Travel Blogs

Heritage Line Cruises, South East Asia

To travel solely by land through South East Asia is to miss half of its essence.  The Mekong River, known as the Mother River, is the artery that has sustained civilizations in six nations for centuries. A Mekong River cruise completes the S.E. Asia travel experience. 

The Mekong, the longest river in South East Asia rises in China, flows through the eastern part of Tibet and Yunnan province, after which it forms part of the international border between Myanmar and Laos, as well as between Laos and Thailand. The river then flows through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea south of Saigon.  Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, both stand on its banks.

The classic Mekong cruise route links the vibrant city of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam with Siem Reap, the base for visits to the world heritage site Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. Passing through remote villages and bustling market towns of Cai Be and My Tho, as well as cities Kampong Cham and Kampong Tralach, the ship sails by rural quietude and urban noise, combining places rarely visited with renowned historical sites.
Onboard, cooking lessons, tai chi classes and lectures are offered to all who choose to leave their deck chairs.  Meals reflect the fusion of regional cuisines and western tastes.  The décor is Asia at its most refined, and the service is impeccable.