Celebrity cruisers on a Mekong River cruise - Live(ish) report - September 2024

[Miaminice]

Hello friends, 

 

in December 2023 we did a Southeast Asia Cruise on Celebrity Solstice. 

We had planned all of our tours in Vietnam with Rose, a young lady from Hanoi, who organizes private tours all over Vietnam. Rose and her team made us fall in love with Vietnam. So much that we had to return! But we wanted to deepen our newfound affection for the country, the people and, of course, the food by more than just visiting on an ocean cruise So I am writing this from our stateroom of a Mekong River cruise ship, the Victoria Mekong. We just embarked an hour ago.
 

Maybe you like to follow along.

 

BTW, this was the cruise on Solstice.
 

[Miaminice]

Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia, 2024 -September - Day 1 - Saigon

 

At around 2:30 pm we started our nonstop flight from Frankfurt to Ho-Chi Minh City. As usual, we flew economy but had seats with extra legroom which were fine. The service of Vietnam Airlines was really good - the flight attendants very nice and the two meals were a tasty teaser of what we were going to enjoy in the coming weeks.

 

After we arrived in Saigon at 7:15 am, we activated the eSIMS on our phones and switched data to the local plan. We had purchased the Airalo Asialink plan again, which works in Vietnam and Cambodia.

 

So after immigration and picking up our bags, we walked to the passenger pickup area. Once there, I ordered a Grab car via the Grab App - Grab is Asia‘s equivalent to Uber and Lyft and equally easy to use. 

A few minutes later our Grab car arrived and steered us through the dense traffic of an early morning Saigon. No matter how often we see it, we are still amazed by the myriads of scooters swarming all over the lanes just inches away from cars and fellow scooters.
For the two nights in Saigon we had found a great rate at the famous Rex Hotel. The historical significance and name were one reason to book it, the location right in the middle of District 1 was another. 

From the moment we entered the grand lobby we saw nothing but friendly faces and smiles. Immediately we were asked to sit down and relax while they pulled up our booking - of course while being served a welcome drink. Vietnamese hospitality and professional service just keeps impressing us. 
 

 

It was still early in the morning and they didn’t have a room available yet, but they promised to have one for us at 1pm. Until then we could use the pool area on the roof terrace. The loungers up there were pretty comfy, so we both caught up with some sleep.

At around one o’clock we took the elevator back down to the lobby. Without us saying anything, we were greeted by a smiling young man at the front desk, holding up our key cards saying “We were looking forward to seeing you again! Your room is ready.”

 

 

 

In our room we took a refreshing shower, dressed lighter and more suitable for the  temperatures and headed out for a walk.

[Miaminice]

The ideal location of the Rex Hotel made it easy. We reached the Opera House, the famous Old Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral - still under renovation - within a few minutes.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a small side alley filled with bookstores we had our first Vietnamese coffee of this trip. 

 

 

We continued our walk to the Independence Palace and then turned towards the Ben Tanh market.
 

 

 

Along the way we found a pretty cool food court and couldn’t resist a little snack. Vietnamese spring rolls were just the right thing to have.
 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

Walking through the aisles of the famous Ben Than market a few minutes later we both noticed one thing. Although the market is undoubtedly a very touristy place, the vendors were all very friendly and respectful. Nobody tried to force you into buying something or appeared unpleasant and pushy.

 

 

 

 

Leaving the labyrinth of the market, we noticed a nice little spa just across the street.

 

 

We looked at each other and decided a massage was just the right thing for our aching bodies One hour later and only $12 per person lighter we left the place rejuvenated.
 

By now it had already turned dark and the streets were nicely illuminated. We passed by the stylish Saigon Centre mall and decided to walk through it… very luxurious!
 

We turned right and followed the Nguyen Hue walking street down to the Saigon River.

 

 

 

 

 

By now we were ready for dinner and returned to a restaurant near the Independence Palace which we had seen in the afternoon. The Bun Cha Hanoi and Pho were good, but not nearly as good as the delicious food we had in Hanoi with our friend Rose n December. Walking back to the hotel we stopped at the food court for a Coconut Ice Cream with Sticky Rice dessert.

 

 

 

 

The Rex Hotel has a nice rooftop bar and we used two cocktail vouchers for a nightcap.

 

 

 

 

 

I swear, Birgit only had one cocktail 😉
Good night Saigon!

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia, 2024 -September - Day 2 - Saigon

We started our day with a nice breakfast at the hotel before we headed out for a walk to the Xa Loi Pagoda.

 

Just when we walked by the Ben Than Market, it started to rain. So we entered the building and spent the time having a Coconut Coffee and a fresh Avocado juice.

 

 

 

 

The rain didn’t last long and we continued to the beautiful Tao Dan Park, passing a few temples along the way.

 

 

 

The park was pleasantly quiet and pots of beautiful Orchids were lined along a fountain at the entrance.

