Saigon to Phnom Penh, or vice versa

[juddles]

Hi all,

I have never been to Vietnam, but it is a missing link that I feel the need to fulfill. I am interested if anyone has experience in travelling the Mekong, in either direction. Start in SGN or PNH. But travel between the two by river - not flying nor buses, etc.

Is there a best time of year for such a thing? My main interest is the sheer experience, the countryside. Food too. Basic, street-vendor type stuff. Not interested in 5 star things. Nor any other specific things. Just want to breathe the air, eat the real food, and smell the river.

Again, starting at either end, an itinerary with a night or two at each end, and whatever the best boat experience there is between the two. A mid-journey overnight at Tan Chau? I am just learning about this.

Absolutely any advice is most welcome, from the river trip itself, to arrivals/food/accomodation/methods of travel within countries/where to book/how to get out.

Cheers!

 

[RooFlyer]

You'll find various TRs to Vietnam and Cambodia here destination trip reports.

I've done a Mekong River cruise out of Pakse, Laos. Not what you are after of course, but will give you an idea of possibilities.

Just want to breathe the air, eat the real food, and smell the river.

Spent a few days in Ho Chi Min city - loved it. You'll be able to carry out all of your wants, in spades!

 

[LadyC]

Not quite what you are asking about but the Gentleman and I did a 5 day guided motorcycle tour around Central Vietnam back in 2012. Definitely a great way to get into the countryside and off the beaten track. Very simple fare and accommodation but it was an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[RB]

We travelled downriver in 2004 so my info is out of date! We did it for the broad reasons you outlined. We caught a big ferry from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, spent some time in Phnom Penh & then Sihanoukville. From Phnom Penh we then caught a smaller ferry south to Chau Doc. From there it was a small van to Ho Chi Minh.
It certainly seems this style of trip can still be done. It reads like English is now more widely spoken in Chau Doc.

Leaving Siem Reap

 

[juddles]

.... From Phnom Penh we then caught a smaller ferry south to Chau Doc. From there it was a small van to Ho Chi Minh.
It certainly seems this style of trip can still be done. It reads like English is now more widely spoken in Chau Doc.

RB, did you overnight in Chau Doc?

 

[RB]

RB, did you overnight in Chau Doc?

Yes,stayed at some unknown place with an upstairs bar. White English speaking people were a bit thin on the ground that night. From memory we were dropped into town off the ferry & walked around til we found a room