One of the most common questions we get asked is, “what was your favorite cruise?” No one ever expects us to say Vietnam and Cambodia but it’s always the first one that comes to mind.
We understand the strange looks, they aren’t usually the first places people think about when planning a vacation, but something interesting happens when you go there. It becomes that place you can’t stop talking about.
One of the pieces that really helped us was cruising on AmaWaterways, a small luxury river cruise line that makes what could easily be a stressful vacation feel seamless. The excursions were curated and personal. There was no battling with logistics or language barriers. It was planned out in a way that allowed you to relax and experience it to the fullest without feeling as if you were in a cattle call. Each evening you return to your own comfortable cabin, incredible food, and the easy camaraderie of fellow travelers. It’s a wonderful way to end every day.
One of the things that makes the Vietnam experience so immersive is traveling along the Mekong River. Life happens right on the water, and as you move down the river you’re not just looking at it, you’re surrounded by it. Homes line the riverbanks while families go about their daily lives. Boats drift by piled high with fruit and vegetables, farmers smiling as they pass.
Neighbors call to each other across narrow canals. Instead of simply observing it, you begin to feel like you’re part of it.
Often, what you remember most though are the small moments. The warmth of the people you meet, and the experiences that feel incredibly genuine. Riding a Trishaw through town, walking through busy markets, kids waving as they ride by on bicycles, or unexpectedly passing a wedding celebration along the side of the road.
Cambodia offers a few experiences that are surprisingly meaningful. One is visiting a Buddhist monastery where monks offer a traditional blessing. It’s simple, but it stays with you. Another is visiting a small elementary school in Phnom Penh. Spending time with the children there, hearing their laughter and seeing their curiosity, becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
And then there are the stories you end up telling later. Tasting snake wine (yes, we did it), watching silkworms spin the threads that eventually become silk fabric, or riding an ox cart down a country road the same way families have for generations.
Of course, the region also carries powerful history. Near Siem Reap, travelers explore the incredible temples of Angkor Wat. Standing among these massive ancient structures is hard to describe, the scale and history are breathtaking.
In Phnom Penh, visitors learn about a much more recent and heartbreaking chapter of Cambodia’s history at the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum. It’s emotional and difficult, but it leaves you with a deep appreciation for the resilience of the Cambodian people.
Interestingly, when people talk about the trip later, they rarely start with the famous landmarks.
Instead, they talk about the small things, the unexpected and natural moments that stick with you.
Then again, if you’ve ever asked Dee or me about our favorite cruise, you’ve probably heard all f this before.
Dee and I are going back, with a small group in Sep 2027 on Ama Waterways. If you are interested in exploring this area of the world, there is no better way, especially in a small group.
Spots are running out – reach out to Dee to for more information.
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