With a spectacular coastline stretching over 2,000 miles, Vietnam’s maritime communities have been profoundly shaped by the sea. From the fishing villages and floating markets to the iconic bamboo basket boats and sampan boats, Vietnam’s coastal culture is extraordinary. We dive into the waterways of Vietnam to discover the unique traditions and communities that thrive here, from the floating villages of Ha Long Bay to the drifting markets of the Mekong. We also share how you can get a deeper insight with these exclusive cruise experiences on our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style luxury tour. 

1. Discover the water wonderland of Ha Long Bay

Set in northeastern Vietnam, UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay is one of the country’s most famous natural wonders. Its name translates to “Descending Dragon Bay,” as local legend says dragons were sent by the gods to protect Vietnam, creating the bay and its islands. 

The bay encompasses around 600 square miles and has more than 1,600 limestone islands rising out of the emerald waters. Formed over millions of years, the karst landscape has a remarkable concentration of grottoes, caves, limestone peaks, rainforests, and a rich biodiversity. Ha Long Bay is also famous for its unique floating villages, where residents live and work on the water.

Private luxury junk boat cruise

Sailing Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic cruise experiences, but you’ll get to do it in style. We’ll board a private luxury junk boat for a special overnight cruise on the bay. The boat is traditionally designed, with all the modern luxuries found within. In the evening, you can relax on deck and watch the glorious sunset, or enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and indulge in the creations for dinner. In the morning, you’ll start your day with a Tai Chi class before enjoying brunch as you cruise through the limestone karsts. 

Read more: Fine dining, dressed down: the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia

Sea caves and floating villages

You’ll also make a trip to explore Tien Ong Cave. It’s famed for its massive stalactites and stalagmites, including one known as “the fairy godfather”. Afterwards, we’ll sail to Cua Van floating village, where generations of fishermen and their families have lived for hundreds of years. The villages are made up of clusters of floating houses, moored to the seafloor, creating a community that lives and works on the water.

Life in these villages is directly tied to the sea. Fishing and acquaculture are the main sources of income and motor and row boats are the main modes of transport. Children even learn to swim before they walk. The populations of these floating villages have dwindled over time due to modernisation and government relocation programs. However, those who remain preserve their traditional way of life and remarkably resourceful maritime culture. 

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2. Explore the waterways of the Mekong River

Nicknamed the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. Spanning an area of around 16,000 square miles and passing through six countries, the Mekong River is one of the biggest and most fertile deltas in the world. The Mekong supports thousands of animal species, while millions of people depend on it for agriculture and their livelihoods. Locals have built their lives on and around the water and the intricate web of canals is used for everything from transport to trade and fishing.

The Mekong is famous for its unique floating market culture, where people can buy produce from vendors on boats. Houses are built on stilts to integrate with the changing water levels and you’ll see temples and pagodas perched on the delta. While automated mass agriculture threatens farming and fishing traditions, and climate change disrupts the natural cycles of the Mekong, the locals continue to uphold their harmonious relationship with the delta.

Private cruise through the Mekong

You’ll get an insight into the Mekong culture on one of our exclusive cruise experiences. We’ll board a private vessel for a cruise down the rivers and canals of the delta. You’ll first learn about coconut production, one of the major industries for people living along the river. Then have some fun on land with a ride on a tri-motorcycle through the limestone mountains and glistening rice paddies. You’ll arrive at a rice noodle factory and discover how this beloved Vietnamese food is made.

You’ll then meet Mr Sau Tuong, a former soldier, and his wife at their home. You’ll learn how the couple makes rice paper using traditional techniques. Mr Sau Tuong spent years fighting the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and now lives a more peaceful life preserving ancient customs.

Later, enjoy lunch at the charming Mango Home, a thatched floating restaurant. Savor delta delicacies such as grilled fish, giant prawns and noodle soup as you gaze out over the lush waterways.

Read more: Why a Luxury River Cruise is the Best Way to Cruise

3. Bamboo basket boat ride to Thanh Dong Village

As part of our journey, we’ll visit Cam Thanh Village and see the thick coconut jungles, once a shelter for residents and soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today, the village is a vital supplier of rice, seafood and vegetables to the region. We’ll explore more of this region with one of our most unique cruise experiences – bamboo basket boat. 

Bamboo basket boats have played an integral role in Vietnam’s maritime culture for centuries. Their origins date back to the French colonial era. The French imposed heavy taxes on the ownership of boats, making it unaffordable for many local fishermen. In response, the Vietnamese created these unique, lightweight, sturdy, and affordable boats. They could argue they were ‘baskets’ rather than ‘boats’, therefore skirting the tax laws. The boats became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and are still used today for fishing and ferrying people and goods.

Ride a bamboo basket boat to a riverside restaurant

You’ll witness this enduring tradition up close when you ride in a bamboo basket boat to Thanh Dong village. Here you’ll meet villagers and learn how they cultivate produce using sustainable and traditional methods. You’ll continue your peaceful voyage on the bamboo basket boat to a riverside restaurant. It’s an idyllic location right on top of the water, nestled in the coconut forest, overlooking the glimmering rice fields. Here you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class with a professional local chef. You’ll learn how to make some delicious Vietnamese food and enjoy your creations for lunch. 

