Vietnam, Cambodia, Mekong River and a bit of Hong Kong

January 2020

Our two-week Lindblad National Geographic trip took us to Vietnam, Cambodia, the Mekong River, and a one-day visit in Hong Kong.  We stayed in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for four nights and then boarded the 48-passenger river boat, The Jahan, for seven nights.  We explored the Mekong Delta and made our way up the river to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s Capital, and then on to Kampong Cham where we disembarked.  We traveled by coach to Siem Reap, our base for three nights as we explored Angkor Wat and several temples built between 800 and 1300AD.  

We encountered friendly people, vibrant colors, chaotic traffic, and fascinating sights.  Modes of transportation included our river boat, luxury motor coaches, Cyclos, Tuk Tuks, and even an oxcart!  Cheryl became an expert shopping via Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap.  The food contained more vegetables than Jim preferred but Cheryl was content.  For the brave or foolish, some of us sampled “KFC” (Khmer Fried Crickets).  The National Geographic staff and local guides provided the usual high quality historical and cultural education, and helped us appreciate the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Catholic influences that have shaped Indochina.

On our return, we spent one night in Hong Kong with four of our fellow travelers.  In less than 24 hours, we took the Peak Tram to the Victoria Peak Sky Terrace (1400 ft. elevation) for a panoramic view of the city and waterfront, and a wild taxi ride to the Soho District and an Italian restaurant where Jim indulged in a MEAT pizza!

Vietnam was intriguing because it is a Communist country with a market economy.  The hard-working, entrepreneurial Vietnamese people supply the energy that has transformed the country into a significant manufacturer, and food and seafood exporter.