 

 

 

 

 

In the middle stood a small Cham tower, a scaled-down replica of the famous Po Nagar temple in Nha Trang. The flowers around the tower were a haven for butterflies. Rarely have I seen so many and so many different kinds.

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

Soon we reached the Xa Loi Pagoda in District 3. Built in 1956 it’s the largest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City and used to be the headquarters of Buddhism in South Vietnam.

 

 

 

 

Our next destination was the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Channel. On the way there we passed a nice cafe and saw signs advertising Egg Coffee. Remembering it well from Hanoi we stopped and had one. Delicious! 

 

 

 

Passing more parks and temples we reached the Channel and walked along its bank for a bit. It was lined with many small food places which were filled with locals only. It was extremely enticing to stop there and to have a snack, but we knew the day had more in store for us. So we walked back to the hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way it started to drizzle again just when we walked past another spa where we treated ourselves to another massage.

 

 

[Miaminice]

At 5pm we were ready for the highlight of the day. Our friend Rose from Hanoi had organized a motor scooter food tour for us. Heidi and Kain, a pair of lovely young guides, picked us up at our hotel and off we went on the back of their scooters.
 

 

 

We stopped at a tiny corner store to get some Salt Coffee and then started the food part at one restaurant trying Banh Xeo, filled Vietnamese Pancakes, which you roll into lettuce, mustard and herbal leaves. 
 

 

 

The ride went on to a place for Bun Bo soup - spicy and super yummy! 

 

I swear, the motor scooters already had to work harder when they took us to the Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment complex. Once built by the Americans it is now a popular rental place surrounded by a flower market and a haven for street food lovers. We had a kind of Banh Mi, Vietnamese pizza and a lovely Papaya salad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boy, I feel like I can’t eat anymore for at least a week … However, we are definitely not just a few pounds heavier but also richer in very fond memories. 

 

Thank you Rose, Trần Heidi and Kain for this absolutely amazing experience!!!

[MamaFej]

Thank you for sharing! 

You are bringing back some lovely memories of our trip earlier this year, and showing things we didn't experience. 

 

As we are fond of saying, "I guess we'll have to go back!"

[Ciaranaman]

Wow!  What a trip!  I don't think I've ever seen so much colour in any other poster's pics!  I've never been, and most likely never will be, but feel like you've captured the vibe of Vietnam to share with all of us.  Thank you 😊.

So nice to sit down and find another live report from you both!

~Bernadette

[Miaminice]

Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia, 2024 -September - Day 3 - Saigon/Can Tho

Today was the embarkation day for our river cruise. So after breakfast at the hotel we took a Grab car to the Emm Hotel, which was about 10 minutes away. The ride was around € 1.50. It’s incredible…

The Emm Hotel was the meeting point for the transfer to the ship waiting for us in Can Tho, about 4 hours away. All together we were only 5 people starting the transfer in Saigon.

 

 

Thin, our guide from Victoria Mekong Cruises, explained that another group would come down from the north but that we would only be around 30 people on the ship.
During a “Happy Room” break in a bamboo fabric store we got an interesting presentation on the material and then continued our drive. Roughly two thirds along the way we stopped at a nice restaurant called Le Longanier, where we were served lunch.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

When we reached Can To and the Victoria Mekong, our luggage was taken to our stateroom and was already waiting for us after we had a welcome drink.

 

Our stateroom was large, modern and inviting - we were sure we’d enjoy our time in our home for the next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we finished unpacking it was time to explore the ship. I will let the photos do the talking…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

At 5:30 pm there was an introduction of the staff at the lounge followed by the show of local musicians and traditional music. 
 

 

 

 

 

At 7pm a delicious dinner was served. We really loved the Green Mango Salat. By the way, wines, sodas and cocktails of the day are included on board. So is wifi etc.

 

 

 

 

Since the first excursion was going to start at 8:30am we hit the bunk early 😁

[Ciaranaman]

Where is everyone?  I think I'm the only one who followed you over to this report 🤣.  Your river accommodations look fabulous.  I could certainly handle a week of that!  I'm pretty sure I'd pass on the pork belly entree but everything else sounds wonderful!  I hope you enjoy your 1st excursion!  Looking forward to seeing your pics!

~Bernadette

[Miaminice]

1 hour ago, Ciaranaman said:

Where is everyone?  I think I'm the only one who followed you over to this report 🤣.  Your river accommodations look fabulous.  I could certainly handle a week of that!  I'm pretty sure I'd pass on the pork belly entree but everything else sounds wonderful!  I hope you enjoy your 1st excursion!  Looking forward to seeing your pics!

~Bernadette

unfortunately these boards don’t get much attention. So I don’t think many people will read this 😢 But I will keep posting anyway 😁

[Miaminice]

Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia, 2024 -September - Day 4 - Long Xuyen- Tiger Island

 

 

After a good night’s rest we had breakfast before starting our first excursion. The buffet wasn’t as elaborate as on a Celebrity cruise ship, but it offered all we needed. And everything was fresh and tasty.
 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

By boat we visited the Long Xuyen floating market. With up to 100 boats, the market is the Mekong’s second largest floating market.
 

