Jump to content

Vietnam / Cambodia


NordicBreezer

Recommended Posts

We booked the AMA because at the time it was the only one going. After we booked, the others announced their itineraries, and I looked into Uniworld because we've taken two trips with them (Danube and China) and really like the company. In the end we decided to stay with AMA because it included the night in Halong Bay, a must for us, and I think it was an add-on on the Uniworld trip. We're using our add-on time to spend more time in Hanoi. At any rate, if you haven't read it, there's an excellent long thread that I think has now fallen to Page 2 discussing that cruise. I don't think the others have started yet, so no returning passengers to report back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi NordicBreezer,

 

Pandaw is another, RV Mekong Pandaw. As you mention most or all are about the same itinerary. Pandaw built/own a number of boats but they are on Charter to some of the lines you mentioned. We just completed a down river cruise on the RV Mekong Pandaw in March 2012 and either passed or moored along side a number of the others. It's an excellant cruise which I'm sure you will enjoy which ever line you select. Probably pay to consider the time of the year to cruise as it can be a bit willing if you pick the hot season.

 

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We booked the AMA because at the time it was the only one going. After we booked, the others announced their itineraries, and I looked into Uniworld because we've taken two trips with them (Danube and China) and really like the company. In the end we decided to stay with AMA because it included the night in Halong Bay, a must for us, and I think it was an add-on on the Uniworld trip. We're using our add-on time to spend more time in Hanoi. At any rate, if you haven't read it, there's an excellent long thread that I think has now fallen to Page 2 discussing that cruise. I don't think the others have started yet, so no returning passengers to rep

 

 

 

ack.

 

when I booked Uniworld not availble...like the NEW ship AMAlotus,,,did read the thread referred to here,and lots of good info.

Good you re really checking this one out,can be quite expensive.We re going in Dec.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I took the Viking Mekong cruise just a month ago and enjoyed it very much. The Viking Tonle, which I travelled on will have a few cruises this summer and fall (wet season) and then will be replaced by the Viking Indochina. They are very similar except that the Indochina has no single cabins, if that is a factor. Uniworld has two ships, the River Saigon and River Orchid. They are virtually identical to the Viking Indochina, as all are on lease from Pandaw which operates its own tours on other similar ships as well. Pandaw tours are between Saigon and Siem Reap only, so one would have to plan an extension to Hanoi separately.

 

AMA's two ships, the AMAlotus and La Marguerite are larger and more luxurious than the Pandaw ships--the cabins are significantly larger and have balconies. They also carry more passengers, 124 and 92 respectively, as opposed to 60 on the Pandaws.

 

The itineraries for all three lines are very similar and the Viking and Uniworld are almost identical. Viking and AMA use the same hotels in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Saigon (and very good ones they are) while Uniworld uses different ones, but I'm sure of the same 5-star quality.

 

The main difference among the itineraries is Halong Bay. With Viking, it is an extension with an overnight stay at the Novotel in Halong Bay (best hotel in town) and a 4 hour cruise. The Uniworld extension features an overnight on one of the luxury junks. AMA includes Halong Bay as part of the tour with an overnight aboard a junk. I had great expectations for Halong Bay, but nice as it was, I found it disappointing--the weather was overcast and misty and the views were not terribly spectacular. It's also a 5 hour bus ride to and from Hanoi.

 

The main deciding factor may well be availability and price. Certainly if the prices are close I might choose AMA, but the Viking tour was superb and I'm sure the Uniworld one is as well. From what our guides told us, the best time to do this would be late December to early March when the weather is dry and not too hot. By April, temperatures are reaching and exceeding 40C.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for input folks.

Supercattonk & Laverendrye.... Do you think the fact that AMA's boats have a large indoor lounge is a bonus for night time get togethers + to avoid any flying bugs . You are outdoors on the Pandaws ( viking + uniworld) . We will be going in March... hope to miss the start of mosquito season. Or is it too hot to be indoors in the evenings? The AMA stateroom balconies have a windowed private nook which should be an privacy advantage . I'm thinking on the Pandaws you have to open your cabin door to all walking by if you want fresh air. Keep the clothes on :)

Doing my comparisons... the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon were not mentioned by either AMA or Viking. Did you go there ?

