Top 12 Reasons to Cruise the Mekong River with Uniworld

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Uniworld River Orchid – A Sampan Approaching on Mekong River.

Top 12 Reasons to Cruise the Mekong River with Uniworld

WAVEJourney loves river cruising! What’s not to love about it? We get to unpack once, make new like-minded friends, choose our dining companions, experience new cultures from a local perspective and enjoy the luxury of being pampered on a small ship. We’ve taken 5 previous river cruises (all in Europe), but had no clue what to expect on Uniworld’s Timeless Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia river cruise on the Mekong. Now we’ve given this adventure the number 1 favorite spot on our list of river cruises.

Take a look at our top 12 reasons to cruise the Mekong River with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection:

1. DESTINATION

Cambodian Monk at Temple

The Uniworld river cruise and land tour is an excellent option for discovering the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Cambodia. It provides a fascinating itinerary, amazing scenery and a unique opportunity to witness local culture in a safe, informative and comfortable manner. Experience life along the Mekong River in a way not otherwise available to most tourists.

2. TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Visiting Cambodian Village School Kids

Incredible value with most tours (using the VOX system) and activities being included. Passengers are divided into groups with a maximum of 20 passengers and 1 tour guide, plus at least one assistant and driver (if a coach is used). Motorcoaches were clean and well-maintained and we felt very comfortable with the experienced and careful drivers.

3. GUIDES

Learning about a spirit shrine in Cambodia.

English speaking local guides that excel at their profession and are passionate about sharing information on the culture, history, scenery, drinks and food. Vietnamese guides take care of passengers in Vietnam and Cambodian guides are with passengers for the portion in Cambodia.

4. SHIP

Uniworld River Orchid on the Mekong River

Classic, colonial, reminiscant of another time and place. The dark hardwood on the ship makes for a romantic and completely different river cruise experience from river ships in Europe. Staterooms are compact and can be configured with either 2 twin beds or a double bed. Storage space is limited, so packing light and tight is recommended. If you enjoy lots of extra space in your stateroom, be sure to book a suite. There is a bar/lounge on the same level as the sundeck, and the dining room is on the lower deck of the ship.

5. CREW

Executive Chef Gives a Tropical Fruit Demonstration

Superlative service and always with a smile. With a maximum of 60 passengers, the crew of 29 provided the best service we have ever encountered. (2:1 passenger/crew ratio on full cruises – our cruise had almost a 1:1 ratio.)

6. DINING AND BEVERAGES

Uniworld River Orchid – Lunch Buffet Hot Selections

Western and Asian influenced breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with enough variety to satisfy every palate. Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner. Some excellent onshore dining experiences at local restaurants were also included.

7. LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

Orphanage Monkey Dancers

Cultural dances, indigenous musical instruments and expressive performances.

8. BOTTLED WATER

Water Pouch for Excursions

With the heat and humidity it’s too easy to get dehydrated. The guides and crew make sure bottled mineral water is plentiful, and it is included throughout the entire cruise, at hotels and during land tours/excursions.

9.  BATHROOM AMENITIES

Uniworld River Orchid Stateroom 306

Top-notch bathroom amenities aboard the ship add to the luxury and opulance of the cruise. Each hotel has their own luxury brand of bathroom amenities.

10. CASUAL DRESS CODE

Jill and Viv visit a temple during Uniworld Mekong Cruise

Leave the gowns and suits at home. This is a tropical destination and it’s time to dress according to the temperature, humidity and for comfort. Resort casual is encouraged during dinner and appropriate attire is required to visit temples (guides and the cruise director give advance notice).

11. MOVIE THEATER

River Orchid on the Mekong River in Vietnam

Lectures and the nightly movie on the ship take place in the movie theater. (Note: There are no TV’s in staterooms)

12. VALUE

Watching the sunset on a Uniworld River Orchid Mekong River cruise

Stay at first-class hotels, dine at upscale restaurants and enjoy the comforts of Uniworld quality beds, linens and service while on the cruise. Airport transfers are included at scheduled times (check with Uniworld for the exact dates and times these are included). This trip provides tremendous value for money and should be on every adventurer’s bucket list!

• Click here to read more about this river cruise.

Want to find out more about river cruising or book a river cruise? Contact our favorite river and luxury canal cruise expert, Beth Hansen.

Mobility Issues? Lots of steps and uneven paths…

FYI – Mobility Issues? This is a trip that requires good mobility. There are lots of stairs and uneven ground during both the land and cruise portions. There isn’t an elevator on the ship (narrow and steep staircases) so those that have bad knees or aren’t steady on their feet will have challenges. Those that require a wheelchair should probably find a more suitable trip to take in another country (Europe has lots to choose from). Many times the ship’s crew needs to dig a path of stairs to get from the ship to an excursion, and often times the ground is wet, muddy and slippery.

Jill and Viv at Angkor Wat – Uniworld Mekong Cruise

Notes: WAVEJourney travelled from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Cambodia and onward to Hanoi, Vietnam as media guests of Uniworld River Cruise Collection from December 4 to , 2013. Read our full disclosure statement to see our review policy.

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