 

 

Our guide explained that the largest became very touristic and this one is only for wholesale and locals. The busy time is between four and five in the morning, so at a time when we were still sound asleep. By the time we got there, around 8:45am, it was quiet already. 

 

 

 

You can recognize the products sold on the individual boat by looking at a bamboo stick at the bow which would hold potatoes, papayas, coconuts etc. showing the buyer where to stop. Just as a reference - a medium sized boat would hold around 6000 to 7000 coconuts.

 

 

 

 

 

The middleman, supplying the shops in the villages, will drive to the floating market on their smaller boats with a big car engine on the back turning the propeller at the end of a long shaft. They have to hold the engine and balance the waves all the time. Depending on where they are from, it can take them up to six hours to get to the market. You can imagine that it can be a pretty tiring job. 

 

 

 

 

 

The vendors live on their boats. Many of them over decades. And even when they retire, they are so used to life on the river, that many decide to retire on a small houseboat next to the market. 
 

 

 

 

To supply the vendors with coffee and tea, a lady rowed by with a smaller Sampan. Our guide said she’s been doing it for over 60 years. 

 

 

 

 

Before we returned to the ship, we had a chance to enter one of the boats and got to ask the owner a few questions. It was a very interesting insight to their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 19 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

We had time to enjoy the pool and sun deck, and of course have lunch, before the afternoon excursion.

 

 

 

First we were taken ashore to visit a family producing cement flower pots. Like many families, they had their family cemetery right in front of their house. 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

We went back to the boat and crossed the river to Tiger Island where we walked through little villages and along rice fields. The island is home to about 23,000 people.
 

 

 

 

 

 

School was over and many kids rode home on their bikes. They had a lot of fun racing through our group with loud hellos and bright smiles.

 

 

After a short walk we reached “Mr. Tiger’s Temple” where our guide Thinh explained to us the legend of the Tiger which lived on the island and protected its people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned to the Victoria Mekong before a cocktail competition at 6pm. This was getting to be busier than a real cruise 😁

[Ciaranaman]

Cocktail competition, Vietnamese-style!  That should be interesting!

Are there multiple excursions, daily, that are included in your fare?

~Bernadette

[Miaminice]

6 hours ago, Ciaranaman said:

Cocktail competition, Vietnamese-style!  That should be interesting!

Are there multiple excursions, daily, that are included in your fare?

~Bernadette

Yes, there is a morning and an afternoon excursion. They are included in the cruise fare. Actually almost everything is included. Drinks, Wifi, excursions… 

 

 

[debfed65]

We are following along as well. Enjoying the beautiful pictures that you always post and all the narration to go along with them.  Wonderful to read as always! Enjoy! 

 

Debbie & Ron

[chemmo]

Hi there,

 

Just found your link this morning! Fabulous pictures and narrative…

 

So enjoying a vicarious cruise to a place we visited and vowed to return to but didn’t….

 

Please don’t feel obliged to reply now but later in your adventures could you comment on how easy the boat trip would be for someone with limited walking…I don’t need any aids but avoid uneven/slippy surfaces and have a max walking limit of about one mile a day. Possibly a bit longer if there were stops. It would obviously be silly to embark on a SE Asian cruise and then not be able to manage the trips.

 

The ship looks beautiful. I particularly loved that you have a real balcony…So many river boats don’t.

 

Looking forward to your next instalment!

[Miaminice]

Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia, 2024 -September - Day 5 - Vam Nao - Phu Tan

 

 

Our morning excursion was a visit of a clay stove factory. To give you a better idea of the logistics, I included some pictures of how we start our excursions. 
 

We are taken ashore on a Sampan boat, which is tied to the back of our ship while we are sailing. A small opening in the bushes growing along the banks of the river is enough for the captain of the boat to place the bow in, and off we go.

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

The village we were visiting is known for producing clay stoves. Close to 100 families of the village still make their living that way.
 

 

Houses are built on stilts and most of the workshops and drying areas are underneath the house.

 

Of course, nowadays people also have gas stoves in their houses, but according to our guide Thinh, many of them still prefer the old way using the clay stoves. 

 

The first place we visited specialized in the pots which go on the clay stove. Thinh explained that they are great for preparing rice. They shape two halves of the pots on potter’s wheels and later connect them before adding a decorative pattern. Now ladies, don’t you think about Patrick Swayze now! 😁

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

To get to our next stop we walked along the road for a short distance and enjoyed getting a glimpse into the regular street life of the village. There were stalls and shops at the side of the road and also vendors driving by on their motorcycles and bicycles to sell their products. Loudspeakers on the bikes announced their arrival.