Uniworld Cruises' Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong

Embarking on the Uniworld Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong cruise is stepping into a world of luxury and cultural immersion. This river cruise offers an exquisite journey through the heart of Southeast Asia, revealing the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River.

Our trip started in Hanoi, Vietnam, with a two-night stay in the classic Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel. This is a five-star luxury hotel in a great location with amazing restaurants and shops. Uniworld’s staff was attentive and very organized. There was a city tour and options for a few other specialty tours. We decided to be bold and took the Hanoi Motorbike Tour, part of their Masterpiece Collection. I can’t say I didn’t close my eyes at some point, but it was an amazing experience cruising through the alleys and markets and stopping at the famous train street where the local train is within inches of where you are sitting. It was well worth it!

Hanoi is busy and there are as many scooters as there are people! We visited the infamous "Hanoi Hilton," a former French penal institution and the prison where John McCain and many Americans and foreigners were held captive. There are war museums and even a relic B-52 in a pond in the city as a remembrance of the past.

Mekong Jewel

The vessel: Uniworld's Mekong Jewel

The Mekong Jewel debuted in 2020 and is probably the most luxurious ship on the Mekong. We saw many other river ships and, based on what I saw, the Mekong Jewel at only 60 guests offers the most spacious public spaces and staterooms at approximately 339 square feet, with two suites at over 900 square feet and two at 551 square feet. This vessel epitomizes elegance and comfort. With its colonial-style design and modern amenities, it provides a blend of classic charm and contemporary luxury. The staterooms and lounges offer breathtaking views of the river and its surroundings. Operated by Lotus Cruises, the crew were warm and welcoming and knew our names after the first day.

Mekong Jewel dining room

Accommodations & amenities

Each cabin is well equipped with an ultra comfortable bed, powerful air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a well-appointed en-suite bathroom. Staterooms on decks two and three included small balconies. The attentive staff ensures that every guest's needs are met, providing personalized service that is both warm and unobtrusive. Onboard amenities include a small fitness center, a spa offering traditional Southeast Asian treatments, self-service laundry (full service available for a fee) and a sun deck with a shaded lounge area and a decent size pool, which was a welcoming retreat after some of the longer warm day tours.

We traveled in early February, which seems to be an ideal time. One week after Chinese or Lunar New Year, the weather was mild in Hanoi with temperatures in the 60s to 70s during the days. As we traveled further south, the weather warmed to the 80s to low 90s during the day. We heard the summers can be quite warm. You will be in the tropical forest areas, so dress accordingly with hats, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Mekong Jewel Deck 2 stateroom

Mekong Jewel stateroom bath

Itinerary & destinations

The Timeless Wonders itinerary is curated to offer an immersive experience of the region's culture, history and natural beauty. It visits the same destinations in either direction and either begins or ends in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and visits Siem Reap, where we stayed at the ultra-beautiful Sofitel Siem Reap, which reminded us of a lush Polynesian resort. Siem Reap is home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, known as the eighth wonder of the world. The buses in Cambodia are like business-class coaches with the most luxurious seating I’ve ever experienced on a motor coach. Baggage is transferred to your rooms at every hotel. Tours of the Angkor War temple along with Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm — other Buddhist temples in various states of preservation — were spread out over two days with some time to enjoy the hotel.

Sofitel Siem Reap

Angkor Ban & Wat Hanchey, Cambodia

Further along the river, the itinerary includes a visit to Angkor Ban, a village that has retained its traditional wooden houses and way of life. A highlight of our trip was a visit to a local school where the children are being taught English. Each of us got paired up with a young student to help them in conversational English. It was the highlight of the day for sure! The cruise also stops at Kampong Cham — where guests can visit the Wat Hanchey temple, 350 or so steps up and, of course, down (or bus) offering panoramic views of the Mekong — and the Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei hills, steeped in local legend. We had a rare and memorable experience getting a water blessing from local Buddhist monks. Seeing how the locals live in a rustic environment, far from the modernized culture, was quite fascinating.

Private blessing by the Buddhist monks

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The journey then continues to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Here, guests can explore the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the tragic "killing fields," a somber reminder of past tragic events. The city's lively riverfront, with its cafes and markets, provides a vibrant contrast to the historical sites.

Vinh Long, Hong Ngu & Sa Dec, Vietnam

As the vessel sails along the Mekong River, guests have the opportunity to visit the charming towns of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, along with other very small, seemingly remote villages. In Sa Dec, the tour includes a visit to the former home of French writer Marguerite Duras, bringing to life the romance and history of the region. We visited local artisans making hand-loomed scarves and a woman making the popular cone-shaped hats by hand. She can make three per day and sells them for $4. The amount of work involved is incredible!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The adventure either starts or ends in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where guests can explore the city's vibrant streets, visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. We stayed at the Park Hyatt, a five-star luxury hotel in the center of the city. If luxury shopping is your thing, this is your place! Our Uniworld trip included meals at several restaurants that offered authentic local cuisine. The city's blend of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers provides a fascinating backdrop for the start or end of the journey.

Culinary delights

The culinary experience aboard the Mekong Jewel is nothing short of exceptional. The onboard chefs prepare a variety of dishes that showcase the flavors of Vietnam and Cambodia, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From traditional pho and banh mi to Cambodian amok curry, each meal is a complement to the cultural exploration of the region. The dining room's elegant setting, with panoramic views of the river, enhances the overall dining experience. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and dinner is à la carte service. Several on-shore meals were included in very authentic restaurants serving true local specialties.

Excursions & enrichment

Uniworld's Jewels of the Mekong offers a range of excursions designed to deepen guests' understanding of the region. Guided tours, village visits and cultural performances provide insights into the local traditions and way of life. We had several on-board performances from local dancers in proper costume. The cruise also includes enrichments such as cooking classes, lectures on history and culture and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Mekong Jewel salon

Personalized experience

One of the standout features of the Uniworld experience is the personalized service. From the moment of embarkation, guests are treated with care and attention, ensuring that every aspect of their journey is memorable. The staff's knowledge and passion for the region add a personal touch to the excursions, making each visit more meaningful. Our guides were exceptional. They divide the group of 60 into three tour groups. These are your daily traveling companions. The buses were never full, the tours never crowded. The guides stayed with us through the first few days in Hanoi, then another set of guides through Cambodia, and finally another set in Saigon. Each was well-educated and informative. We were sorry to part ways.

Mekong Jewel pool deck

The Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong is an extraordinary journey that combines luxury, culture and adventure, all while enjoying a week on a luxury river ship. The meticulous attention to detail — from the beautifully appointed vessel to the thoughtfully curated itinerary — and superb service ensure that guests experience the best of Southeast Asia. Whether it’s the stunning landscapes, the rich history or the vibrant local culture, this cruise offers a unique and unforgettable exploration of the Mekong River and its treasures.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.