Must say I never saw myself going on cruises, didn’t think I was that way inclined. And yet. And yet. Here I am, less than one year after my very first ever Viking cruise, about to set off on my third.
The first two were fab, on the Danube and The Italian Sojourn and this third one looks even better. An amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip starting in Bangkok, Thailand, sailing round the coast to Hong Kong via Cambodia and Vietnam.
An epic journey aboard the good ship Viking Venus, taking in some of the prettiest bits of South East Asia. Only question is, will it live up to the hype?
Bangkok – pre extension
Obviously, Bangkok is a long haul flight away, several hours ahead of the UK, which means a holiday out there involves overcoming a wee bit of jet lag.
However, those bright bunnies at Viking have come up with a clever way round this issue. You can pre-extend your cruise.
Which simply means you fly out a couple of days before you meet your ship and get to spend some quality time in Bangkok, exploring the city, whilst your body clock gets attuned in to the new time zone.
It’s complete genius. We did exactly that, staying at the Shangri La Hotel, which was a real humdinger of a place. Swanky, posh, the sort of upmarket establishment where guys in pith helmets welcome you at the door. Inside, there’s an air of overwhelming elegance throughout, outside, there’s an amazing pool to keep you smiling.
My room was stunning, the perfect place to relax and unwind, with far reaching views of the city and river below. After a couple of days sightseeing (Viking organise excursions with guides whilst you’re there) I felt as if I’d already had the best minibreak ever. And that was before we’d even seen our ship. Turns out, the best was yet to come.
Our Ship – Viking Venus
Since I’ve been with them before, I knew my way round the good ship Venus before I even got on board. Another clever ruse by the Viking bigwigs is that all their seagoing ships are built the same.
They each hold approx 900 guests, have the same layout and same superb quality throughout. Really does help with finding your way round, making you feel at home as soon as you stroll up the gang plank.
My Stateroom
My stateroom was a walk in wonder. Airy, welcoming and cosy. With a gorgeous ensuite, enormous comfy bed, lots of storage space, wonderful living area complete with armchairs and writing desk along with the outside space we all love and long for – a floor to ceiling window leading onto my very own private balcony. Heaven.
Just the place to sit and watch the waves go by, dreaming of days and days like this. In short, my stateroom was a cosy cocoon complete with minibar, air con and like everywhere else onboard, wall to wall, totally free Wifi. Which meant I could ring home and chat to loved ones whenever time zones allowed.
Food
As you would expect on this type of top notch, millionaire lifestyle, luxury cruise, the food was superb, morning, noon and night. With a enormous variety of styles to suit all tastes available at all times.
Everything from suit yourself buffets at the World Cafe or Pool Grill, silver service at The Restaurant, high tea in The Wintergarden, all the way up to, “finest dining you’ll ever experience,” at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, or the Chef’s Table.
Naturally, along with the drinks, snacks and titbits that are dotted around the ship, most of it, is all inclusive, all you can eat. Spoiler alert, beware the waffles and cream. They are irresistible.
Facilities
As well as the fine eateries onboard, there are also plenty of places to while away a happy hour or three; with bars, theatre, cinema, jazz lounge, hot tub, swimming pools plus a sensational spa next to a top notch fitness centre.
Basically, a week onboard just isn’t enough time to explore all that this lovely ship has to offer. I was there for two weeks and still didn’t get round to seeing everything. Especially the entertainment. There are lectures, shows, cinema screenings, bands, world class soloists. And more besides.
One morning we even did a cookery class, giving me the chance to catch up with the friendliest folk you ever could meet, cooking and chatting in the confines of a real Chefs kitchen. Fantastic.
Excursions
If being onboard wasn’t enough to blow your cotton socks off, there are also daily excursions to whisk you away, to explore the surrounding sights and dip your toes into some lovely local culture.
Itinerary
For our first full onboard, the ship stayed in port at Bangkok, which allowed us to jump onto buses, taking a trip through the nearby countryside, visiting a farm that grew exotic tropical fruit. Including that King of the fruits, Durian.
Which, according to our guide, smelt like hell but tasted like heaven. Must say, she was right about the smell, but wrong about the taste. I was not a fan.
After sailing overnight, we awoke to a new day and a new country, Sihanoukville, in Cambodia. Heading off for our daily excursion, we discovered a land of golden temples, sandy beaches and bustling markets jampacked with sights, smells and stuff you just can’t find at home. I loved it.
A couple of days later, we had a sea day, which is a day entirely spent sailing. It was mind blowingly brilliant. If there is anything finer than eating a fruit filled breakfast, whilst being bathed by sunbeams over the South China Seas, I have yet to find it. Things got even better when I headed down to the spa for a massage. Sigh. If this a life on the ocean wave, it’s definitely the life for me.
Next stop was Saigon, south Vietnam., also known as Ho Chi Minh City. A chaotic colourful city of over ten million souls. Seemed like every single one of them rode a scooter. You quickly discover the best way to cross the constantly busy roads, is to step out slowly, move smoothly, ignoring the scooters weaving round you like fish in a barrel.
Later that day we took a trip to Cu Chi tunnels where some of the most vicious fighting took place in the Vietnam war. You have to admire any country that can take such hideous history and turn it into what is basically, a theme park. Complete with (live ammo) firing range, oversized, tourist friendly tunnels and leaf covered trapdoors just perfect for a photo opportunity.
After another delightful day at sea, we stopped halfway up the Vietnam coast, at Da Nang. Where American GI’s used to go for holidays during the war. Can quite see why. The beach is postcard pretty. Just right for a fresh coconut and a swim.
Another days sailing up the coast took us to Ha Long Bay. Had really been looking forward to this. Two thousand tiny islands sticking up out of the sea, like dragons teeth covered in trees. Totally lived up to the hype. We explored it by boat, by kayak and on foot. Even found an island inhabited by tiny rock climbing monkeys.
Like any good magician, Viking saved the best till last. For our final stop, we sailed into Hong Kong at dawn, as the morning sun slid across the skyscrapers, we glided by, eyes wide, mouths open. Had never been therefore and it did not disappoint.
On our first day we went up Victoria Peak by tram, to stare down at the city below. We then took a trip round the harbour on a traditional sampan boat, ending the evening with a stroll along the riverside.
Next day we took the famous Star ferry across to Central, had amazing Dim Sum at the City Hall and finished up shopping on Nathan Road.
The whole place is one enormous human hive, built around mountains and water. Buzzing with life, bursting with energy, full of surprises. Have you ever been to a city that builds it’s tower blocks with huge great holes in them, so dragons can fly through and reach the river? I hadn’t, until this cruise.
Conclusion
As you can tell, this was an incredible adventure. Kicking off with a couple of days of complete pampering in Bangkok, before getting onboard and feeling like we’d found the path to paradise, where each day just got better and better. And better.
If you have ever thought that cruising is not for you. Not your thing. I have just two words for you. Try it. Take one of these trips into the golden heart of luxury living. Doesn’t have to be long or exotic. Any Viking cruise will do. It will change the way you view travel. Forever. Giving you another two words to play with. Because, when you return, you are going to be… cruise crazy. Baby! (OK. Three words.)
FAQs
How much does this amazing cruise cost?
Prices start from £6,395 per person for a 2026 sailing.
How much does it cost for the pre extension in Bangkok?
Two nights in an amazing hotel, breakfast included, guided tours, services of a Viking guide plus all transfers starts from £799.
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