

All the tours we have done, whether they be set for the entire group, or where we pick from a list of optional tours, have been included in the cost of the cruise. We have not paid extra for anything at all, as of yet. 

[terry&mike]

Today we had a tour of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It was from 8:30a-10:30a. Although it was good, it reminded us too much of the Royal Palace in Bangkok we visited a few weeks ago. 
 

At 10:30a we set sail towards Vietnam. During the day there is the opportunity for a tour of the Bridge, and a tour of the Galley. We will are choosing to relax. 
 

At 4p, we are scheduled to cross in to Vietnam, and there will be a talk on Vietnam. 
 

Tonight we have a Gala Welcome to Vietnam dinner, and local entertainment coming aboard. 

[terry&mike]

I wanted to mention the staff on the ship. They are magnificent! Every single person we encounter is friendly, helpful, caring. The servers knew our names from day 2, and use them often. We are always greeted with positive interactions, or asked how we enjoyed our lunch, or so many other things like this. The guides have all been delightful - Dara with his humor, Lovey with his knack of getting locals to open up to us, Hoan with his ability to corral us all and make sure we have all our things and know where to be. The crew makes this journey even more special. One of the best I’ve encountered ever. 

[terry&mike]

Hoan gave a presentation on Vietnam this afternoon that was very informative.
 

This evening, a local Vietnamese dance troop came on and entertained us with some dragon dancing. They were enthusiastic, and everyone enjoyed them. 
 

For dinner we had a Gala Welcome to Vietnam event that was several courses, with every dish being great. I had the duck, which was wonderful, and the green tea ice cream, so good! 
 

 

[worcestergal]

I am really enjoying your descriptions and photos. It looks like such a fabulous adventure!

[terry&mike]

2 hours ago, worcestergal said:

I am really enjoying your descriptions and photos. It looks like such a fabulous adventure!

Thank you! It truly is a fabulous adventure. We were both saying yesterday that Scenic truly is surpassing our expectations on this journey, everything is wonderful. Although we already have several trips on the books for the future, we are contemplating when (and to where) we could squeeze in another trip to get us back on Scenic. 

[terry&mike]

On several nights, when we’ve returned to our cabin, there has been a small gift waiting for us. This is such a nice touch. We have received kramas (the beautiful linen scarves from Cambodia), lucky bracelets, ginger and clove balm. Last night we received the cutest little handmade elephants. 
 

I can honestly say that this is one of the best designed and most comfortable cabins we’ve ever sailed in, including river and ocean cruises. The bed is the perfect mix of firm support underneath and fluffy pad on top, with a cotton topper. The AC works perfectly with accurate settings. The lighting goes from flooded with natural light to black out, with every option in between. It feels spacious with several places to sit, and to put our things. The shower is very large for a ship, with lots of options for spray, waterfall, and so on, with no water escaping outside the shower, and unending hot water. The colors are natural shades with pale wood floors, dark wood furniture, flax colored walls and upholstery, white linens. There is room at the patio wicker table and chairs to dine, if you wish, and perfect for enjoying a beverage while you float down the Mekong.  It’s a welcoming and peaceful cabin. The room is serviced twice a day to perfection. I think we’ll be sad to leave. 

 

[terry&mike]

Follow up on the Vietnam visa situation. Many itineraries, whether on your own or booked as a package through the cruise line, require you to enter Vietnam multiple times (rather than single entry). For example, we started in Hanoi, then on to HaLong Bay, then Hoi An, before we flew to Cambodia to start with Scenic. We then entered Vietnam again yesterday afternoon, by river. 
 

Currently, Vietnam is not issuing multi-entry visas to individuals. They can be had by working through a local visa service company or travel operator but are very expensive and require purchasing services through those companies. There are some other threads on this on this board, and on the Asia board. 
 

After some research, we decided to go with the option of purchasing 2 Single Entry Vietnam eVisas for each of us, 1 for each of the 2 different entry dates, purchased online, in advance, simply and easily, for $25 each; a total of $100. 
 

For Cambodia, we purchased a Single Entry eVisa, online, easily at $36 each. We could use this option as we were entering Cambodia through an airport, and then sailing south towards Vietnam. I believe if you are entering Cambodia via the river (sailing north from Vietnam) this eVisa is not an option. 

 

We are both from the United States, so that may also make a difference. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

3 hours ago, terry&mike said:

We were both saying yesterday that Scenic truly is surpassing our expectations on this journey, everything is wonderful. Although we already have several trips on the books for the future, we are contemplating when (and to where) we could squeeze in another trip to get us back on Scenic.

Have you taken a Nile cruise?  I've been researching them, and I really like the Scenic Essence of Egypt & Jordan itinerary.  [Unless I go with Archaeological Paths for the chance to pose inside the paws of the Sphinx a là Claude Reins and Vivian Leigh!]

[terry&mike]

4 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Have you taken a Nile cruise?  I've been researching them, and I really like the Scenic Essence of Egypt & Jordan itinerary.  [Unless I go with Archaeological Paths for the chance to pose inside the paws of the Sphinx a là Claude Reins and Vivian Leigh!]

Yes, we have done an Egypt tour and Nile cruise. We did not do it through Scenic though, and although ours was a good one I have a feeling Scenic would have made it extraordinary. Their access is impressive. 

[terry&mike]

This morning hubby and I chose the tour to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. Other options were a Fish Farm, or Evergreen Island farming tour. We enjoy wildlife viewing, so this was a nice fit for us. We were taken by motorboat for 45 minutes to a small town, where we boarded a bus for about 40 minutes to a Bird Sanctuary. Both the boat and bus rides were very interesting through small town and rural Vietnamese life. At the bird sanctuary, we were rowed through an area with hundreds of herons and egrets. We then boarded a small motor boat for sailing through river vegetation and trees. This was a beautiful excursion. Then return by bus and big motor boat. We departed at 7:45a and returned at 1p. 
 

Lunch on the ship today was Vietnamese Street Market Food theme and it was delicious - one of our favorites. There was a Vietnamese crepe with pork and vegetables, and a vegetable cake, that were incredible. Don’t miss them. 
 

We went to the cabin to rest, and are now sipping tea that we had delivered. Other options were an afternoon cooking class. 
 

At 6p there is a Vietnamese snack and beverage tasting on the pool deck, followed by a port talk for tomorrow and a disembarkation briefing. 
 

Dinner tonight is Tastes of Asia, and will be followed by a DJ and Disco Party. 

[terry&mike]

Tastes of Asia party by the pool this evening at 6p, with beverages and snacks from the area. 
 

Dinner was also Tastes of Asia, with the menu featuring dishes from the area. I had a tasty Burmese Seafood Curry. 
 

The staff was all introduced after dinner, and it was good to be able to applaud these friendly and hard working people. 
 

We decided to skip the DJ and Dance Party, and headed back to our cabin around 9p.