Consultant review: What Lidia loved about cruising the Mekong
National Seniors Travel consultant Lidia Brown travelled from Cambodia to Vietnam on Travelmarvel’s Majestic Mekong cruise aboard AmaLotus in August 2026. Village visits were a highlight, while excellent food and a welcoming crew made her time on board thoroughly enjoyable. Here, she shares what stood out and her honest advice for travellers considering a Mekong river cruise.
Discovering life along the river
Some of Lidia’s favourite experiences came from visiting small villages along the Mekong, including places often missed on more conventional itineraries. Stepping ashore gave her an opportunity to learn about the communities beyond the scenery she could see from the ship.
“These visits provided a fascinating insight into local life, traditions and culture, making the journey much more than simply a river cruise.”
For travellers interested in Cambodia and Vietnam, the opportunity to explore beyond the major cities was one of the strongest reasons for her recommendation.
The staff made a difference
Lidia found AmaLotus a comfortable base for exploring the Mekong, with good-sized cabins and small private balconies. But it was the crew who made the strongest impression on board.
“The staff were fantastic throughout the trip, always friendly, welcoming and attentive.”
Dining was another highlight. Lidia described the food as excellent, placing it alongside the service as one of the standout aspects of her time aboard AmaLotus.
Understanding Cambodia’s history
Alongside the village visits, Lidia recommends spending time in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Both offered opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history and culture.
In Phnom Penh, she singled out the Killing Fields as a particularly worthwhile visit. It was a confronting and deeply moving experience, providing an important perspective on the country’s tragic past.
For Lidia, this was a meaningful part of exploring Cambodia, bringing a different dimension to a trip that also offered warm hospitality and fascinating cultural encounters.
Who would Lidia recommend it to?
Lidia would recommend this cruise to travellers interested in exploring the Mekong and gaining a greater appreciation of life and history in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Her verdict is candid: while the ship could benefit from updating, its excellent staff, delicious food and cultural experiences made the trip rewarding.
“I would recommend this cruise to anyone interested in exploring the Mekong and gaining a greater appreciation of life and history in this part of Southeast Asia.”
Lidia’s top three highlights
- Village life along the Mekong: Stepping ashore in smaller communities often missed on conventional itineraries, gaining an insight into everyday life, local traditions and culture.
- Cambodia’s culture and history: Exploring Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, including a deeply moving visit to the Killing Fields that offered an important perspective on the country’s past.
- Warm hospitality aboard AmaLotus: A welcoming, attentive crew and excellent dining that made time on board a highlight alongside the discoveries ashore.
Inspired by Lidia’s experience? Our consultants can help you compare Mekong river cruises, from the ships and onboard inclusions to the places you’ll explore along the way.
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