Toum Tiou Review

The French Colonial-style interiors extend to dark wooden panelling in the library and lounge, which has a very clubby feel, and simple wooden floors and lots of windows in the spacious restaurant. There is an outdoor sitting area at the top of the ship, with an elegant wooden deck and useful canopy to screen passengers from the sun, as well as space to sit in the sun, too. WiFi is available in all public areas and there is a small shop selling souvenirs.

Cabins are also wood-panelled with traditional lacquer-like varnish and brass fittings, offset with natural wickerwork arm chairs and woven straw wall coverings plus crisp white bedlinen. White cotton bathrobes are supplied and the ensuite bathrooms have good showers. There is plenty of storeage space, a security box in every cabin and air conditioning throughout.

Menus combine authentic Eastern and Western recipes, and the culinary team includes a local executive chef. Breakfast and lunch is a semi-buffet with waiter service in the evening. Specially-tailored light menus are also available and complimentary tea, coffee and drinking water is always available. There is nightly entertainment in the bar, mostly cultural performances, and during the day there are educational talks and cooking classes.

There is a very French feel to CFM’s colonial-style river ships, and the company aims to deliver authentic cultural experiences with local cuisine a speciality. The small number of passengers ensures a very relaxed atmosphere.