We booked Emerald’s 13-day Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong going from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Booking procedures online was easy, and all questions were answered cheerfully and immediately. We especially liked the Trip Personaliser, which packaged passenger data, transport data, visa data and gave gentle reminders re incomplete items. The fine backpacks and passport case Emerald sent were a pleasant surprise, and they got good use! We also appreciated the quality vacuum water bottles.

The hotels’ locations (in Siem Reap before the cruise and in Ho Chi Minh City after the cruise) were very convenient to restaurants, activities and shops. Food at Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection was superb, though French-style (small portions, lol). The room was large and service was excellent. There was always a tuk-tuk outside to whisk us away to a museum or to a massage & body treatment at Lavender Dreams. There was always time and flexibility to go on the Emerald excursions, choose our own (visit to a floating town and a sunset dinner), or just relax. I do recommend the Craft Beer Adventure, because it’s… beer!

The Grand Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City was large and comfortable, though dated, but the buffet was disappointing. I had saved 70,000 dong to pay for the two tiny water bottles we drank, but it was not enough! Lesson learned. Stop in the 7-11 and buy water. Read more