Cruising South East Asia on Viking Venus
From Bangkok to Hong Kong: Our First Cruise Through Southeast Asia
When we were offered to join this trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong with Viking Cruises, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. It was our first time in this part of the world, and the thought of combining a few days in Bangkok with a two-week cruise through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam felt equal parts exciting and daunting. What we discovered was a journey filled with cultural colour, delectable dining, relaxing sea days, and the sort of “pinch me” moments that only travel can deliver.
Bangkok: First Impressions of the East
Landing in Bangkok after a long overnight flight, the heat and humidity hit us like a welcome mat rolled out by the tropics. Our introduction to Thailand came courtesy of the Shangri-La Hotel, where jasmine garlands, cool drinks, and a view from our 18th floor room over the Chao Phraya River instantly began to charm us.
Bangkok quickly revealed itself as a feast for the senses. Dinner at the hotel’s riverside Thai restaurant, Salathip, was an education in flavour – from delicate spring rolls and sea bass to a green curry so fiery it might have melted steel. We soon learned that in Thailand, spice levels operate on a different scale entirely.
Culturally, the city dazzled. The Grand Palace, with its golden spires and the revered Emerald Buddha, felt like a living museum of Thai heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho and its colossal reclining Buddha stretched out in gold-leaf serenity. The mix of temples, history, and street-level bustle was intoxicating and exhilarating. Yet Bangkok also had its more relaxed pleasures – a cocktail at the Mandarin Oriental (their “White Lotus” concoction freshly launched the day we arrived), a local riverside bar called Jack’s, and plenty of time just to sit, swim, and soak up the atmosphere and luxury at our riverside hotel.
All Aboard: Viking Venus
After two whirlwind days, we made the two-hour journey to Laem Chabang to board Viking Venus, our home for the next two weeks. Our deluxe veranda stateroom soon became a haven, with thoughtful touches like a coffee machine, heated bathroom floor, and a balcony big enough for breakfast with a view. Dining quickly became part of the rhythm of life onboard. Viking regulars will know the joys of Manfredi’s (their bistecca steak is as good as we remembered it), while the Chef’s Table offered rotating themed menus, from British comfort to Indochinese spice. Viking’s balance of choice and ritual – a traditional Norwegian waffle in Mamsen’s, a pre-dinner cocktail in the Explorers’ Lounge, afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a post-show nightcap in Torshavn – became part of the pleasure of shipboard life.
Settled in to our new home for the next two weeks and still docked in Laem Chabang, the next day we headed out on an optional excursion to Suphattraland fruit farm in Rayong. Guided by the ever-cheerful Kanye, we sipped coconuts, tasted honey at the hives, learned how mangos are bagged to deter bugs, side-stepped the famously pungent durian, and discovered sweet-tart salak—the same “snake fruit” that turned up in our White Lotus cocktail earlier at the Mandarin Oriental. A light farm lunch rounded things off, crowned by the star of the show: ripe, velvety mangoes that tasted like sunshine.
Cultural Encounters in Cambodia and Vietnam
From Thailand we sailed east, our first stop Cambodia. In Sihanoukville we threw ourselves into a Cambodian cooking class, beginning with a dizzying visit to the local market where stalls piled high with fruit, fish, and the occasional fried insect tested our stomachs. At a local hotel school we donned aprons, learned to make traditional dishes like banh xeo and fish amok, and were treated to a dance performance by local students – an afternoon that was as heartwarming as it was delicious.
Our second day in Sihanoukville began with an included excursion that offered a more local, authentic glimpse of Cambodia starting at Wat Khom, a hilltop temple currently under restoration, where we admired the intricate work in progress and enjoyed another graceful traditional dance performance. From there, the pace quickened with a short stop at Independence Beach for cold drinks and a quick paddle in the warm sea—just enough time to feel the sand between our toes before moving on. The highlight, however, was wandering through a nearby fishing village. Children ran up to greet us, fishermen busied themselves with their morning routines, and though conversation was limited, the warmth of the welcome spoke volumes. It was a simple but memorable morning, shining a light on daily life in coastal Cambodia.
