Vietnam cruises are a great way to experience the very best of what Southeast Asia has to offer and as the mighty Mekong flows across the south of the country, Vietnam cruises by river are the perfect way to explore this fascinating region, which offers visitors a rewarding blend of city experiences and stops at smaller, culture-rich ports of call.
History
It’s difficult to think of Vietnam without also thinking of the infamous conflict in which America aided South Vietnam against the north, but it’s interesting to note that today, the Vietnamese refer to it as ‘The American War’. The Vietnam War is indeed the most famous conflict the Vietnamese have been involved in, but throughout its history Vietnam has been occupied by the Chinese no fewer than four times and also colonised by the French. Both nations have left their architectural and cultural mark on the country and on any number of Vietnam cruises, you can explore their legacies. Colonising the city in 1884 as part of their creation of French Indochina, the French controlled the city for over 60 years, until they were finally beaten in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The subsequent partitioning of Vietnam by the Geneva Conference is what created the country’s north and south and ultimately, the political tensions which would lead to the Vietnam War.
What to see
There’s a great choice of Vietnam cruises by river, and many of the leading river cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises, AMA Waterways and Shearings offer cruises along the Mekong. Pretty much all of these journeys will be bookended by visits to the country’s two most populous and famous cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – the former Saigon.
Though Hanoi is located in the north and doesn’t lie anywhere near the Mekong River, many Vietnam cruises start or end there because it’s where many choose to fly in to begin their journeys, then transfer to begin their Mekong cruise in Cambodia. Once in the city, there are a large number of cultural must-sees to choose from. Ho Chi Minh’s Residence is perhaps not the abode you’d expect to find for the residence of a ruler – a low-key wooden house set in beautiful and serene grounds, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the President’s past. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a very popular attraction in the city and as well as conducting on-going research, it offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s ethnic groups. The city’s also home to Vietnam’s oldest university, the Temple of Literature and National University, which boasts five courtyards, picturesque gardens and a museum.
As the country’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City is brimming with attractions for visitors on Vietnam cruises to enjoy. Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most popular is the War Remnants Museum, a bold look at the Vietnam War and its impact which pulls no punches and tells the story from the Vietnamese perspective by way of over 20,000 multimedia exhibits. One unmissable fixture on the skyline and another popular attraction is the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck, which is the tallest building in the city, offering 360-degree commanding views from its observation platform. Chua Ba Thien Hau temple offers a taste of the country’s Chinese-influenced past and is the city’s oldest, while the Central Post Office is perhaps the city’s most celebrated example of the French Colonial architecture to be found there.
Vietnam cruises don’t just include stops at Vietnam’s main cities however, and stops at a number of smaller towns and villages are popular on many Mekong river cruises and give visitors a chance to get a feel for the lives of those living on the rivers many backwater deltas. Sa Dec’s famous for being the home of Huynh Thuy Le, the main character in Marguerite Duras’s celebrated autographical novel, L’Amant, while Cai Be is a vibrant floating market, where rice noodles and coconut candy are the focus of local trade.
Food and shopping
When it comes to getting a cultural and literal taste of old Cambodia, the Old Quarter is the place to be. Untouched by modern architecture, its beautiful buildings offer the perfect backdrop as you peruse the more than 40 different stores to be found in this history neighbourhood. The variety of wares on offer is extensive, making it the perfect place to pick up an original souvenir or two. Of course, there’s a wide choice of coffee shops and restaurants and whatever time you visit it’s always lively. Be sure to order Xoi xeo – a rice, mung bean and onion dish – for an authentic taste of the city, or a pork-filled crepe pancake for a taste of the city’s colonial past.
You certainly won’t have to go far when looking for somewhere to eat in the city but in Ho Chi Minh Square, as well as enjoying a view of the impressive City Hall, you’ll have a wide choice of both French and Vietnamese restaurants. Noodle soups are popular here and indeed everywhere in the country, while grilled skewered beef is certainly a Ho Chi Minh City favourite. If you’re serious about your food, then a trip to the Saigon Culinary Arts Centre could be just the thing and you can learn about all the local favourites, including how to cook them and the best places to buy.
By Simon Brotherton
Google