Favoring Uniworld but liking AMA boats. Decisions decisions !!

Also someone suggested go from Hanoi to Saigon so you see the temples at Siem Reap first, otherwise you are tired of looking at temples by the time you see the ones at Siem Reap if you start in Saigon. Any comments.

Did anyone add on Indonesia to their trip? Thinking a couple weeks there would be worth while.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mekong River Cruise.... which cruise line was preferred... Uniworld, AMA, Viking, or Avalon? :confused: I 've done a spreadsheet on their itineraries & they're basically the same, as is price. So how to decide !!

 

I did exactly what you did. I looked at all those river cruise lines for Vietnam/Cambodia but I finally booked a five star land based tour package for both countries...Chinastarholiday.com from Richmond, BC. Have a look at their itinerary and price for comparison.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for input folks.

Supercattonk & Laverendrye.... Do you think the fact that AMA's boats have a large indoor lounge is a bonus for night time get togethers + to avoid any flying bugs . You are outdoors on the Pandaws ( viking + uniworld) . We will be going in March... hope to miss the start of mosquito season. Or is it too hot to be indoors in the evenings? The AMA stateroom balconies have a windowed private nook which should be an privacy advantage . I'm thinking on the Pandaws you have to open your cabin door to all walking by if you want fresh air. Keep the clothes on :)

Doing my comparisons... the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon were not mentioned by either AMA or Viking. Did you go there ?

Favoring Uniworld but liking AMA boats. Decisions decisions !!

Also someone suggested go from Hanoi to Saigon so you see the temples at Siem Reap first, otherwise you are tired of looking at temples by the time you see the ones at Siem Reap if you start in Saigon. Any comments.

Did anyone add on Indonesia to their trip? Thinking a couple weeks there would be worth while.

Re indoor vs outdoor, in March mosquitos were not a problem at all and there were relatively few bugs, so sitting outside was not a problem. The Viking Tonle has an indoor air conditioned lounge but it was used mostly for movies in the evening. All the indoor spaces (ie cabins, dining room, lounge) were air-conditioned.

 

The Viking tour did not include the Cu Chi tunnels, so that might be a point to prefer another one.

 

Re the temples at Siem Reap (Angkor)--they are so distinctive and different from anything else on the tour that however many one has seen before them, one will not be tired of temples to see them. It could also be argued that after Angkor, anything else is anti-climatic, but I don't think it matters when you see them. They are magnificent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for input folks.

Supercattonk & Laverendrye....

Doing my comparisons... the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon were not mentioned by either AMA or Viking. Did you go there ?

Favoring Uniworld but liking AMA boats. Decisions decisions !!

Also someone suggested go from Hanoi to Saigon so you see the temples at Siem Reap first, otherwise you are tired of looking at temples by the time you see the ones at Siem Reap if you start in Saigon. Any comments.

Did anyone add on Indonesia to their trip? Thinking a couple weeks there would be worth while.

 

We're going in Nov/Dec. The tunnels aren't included in our AMA booking so we're going to book a private tour the morning of our departure from HCMC. Our flight doesn't leave until nearly midnight, so we should have plenty of time :) Also not included are some of the Vietnam War era sites in Hanoi (Hanoi Hilton, etc.) so we're going to do those privately as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awesome dialogue Buffcurmudgeon. Thank you.

In reference to agility issues, etc. ... I am scared of heights so did any of your travels require that you use their rope bridges or walk along paths clinging to the side of cliffs, etc. :(

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, there were several times we had to walk on narrow planks with only a small rope to grasp along the way. No cliffs, but often over shallow water. The crew and tour guides try to help as much as possible. Also climbing around the Temples in Cambodia can be physically challenging i.e. (big steps, no handrails) No OSHA standards there! I also have problems with heights, but I managed OK.

JJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

to avoid the climbs,etc.if they look taxing.Just pass and meet the group at bottom(I do this often,,sometimes they have quite a group that passes on it).Why injure yourself for a view?

I found a Samantha Brown video,,by googling,on Cambodia and watched to see the details.Like to see the challenges ahead of time and prepare.The bridges sound doable,,since shallow water.

Most of the cruisers seem to be seniors,in good shape sure,but this must happen a LOT IMO.Don t be intimidated into something you don t want to.:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

to avoid the climbs,etc.if they look taxing.Just pass and meet the group at bottom(I do this often,,sometimes they have quite a group that passes on it).Why injure yourself for a view?

I found a Samantha Brown video,,by googling,on Cambodia and watched to see the details.Like to see the challenges ahead of time and prepare.The bridges sound doable,,since shallow water.

Most of the cruisers seem to be seniors,in good shape sure,but this must happen a LOT IMO.Don t be intimidated into something you don t want to.:)

I found Samantha Brown but can't watch videos. Must be blocked for Canadians.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi NordicBreezer-

I absolutely agree with all info that alexandra cruiser and buffcurmudgeon have posted regarding Viking and Pandaw. My mom (who is 81) and I were on the Pandaw RV Tonle this past October and the trip was somewhat hard for her, but if she felt that one of the scheduled trips was too much she stayed on board and it was fine. Some of the Pandaw crew were always with the Viking guides to assist the guests, but you really do need to be in relatively good shape to enjoy this trip. Lots of walking in hot, humid conditions which can be very muddy depending on the time of year. Pandaw employees were very attentive, friendly and always smiling. Captain was Vietnamese but most of the Pandaw crew were from Burma (as they still refer to it!) Viking guides Ut and Tom were also wonderful. If you (or anyone else reading this) are interested in taking a truly upscale boat on this trip, check out the Heritage Line. Website is: Heritage-line.com. Their 2 boats are like floating Peninsula hotels!! The Jayavarman was docked ahead of ours in Phnom Penh and we were able to make a short visit to their boat as our purser was friends with theirs. I think their 2nd boat the Jahan is about to make her maiden voyage or will soon. They too, travel from Saigon to Siem Reap and have add on trips, along with a cruise/bike option, but I do not think they have the scheduled side trips that we had on Viking. Have a great time!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

or AMA website,,they both have videos of AMAlotus cruise,,and Cambodia temples,etc..so you can get an idea.Hope that helps.

Basically,as said above,it can be done even with some limitations.

The hot ,humid weather and walking no problem since we live in FL...haha..but the stair and temple climbs not for us..

In past,we either pass on tour and go on own,or do what we can and let guide know we ll meet group at end(which we always ask about to avoid getting left behind). Sure quite a few passengers in similar shape,we re 69 and 67 and that seems typical age on these cruises so far.;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A toss up!! I prefer AMAlotus vessel but Uniworld's itinerary . The boat won !!

It doesn't sound like AMA's itinerary is as 'mingle friendly with the natives' as much as Uniworld's does however the other person going with us is my travel agent & she wants to try & get a group organized to go with us. I think that goal will be easier with AMA's vessels vs. pandaw design.

So anyone cruising with AMA please send your tips. And I'll be watching for everyones' tips on Saigon + Hanoi + Siem Rim :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

and one regular visa for Cambodia..check with your government website for Canadian details as may vary for US ones.

When are you going? I m booked on AMAlotus for Dec 24 th cruise.

Do read the thread I posted ,,and the member reviews...some seem very picky and had some complaints,,also check out the LONG thread on AMA vietnam here too.;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Going first week March 2014. I know. long way off, but if you want specific dates , etc. you have to be first out of the gate. I will be looking forward to your post cruise report... have a great trip.

