Mekong River Cruise with TravelMarvel

Siem Reap and a Visit to Angkor Wat

From the moment we arrived in Siem Reap, everything was seamless thanks to Travelmarvel. We were greeted with a stress-free airport pickup and taken to the stunning Shinta Mani Angkor – A luxury boutique hotel in the peaceful Royal District. With its exceptional service, and meaningful local initiatives, it was the perfect base for our stay.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was our half-day Private journey through the UNESCO Angkor temple complex. We started at Angkor Wat, where the towering spires and intricate carvings brought the grandeur of the Khmer Empire to life. At Bayon Temple, the mysterious smiling faces carved into stone left us speechless. We ended at Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots weave through ancient ruins. A magical, almost otherworldly scene.

The combination of incredible history, luxurious comfort, and thoughtful travel planning made this small part of the journey truly unforgettable.

The Killing Fields and Genocide Museum (S21)

As part of our Travelmarvel Mekong Cruise, we took a deeply moving excursion to one of Cambodia’s most infamous and historical sites. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields with a local guide the entire journey.

This was one of the most sobering and emotionally powerful experiences of the entire journey. It’s hard to believe that the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime happened less than 50 years ago, and that the scars are still so fresh for the Cambodian people.

We started at S-21, a former high school turned prison and interrogation centre. Walking through the classrooms turned cells, I was struck by the chilling fact that over 20,000 people were imprisoned here, but only 12 survived. Once prisoners were found “guilty,” they were transported under cover of night to the Killing Fields.

At the Killing Fields, we walked slowly along the boardwalks winding through the grounds, where mass graves were uncovered. The atmosphere was heavy and reflective, as the space serves as a powerful reminder of the scale of the tragedy.

What stayed with me most was how no one was spared. Men, women, and children all suffered the same brutal fate. Despite this dark chapter, the resilience of the Cambodian people shines through. Visiting these sites was heartbreaking but deeply important. A history that must never be forgotten.

Sa Dec by Sampan

On Day 7 of Our TravelMarvel River Journey, We took a boat ride to Sa Dec by Sampan (Traditional Wooden Flat-Bottomed Boat), cruising past floating fish farms that dotted the calm waters. Arriving in town, I explored the colourful market on foot. A hectic, bustling scene filled with locals going about their day – Better watch out for Mopeds going in every direction. The market was incredibly lively, overflowing with “very fresh” seafood, poultry, fruits, and vegetables — all local delicacies that reflected the vibrant food culture of the region.

As I wandered through Sa Dec, I visited the Huynh Thuy Le Old House, a beautifully preserved heritage home that gave me a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history and unique architecture. What really caught my eye were the waterside houses along the riverbank—so close to the water that a high tide would flood their bottom levels. It was a striking, picturesque reminder of how deeply life here is connected to the waterways.

This whole experience felt authentic and immersive, a true taste of the daily rhythms and rich traditions of Sa Dec.

A Week on the Mekong with TravelMarvel

Travelling along the Mekong River with Travelmarvel was an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes. From farming regions to lively cities and peaceful waterside villages. The best part? Easy access to sights right from the ship. Sometimes we stepped off via gangplank straight into bustling markets, other times we took small sampan boats to experience local life up close.

Onboard, the food was a delicious highlight, with Cambodian and Vietnamese chefs crafting authentic dishes that celebrated local flavors. The ship’s traditional Asian design made me feel truly immersed in the destination, while the friendly staff shared stories about life on the river.

There was a great balance of relaxation and activities, whether lounging by the pool, enjoying a spa treatment, or joining fun classes like spring roll making and fruit carving. With comfortable spaces like a sundeck, lounge, and library, the ship was the perfect base for exploring the Mekong’s rich culture and history.

This journey with Travelmarvel was more than a cruise. It was a deep dive into Southeast Asia’s vibrant heart.