The Mekong Lifeline and the Mystique of Angkor Wat

Ancient royal cities, silent waterways and tropical landscapes come together in a journey through the atmosphere of Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia offer a succession of old quarters, spiritual rituals and major cultural landmarks.

The route begins in Hanoi, with its Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It then moves through Ninh Binh and Van Long, known as the “Halong Bay on land,” before reaching Lan Ha Bay, where emerald coves, limestone islands and quiet lagoons form the backdrop for a cruise.

In Laos, the journey continues to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and tropical scenery shape the city’s character. Travelers also visit a traditional farm to follow rice production from sowing to processing, then see the Kuang Si waterfalls and take part in the sacred Tak Bat ceremony.

Cambodia brings the route to Siem Reap and the monumental temples of Angkor. Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century, remains one of Cambodia’s best-known landmarks. The itinerary also includes the former royal city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, whose mysterious stone faces evoke the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Food, time on the water and encounters with everyday life complete the journey. At its center is the Mekong, one of Asia’s longest rivers and an essential source of livelihood for millions.