Anyone adding Laos + Thailand onto their VC trips ; since we're 'in the neighbourhood' / or been there & can give me some ideas of must sees , etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To BuffC: Read your review and I really appreciate the fact that you mentioned the political reality of the cruise. My husband did 2 tours in Nam, one as a grunt in the Big Red One. He said that as beautiful as the area is, he could never go back there. thanks again

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're booked on Oct. 12th Avalon Angkor, brand new 16 cabin river boat. We really liked the itinerary after reading many others (which also sounded great!) My DH is very interested in Buddhist culture and Avalon offers a couple of interesting shorex that include visits at a monastery, a lecture, etc.

 

Can't wait to read some actual feedback. The first sailings are Sept.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
I took the Viking Mekong cruise just a month ago and enjoyed it very much. The Viking Tonle, which I travelled on will have a few cruises this summer and fall (wet season) and then will be replaced by the Viking Indochina. They are very similar except that the Indochina has no single cabins, if that is a factor. Uniworld has two ships, the River Saigon and River Orchid. They are virtually identical to the Viking Indochina, as all are on lease from Pandaw which operates its own tours on other similar ships as well. Pandaw tours are between Saigon and Siem Reap only, so one would have to plan an extension to Hanoi separately.

 

AMA's two ships, the AMAlotus and La Marguerite are larger and more luxurious than the Pandaw ships--the cabins are significantly larger and have balconies. They also carry more passengers, 124 and 92 respectively, as opposed to 60 on the Pandaws.

 

The itineraries for all three lines are very similar and the Viking and Uniworld are almost identical. Viking and AMA use the same hotels in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Saigon (and very good ones they are) while Uniworld uses different ones, but I'm sure of the same 5-star quality.

 

The main difference among the itineraries is Halong Bay. With Viking, it is an extension with an overnight stay at the Novotel in Halong Bay (best hotel in town) and a 4 hour cruise. The Uniworld extension features an overnight on one of the luxury junks. AMA includes Halong Bay as part of the tour with an overnight aboard a junk. I had great expectations for Halong Bay, but nice as it was, I found it disappointing--the weather was overcast and misty and the views were not terribly spectacular. It's also a 5 hour bus ride to and from Hanoi.

 

The main deciding factor may well be availability and price. Certainly if the prices are close I might choose AMA, but the Viking tour was superb and I'm sure the Uniworld one is as well. From what our guides told us, the best time to do this would be late December to early March when the weather is dry and not too hot. By April, temperatures are reaching and exceeding 40C.

 

Hi,

I've read several of your posts. We're traveling from Saigon to Hanoi on Viking at the end of Feb 2013. I'm going to arrive a day early so that we can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Should I ask Viking to do the airfare? They charge extra for deviations and don't provide the transfers. I've read that the way they book their flights, we will not receive the best itineraries or seat assignments. What has your been your experience? Did you use them to book your travel?

 

Also, we've decided not to do the Halong Bay extension because it's usually misty and raining in March. Do you agree?

 

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi,

I've read several of your posts. We're traveling from Saigon to Hanoi on Viking at the end of Feb 2013. I'm going to arrive a day early so that we can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Should I ask Viking to do the airfare? They charge extra for deviations and don't provide the transfers. I've read that the way they book their flights, we will not receive the best itineraries or seat assignments. What has your been your experience? Did you use them to book your travel?

 

Also, we've decided not to do the Halong Bay extension because it's usually misty and raining in March. Do you agree?

 

Thanks

I think it would be a shame to miss Halong Bay. We did it twice-once on a day trip, and then an overnighter w/AMA. Halong Bay is beautiful, and a highlight of our trip. Yes, the ride from Hanoi is long, and it may be misty, but seeing the mountains rising thru the mist is a breathtaking sight.

 

Suggest you look up the post from 2Fltravelers-he posted a thorough description of his trip on AMA. Many interesting and helpful tips.

 

As for booking thru Viking, we usually book our own air since we can choose our routing and flight times. Also, pricing is usually better. You can also arrange your own transfers for a much lower cost. We landed in Hanoi, and arranged for a pick up online. You should be able to do the same for Saigon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...