Just a few days after returning from my expedition on the Mekong River around Cambodia, I still find myself with a sense of peace and a great deal of contemplation. I have the good fortune of travelling extensively with my job but this particular journey has left me deeply reflective.
Scenic Group operates both the Scenic Spirit (Scenic Cruises) and the Emerald Harmony(Emerald Cruises) in this region. With both vessels returning to service for the first time since the pandemic began, we had the privilege of being guests on the five-star Scenic Spirit, but also enjoyed an inspection visit of the Emerald Harmony which was berthed alongside us in Phnom Penh.
Both modern and classic in design, the two vessels embrace the essence of the regions they explore through beautiful artworks, sculpture and furnishings. The aesthetics are stunning but would be nothing without the warm heartbeat created by the incredible team of staff working on board – the most gentle, humble, warm people I have ever encountered, English-speaking but always encouraging guests to learn greetings in their language.
With a guest-to-staff ratio of around 1:1, there is always someone on hand to serve you, to guide you or simply bow gently with hands clasped resembling the Lotus flower. It is impossible not to be drawn in by the gentle and kind nature of the crew and the extent to which this adds to the experience is immeasurable.
In spite of a hideous history and the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s, the people of Cambodia, mostly Buddhist, are a warm, welcoming people. Scenic Cruises ensures through its team of hand-picked local guides, that guests’ experiences ashore are utterly immersive, momentarily weaving them into the day-to-day life of Cambodia.
Viewing stunning temples and statues, negotiating the city bustle by TukTuk, a visit to Silk Island where silkworms are bred (and the workers hand weave beautiful garments with that pure silk), walking through bustling markets, seeing the historical landmarks, and visiting a village to interact with youngsters at a school where they learn English, which they believe is the key to a successful future. They take enormous pride in reciting their ABCs and singing ‘If you’re happy and you know it’.
For those with an interest in history, a detailed and somewhat daunting visit to the Killing Fields cannot help but evoke emotion. Scenic Cruises’ guests also enjoy exclusive access to monasteries, learning about day-to-day life, including a beautiful blessing for the guests by the monks. Scenic Cruises ensures that, whatever the clients’ interests, they will leave the cruise richer for the experience.
With the rainy season now at an end, humidity is at about 70%, and temperatures around 32˚C. There is nothing quite as satisfying as returning to your luxury, air-conditioned sanctuary after your tour, met by your friendly team who hand you a cold drink and an ice-cold washcloth. Then your biggest decision is what to wear for dinner and how you are going to tame your new hairstyle that resembles candy-floss!
Years of tour operating experience mean that Scenic gets the tours and experiences ‘spot-on’. Few experiences are longer than a couple of hours, carefully designed to ensure the most enriching experiences. For the nay-sayers of cruise travel, all I can add is that there just cannot be a better way to explore this region. A floating boutique luxury hotel with exceptional service; incredible cuisine; optimal comfort in the suite accommodation; the highest standards of health and safety; and all-inclusive for the client’s ultimate convenience.
Scenic is committed to sustainable travel with no ‘single-use’ plastic on board. Guests are provided with refillable water bottles and their top-quality bathroom amenities are replenished daily in refillable containers.
TIP:
For anyone undertaking this trip I would highly recommend either the pre- or post-cruise Siem Reap stay which includes accommodation at the stunning Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, fast-track tickets for Angkor Wat, a sunrise experience at Angkor Wat and the exquisite Temple Dinner event.
GETTING THERE:
Singapore Airlines flies from Cape Town and Johannesburg with good connections to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your itinerary.
ITINERARIES
Scenic offers voyages/tours in this region of 7 – 21 nights, exploring the best of Cambodia and Vietnam between October and July. Pre- and post-cruise extensions are available.
CLOTHING
Lightweight linen or cotton clothing and sandals, swimwear, sun-hat, sun-block and insect repellent. Evenings on board are ‘summer smart-casual’.
BOOKINGS
Available through Cruise Vacations. info@cruise-vacations.co.za.
Those who are interested in the history of Cambodia and the effects of the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime might consider watching “First they Killed my Father” available on Netflix and “Don’t think I’ve forgotten”, available for download. Both provide insights into this tragic period of history.
