Journey Through Cambodia and Vietnam

Our time in Cambodia and Vietnam was a journey of extraordinary contrasts — ancient temples, peaceful rural villages, the gentle rhythm of life along the Mekong, and the exhilarating chaos of Saigon. Along the way, we met people whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression, tasted foods both familiar and adventurous, and experienced moments that I know I will remember for years to come.

Discovering the Ancient Khmer Empire

We began our journey by stepping back in time and exploring the incredible wonders of the ancient Khmer Empire, starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Nothing quite prepared me for seeing Angkor Wat in person. Walking across the grand causeway towards its elegant lotus-shaped towers, I was struck by the sheer scale and beauty of this extraordinary place. The intricate bas-reliefs tell stories from Hindu mythology, while the delicate apsara carvings seemed to bring the ancient walls to life. Climbing towards the upper galleries gave us sweeping views across this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Buzz of Pub Street

No visit to Siem Reap would be complete without experiencing the energy of Pub Street after dark. As the sun goes down, the whole area comes alive with colourful neon lights, music spilling out from the bars and restaurants, and a constant stream of people wandering between the lively streets. The atmosphere is infectious, with outdoor tables spilling onto the pavements, street food tempting us at every turn and plenty of laughter and chatter filling the air. After the serenity of the temples during the day, Pub Street was a complete change of pace — vibrant, colourful and full of personality. We enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere, watching the world go by and experiencing a very different side of Siem Reap at night.

Life in Rural Cambodia

One of the experiences that touched me most was our visit to the rural village of Opopel. With its stilted houses, grazing Brahmin cows sheltering beneath banana trees, and quiet pace of life, there was a wonderful sense of timelessness about the place.

We were welcomed into the home of a local family, who generously shared stories about their lifestyle and daily routines. We then visited the local school and spent time observing the children in their classrooms. It was a privilege to catch a glimpse of an ordinary Cambodian school day.

We wandered through the village, taking photographs and simply absorbing the surroundings. It felt like a place that time had almost forgotten. 

Five Nights on the Mekong Jewel

Another major highlight of our trip was spending five nights aboard the Mekong Jewel, the Uniworld cruise ship.

From the moment we stepped on board, the hospitality was exceptional and seemed to epitomise the warmth and humility of the Cambodian people. Within 24 hours, all of the crew knew us by name, which made us feel incredibly welcomed and cared for.

The ambience, comfort and generous space on board created an atmosphere of complete relaxation and calm. It was the perfect way to experience the Mekong while still enjoying all the comforts of a beautiful ship.

And then there was the food!

Every meal felt like a moveable Michelin-star dining experience. There were opportunities to sample local delicacies such as crickets and tarantulas if we were brave enough, while those who felt less adventurous could enjoy everything from famous noodle dishes at lunch to bacon and eggs for breakfast.

There was also plenty to keep us entertained, with an ever-changing daily program of activities. Or, of course, simply take a book to the pool, cocktail in hand, and watch the world drift by. That was hard to resist!

The People Who Touched Our Hearts

For me, one of the greatest highlights of the entire trip was meeting the local people.

We had the privilege of visiting another local village and spending time with beautiful children in their classroom. My student, Nicky, read her English lesson to me. Afterwards, she asked me if I could stay and be her Mum.

That little moment melted my heart.

She loved playing on my phone and wearing my sunhat, and although our time together was brief, she left a lasting impression on me. These are the moments that make travelling so much more than simply seeing new places.

Another special experience was entering a local home built on stilts. The people we met were incredibly humble, happy and self-sufficient. They grew their own rice and vegetables, kept a family cow and chickens, and lived a wonderfully simple life.

It was a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn't necessarily come from having more, but from making the most of what you have.

Crossing into Vietnam

As we crossed into Vietnam, the landscape and pace began to change, but the warmth of the people remained.

We visited Vinh Long, whose name translates as “eternal prosperity,” and travelled by small boats and row boats to a collection of local nurseries and family-run businesses.

We saw fruit trees being propagated, tree pots and fishing cages being made, and orchards being carefully tended. Each little enterprise offered another glimpse into the resourcefulness and determination of the people who live and work along the Mekong.

We also learned about the important role women play in many Vietnamese family businesses, often taking the lead while their husbands assist. It was another fascinating window into the culture and everyday life of the communities we were visiting.

The Madness and Magic of Saigon

Saigon couldn't have been more different from the tranquil villages and peaceful days on the Mekong.

At first, attempting to cross those roads was a nail-biting experience. But eventually, we began to understand the rhythm of the city and realised that somehow, amidst all the apparent chaos, everything actually works.

Then came one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip — exploring Saigon by Vespa.

The experience appealed to all the senses. There were the aromas of street food, the constant hum of motorbikes, colourful shopfronts and people going about their daily lives. It was fast, noisy and wonderfully chaotic — and I absolutely loved it.

We ended the day high above the city at a rooftop bar, cocktail in hand, taking in the spectacular evening view. Watching Saigon light up below us was the perfect way to appreciate just how vibrant this city really is.

And, of course, there was shopping at the markets — but that's a story for another day!

Looking Back

When I look back on this journey, it wasn't just the magnificent temples, the Mekong, the food or the excitement of riding a Vespa through Saigon that made it so special.

It was the people.

The warmth of the Cambodian villagers, the children in the classroom, Nicky and her beautiful request that I stay and be her Mum, the wonderful cruise crew who knew us all by name, and the hardworking families we met along the Mekong all gave this trip a depth that I will never forget.

From the ancient faces of Bayon to the smiling faces of the children, from peaceful villages to the exhilarating chaos of Saigon, this was a journey filled with contrasts.

It was fascinating, humbling, exhilarating, relaxing, sometimes confronting and often hilarious.

Most of all, it was an adventure I feel incredibly privileged to have experienced.