Life along the Mekong is full of friendly faces and unique experiences. Discover local craftsmanship, vibrant Siem Reap, and Cambodia's remarkable temples.
Vietnam
From bustling capitals to rural villages, and from ancient wonders to modern marvels, Vietnam is a destination that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. With Uniworld, you’ll do it all in style with an unrivaled degree of all-inclusive luxury. And importantly, we’ve structured this itinerary with a careful eye toward positive local impact. Every town and city you’ll visit in Vietnam has an entirely distinct look and feel. Walk the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to see eclectic public buildings and dizzyingly high skyscrapers (an iconic experience here is to head to one of the skyscraper bars for incredible views of the city below). Slow things down for a stroll around the romantic French-Vietnamese architecture of Hanoi, and take in the centuries of history behind impressive religious structures like the Phuoc Lam Pagoda in Hoi An.
Cambodia:
Step into an entrancing world of intricately carved temples, spectacular monuments and pagodas, floating villages on stilts, captivating wildlife and abundant artistic expression, dating back to an ancient civilization existing as early as 4,200 BC. The tropical country of Cambodia is bursting with colorful celebrations, ceremonies, and festivities, many of which are based on the Buddhist lunar calendar and influenced by Indian culture. You will be welcomed by the Cambodian people who are exceptionally polite, friendly, smiley and generous in spirit.
When to Go
Vietnam is always warm, so it’s best to plan your travels according to the rain. We only sail our cruises between September and March, avoiding monsoon season entirely. Travel in the fall for the lightest rainfall or in winter for the most moderate temperatures.
What to Pack
Bring quick-drying and lightweight clothing, and a bathing suit if you’d like to take advantage of the beautiful sundeck pool aboard the Mekong Jewel. For the evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire. Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so we recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat.
Set Sail on the Mekong River
The star of the trip is the Mekong Jewel, a vessel utterly in a class of its own. Its breezy design creates a feeling of tropical elegance. The sundeck is the perfect place to relax and watch the river float by, with a stunning, tiled pool for cooling off from a day’s explorations. And multiple onboard venues serve up the delicious flavors unique to the region you’re sailing through. The hotels we’ve selected in Vietnam are no less incredible, including an elegant Sofitel property in Hanoi and a magnificent Park Hyatt in Ho Chi Minh City.
A brand-new ship is set to sail in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2028. The alluring Mekong Mystique will welcome guests to this extraordinary destination with a design story that draws inspiration from 1930s French Indochine style and the lush environment of the Mekong itself.