From Cambodia to Vietnam
A day at sea turned into one of the most enjoyable of the voyage, blending hands-on fun with Viking’s signature touches of relaxation. The highlight was an immersive Italian cooking class at the Kitchen Table, where under the guidance of Chef Ashish our small group of eight chopped, stirred, and stirred some more to create a three-course feast—creamy mushroom risotto, fresh pasta with veal and prosciutto, and the perfect tiramisu, enjoyed with a well-earned glass of wine.
Vietnam brought a rich mix of history, resilience, and breathtaking scenery. In Ho Chi Minh City we threaded through chaotic scooter-filled streets to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the colonial-era Post Office, and the ever-busy Ben Thanh Market, before retreating to a café for a cold local beer.
A sobering day followed at the Cu Chi tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, reminders of the country’s recent history, balanced by a serene lunch at a flower filled restaurant garden on the side of the Mekong river and a finish to the day at the iconic Rex Hotel rooftop for cocktails overlooking the city.
Another glorious day at sea brought us to Chan May, gateway to Da Nang and Hue. Our included excursion brought us face-to-face with the serene Lady Buddha on Monkey Mountain, and the golden sands of My Khe Beach – once known to American GIs as “China Beach.” Crossing the Han river over the iconic The Dragon Bridge which was opened on March 29, 2013, to commemorate the 38th anniversary of Da Nangs liberation, was made even more special as we were in the city on the 50th anniversary of that exact day. A quick stop at the sculpture museum was followed by the drive back to the ship, with a detour on the way for a visit to An Cu Lagoon, a popular lakeside destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Magic of Ha Long Bay
Arriving in Ha Long Bay to grey and overcast skies, the limestone karsts rising from the water set against the moody clouds were pure magic. There for the next two days we spent the first day exploring the bay by day boat, then returning the next day to kayak into hidden lagoons where monkeys clambered over cliffs. It was one of those moments where travel, nature, and wonder combined perfectly. We couldn’t leave Ha Long Bay without exploring the city itself, so after lunch in Mamsen’s we jumped on the shuttle bus into the city, where traditional markets rubbed shoulders with shiny malls and theme parks—a contrast to the natural beauty of the bay around it.
Life Between Ports
Cruising in this region meant long stretches at sea, gliding over the South China Sea between one culture-rich stop and the next. These sea days were far from wasted: they gave us time to immerse ourselves in Viking’s understated luxuries. Morning laps around the promenade or swims in the infinity pool; long lunches on the Aquavit Terrace; cooking classes with the ship’s chefs; lectures, port talks and trivia; or the simple joy of curling up with a coffee in the Explorers’ Lounge, watching the horizon unfold. After the heat and intensity of the ports, these quieter interludes provided balance.
Final Stop: Hong Kong
Our journey ended in spectacular style. Sailing into Hong Kong harbour at sunrise was unforgettable – skyscrapers piercing the morning mist, junks and ferries crisscrossing the water, the city humming with life. We took the tram up to Victoria Peak for panoramic views, browsed Stanley Market, and rode a sampan in Aberdeen Harbour. A traditional dim sum lunch at Maxim’s Palace – surrounded by locals, with steaming baskets wheeled around on trolleys – was the perfect finale. Hong Kong felt like both an ending and a beginning: the conclusion of our voyage, but also an invitation to return and explore more of Asia in future.
Reflections on Our First Southeast Asian Voyage
Looking back, this trip was a vivid mix of contrasts: golden temples and bustling markets, serene sea days and frenetic city streets, fiery curries and delicate pastries, sobering war history and joyous cultural performances. It was our first time in this part of the world, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Travel is at its best when it surprises, delights, and challenges in equal measure – and this journey, from Bangkok to Ha Long Bay, did all three.
Thank you to Viking who hosted us on this cruise, including air fares, hotel stays, excursions and transfers. Viking had no editorial control over any of our content, either before, during our after our voyage and have not paid us to promote them or this post.
If you enjoyed this blog why not take a look at some of our other blogs, especially our Viking Danube blog or our Viking Polaris Great Lakes Cruise.
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