Discover these exclusive cruise experiences and more extraordinary adventures with our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style luxury tour. 

Fresh local ingredients bursting with flavor. Colourful dishes, exquisitely presented. The cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia is a delight for both the palate and the eye.

While street food is an essential part of the culinary experience, both countries also have a glittering fine dining scene. And whether you’re sampling traditional dishes from a market vendor in Siem Reap or dining at one of Saigon’s spectacular rooftop restaurants, every meal in these two countries is an experience.

Discover this on: Cambodia & Vietnam in Style

Delicious, healthy and aesthetically pleasing

Although they’re distinctive from one another, the cuisines of Vietnam and Cambodia share common principles. Dishes focus on fresh, local ingredients, a delicate balance of flavors and thoughtful use of herbs and spices. Both are influenced by Indian, Chinese and, more recently, French cuisine.

For both cultures, food is not only meant to be delicious, but also visually appealing. Whether you’re in a fine-dining restaurant or at a street food stand, the way a dish is presented can be just as important as the flavors and ingredients used to make it.

Traditional Vietnamese dishes are often served on a platter, with a carefully chosen variety of herbs and vegetables. The colors, textures and shapes of the ingredients working together to create a visual treat. Cambodian dishes are often served in small bowls or plates, with each component arranged with precision and artistic flair.

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Food presentation – Chinese and Buddhist traditions

The emphasis on presentation can be traced back to the influence of Chinese culinary traditions. In Chinese culture, food is not only meant to nourish the body, but also to delight the senses. Dishes are made with precision, attention to detail and an artistic flair that typifies their way of life.

The Buddhist concept of mindfulness is also a significant influencing factor. In Buddhist culture, the act of preparing and serving food is considered a form of meditation. Every plate is put together with care and attention, with the goal of creating a harmonious and balanced meal.

Fresh produce and a tropical climate

The fresh and flavorful ingredients used in the cuisine of Cambodia and Vietnam are a testament to the richness and diversity of the local produce and agricultural traditions of both countries.

Both have a tropical climate that allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This offers a ready supply of sublime ingredients and flavors including lemongrass, ginger, chilies and tropical fruits like mango and papaya.

Rice is also staple food in both countries, as are rice noodles, which are used in dishes such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and kuy teav (Cambodian noodle soup). Due to their locations, seafood and freshwater fish also feature in many dishes.

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Distinctive ingredients and styles

The cuisine of Vietnam is based on fresh ingredients, minimal cooking and lots of leafy greens and seafood. Typically, the Vietnamese use very limited amounts of animal protein and fat, and moderate use of sugar. Common ingredients in traditional dishes include rice, noodles, seafood, pork and herbs like lemongrass, basil and cilantro. Vietnam is also known for its use of nuoc mam, a fermented fish sauce that is used in many traditional dishes to add depth and flavor.

Taking a strong influence from neighbors Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, Cambodian dishes are often milder in terms of heat. Rice and fish are the staple ingredients, flavored with spices and herbs including kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, turmeric and galangal. Prahok is a feature ingredient, this fermented fish paste that adds a distinctive umami flavor. And, if you are feeling adventurous, Cambodians are entomophagous, meaning they eat insects. This means you may find that crickets, ants and tarantulas are available on the menu.

Famous dishes

One of the most famous dishes in the cuisine of Vietnam is pho, a local staple and also an international culinary export. There is now where better to savor this flavorful noodle soup than in its home country. Typically made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs and spices, you will see pho on every menu, from a fine dining restaurant to a street side cafe. Other popular Vietnamese dishes include banh mi, a baguette sandwich filled with a variety of meats and vegetables, and goi cuon, fresh spring rolls made with rice paper, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a variety of meats or seafood.

Amok is the national dish of Cambodia. One of the royal dishes of the past, it dates back to the Khmer Empire during the 9th to 15th centuries. This coconut milk-based curry, with a mouse like consistency, is made with fish or chicken and usually served in a banana leaf cup or coconut shell. Lok lak, a stir-fry dish made with beef or pork, vegetables and a flavorful sauce is also both delicious and popular.

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Dine your way around Cambodia and Vietnam in Style

Gastronomy is at the heart of every Luxury Gold tour. And our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style tour offers a culinary journey that will set your taste buds alight day after day. Paired with magnificent hotels, unique experiences and an exclusively curated itinerary.

Dine at one of Saigon’s finest rooftop restaurants in Saigon, with the lights of the city twinkling in the background. And savor a memorable meal and private concert at the home of celebrated painter and singer, Camille Huyen. Join a local foodie in the Old Quarter to explore the street food culture of Hanoi. Feast on pho and crab spring rolls. Participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside a local chef. Learn from villagers how they cultivate and harvest vegetables according to local customs.

If you are feeling inspired to treat yourself to the journey of a lifetime, take a look at Cambodia & Vietnam in Style or our full collection of luxury Vietnam vacations.

Reputations have a habit of preceding the greatest sites in the world, and so it is with Cambodia’s Angkor, the 150-square-mile Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith. This was once the center of the medieval Khmer kingdom, a place of great cultural and spiritual importance. Over a thousand years later, visitors are still awestruck by the scores of temples, dykes, canals, roads and monuments that burst out of the abundant jungle. With so many incredible sights to take in, here’s what you must see when visiting the stunning temples of Angkor.