Our Viking trip to SE Asia was excellent. We had expectations regarding this part of the world based on what thought we knew as Americans; we found many other points of view freely expressed in countries just coming to enjoy a less repressed life. Viking's approach, as usual, was comprehensive , offering very comfortable accommodations, good food, and interesting cultural experiences. This is a part of the world that has suffered greatly and paid an awful price because of war and brutal governance. Rebirth is underway, more so in Vietnam than Cambodia, with great optimism for a brighter future.

Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Our individual cabins were air conditioned as was the restaurant and the bar. There was a large shaded upper deck with comfortable seating but the intensity of the sun could still be felt. A large room on a lower deck, also with a.c., was used for educational talks and films. However the furnishings ware physically large and too much crowded together. Dining experiences off the ship provided only fair Westernized food, not what we were hoping for. Excellent guides in both Vietnam and Cambodia; solid hotel choices for the land portions. Shore excursions were all interesting but in both countries the tourist infrastructure is a work in progress.