A Day in the Life of a Barman on the Toum Toui 2: A Mekong River Cruise Adventure

Toum Toui 2

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live on a boat while floating along the mighty Mekong River, I can tell you it’s nothing short of magical. I’m Phanith, and I have the great privilege of being the barman aboard the Toum Toui 2, a luxury river cruise that travels between Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River. My job isn’t just about mixing drinks and serving guests—though that’s certainly a big part of it—it’s about creating an atmosphere that helps travelers connect to the region and experience the heart of Southeast Asia through both flavour and culture.

Working aboard a river cruise like the Toum Toui 2 is unlike any job I’ve had before. Each day is an adventure, a chance to meet new people from all over the world, share a drink with them, and help them connect with the unique spirit of the Mekong. But there’s so much more to it than that. The river, the people, the history—it all blends together into a journey that is truly one of a kind. Let me take you behind the scenes of a typical day in my life as the barman aboard the Toum Toui 2.

Waking Up on the River

Sunrise on the water

A typical day for me starts early. The Toum Toui 2 usually docks overnight in a new location along the Mekong River, so when I wake up and look out the window, I’m greeted by a fresh view of the riverbanks. Sometimes we’re moored near a bustling market town in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, other times in a quieter, more remote area in Cambodia, surrounded by lush landscapes and small floating villages. The beauty of this job is that every morning feels like a new adventure.

I begin my day by checking in with the ship’s purser to get an update on the itinerary and the excursions for the day. Guests on the Toum Toui 2 have the opportunity to take guided tours of the places we visit, whether that’s a floating market, a traditional village, or a historic site. Once I know what’s on the agenda, I prepare for my role at the bar.

The bar is open for early risers, and while most guests enjoy coffee or fresh fruit juices at this time of day, I make sure everything is ready for when they return from their excursions in the afternoon or early evening. There’s always a steady flow of guests who are eager to relax and unwind with a drink after a day of exploring, so I like to be well-prepared for the busy times ahead.

Setting Up the Bar

Setting up the bar is a delicate balance of organization and creativity. We have a well-stocked bar on the upper deck of the Toum Toui 2, complete with a variety of local spirits, international wines, and a selection of beers and non-alcoholic beverages. But beyond the standard offerings, I always try to bring a local twist to everything I serve. After all, we’re cruising through one of the most culturally rich and diverse regions in the world. I want to share the flavours of the Mekong with every guest who steps up to the bar.

Relaxing with a drink

One of the first things I do in the morning is check the inventory to make sure we’re stocked with all the fresh ingredients we’ll need for the day. Lemongrass, kaffir lime, ginger, mint, and coconut—these are just a few of the fresh, fragrant ingredients that I use in cocktails inspired by the region. I also ensure that the local spirits, such as Vietnamese rice wine (rượu) and Cambodian palm wine, are ready for mixing.

Once the inventory is checked, I prepare the garnish station. Fresh herbs, slices of fruit, and decorative umbrellas—all part of what makes the drinks on the Toum Toui 2 not just delicious, but visually appealing. It’s all about creating an experience. The goal is not just to serve a drink but to transport the guest into the world of the Mekong with every sip. Whether it’s a Mekong Mule, a cocktail made with local rum, lime, ginger, and soda, or a refreshing Lotus Blossom cocktail infused with coconut water and fresh fruit, I aim to craft something that will give the guest a taste of the region.

Once the bar is set up and everything is in place, I take a moment to breathe in the river air. There’s something peaceful about being on the water early in the morning before the ship gets too busy. As the river slowly wakes up with the rising sun, I know that I’ll soon be meeting new faces and hearing new stories. And that’s one of the best parts of this job—interacting with guests from all corners of the globe.

Midday: Mixing, Shaking, and Serving

The Toum Toui 2 offers guests guided excursions throughout the day. While they’re off the ship, it’s often a quieter time at the bar, but that doesn’t mean I’m idle. I take the opportunity to prepare new batches of fresh fruit juices, brew some Vietnamese coffee (cà phê nóng or Cà Phê Sữa Đá for iced coffee), and ensure everything is ready for the guests’ return.

I prepare fresh fruit juices, brew Vietnamese coffee (cà phê nóng or Cà Phê Sữa Đá for iced coffee), and make sure everything is ready for the guests’ return.`

Relaxing with a drink

The afternoon usually kicks off with guests returning from their excursions. They’re often ready to relax and have a drink after a day of walking through local villages or exploring historical sites. This is when I get to do what I love most—creating signature cocktails and offering recommendations based on the flavours and ingredients that are unique to the region.

One of the most popular drinks I serve is the Mekong Mojito. Unlike the traditional mojito, which uses rum, lime, and mint, the Mekong Mojito is made with Vietnamese rice wine, lime, and fresh basil—an herb that grows in abundance along the riverbanks. It’s refreshing, light, and perfectly suited to the humid tropical climate of the Mekong Delta.

When guests approach the bar, I always take a moment to ask about their day. Whether they’ve been exploring a bustling local market or drifting through the calm canals of the delta on a boat, every passenger has a unique story to tell. For many, this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s my job to make sure they enjoy every moment of it. I offer them drinks that reflect the region’s vibrant flavours, from coconut rum cocktails to chilled fruit punches made with freshly picked mango or lychee.

Phanith making egg coffee

As the day progresses, the bar becomes the center of social activity on the ship. Guests gather to chat, share stories, and enjoy the drink of their choice. Sometimes, we host casual cocktail-making demonstrations or tastings where I teach passengers about the unique ingredients of the Mekong. It’s an opportunity for me to educate them on the region’s culinary traditions and introduce them to new flavours they may never have encountered before.

One afternoon I gave a lively demonstration on how to make the famous Vietnamese egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng). With my expert touch, I whisked egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and a bit of sugar into a rich, velvety foam before gently pouring it over a shot of strong, black Vietnamese coffee. The result was a sweet, creamy indulgence unlike any coffee we’d ever tasted. After my demonstration, the passengers eagerly gathered around the bar to try making their own egg coffee. Under my watchful eye, we all took turns whipping the egg mixture and pouring our own creations, laughing and sharing tips as we sipped our rich, frothy cups of Vietnamese delight.

Evening: The Heart of the Experience

Entertainment on board

The evening is when the Toum Toui 2 comes to life. As the sun sets over the river, casting a golden glow across the water, the bar fills with guests eager to unwind and enjoy a drink while taking in the view. By this time, I’m immersed in the rhythm of the evening—a steady flow of guests asking for their favourite drinks or seeking recommendations from me. Whether it’s a crisp gin and tonic, a tropical rum punch, or a local beer, I take pride in making each drink a special part of the guest’s experience.

In addition to serving drinks, the evenings on the Toum Toui 2 are often filled with live music and entertainment. Local musicians from the region are invited to perform on board, playing traditional Cambodian or Vietnamese instruments. The music fills the air, and guests often gather around the bar to chat with each other, enjoy their drinks, and listen to the melodies that connect them to the culture of the region.

During this time, I’m not just a bartender—I’m also a storyteller. I love to share insights with passengers about the places we’re visiting. Whether it’s explaining the significance of the floating villages we pass or sharing the history of the ancient Khmer temples in Cambodia, I try to weave the story of the Mekong into the drinks I serve. The river is as much a part of the experience as the boat itself, and I want every guest to feel connected to it.

Evening on the water

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the moments when guests ask for a drink that they’ve learned about on the cruise, or when they come back to the bar to thank me for introducing them to a new favourite. It’s these small interactions that make the job truly special. As the night progresses, I’m often the last person to close up the bar, tidying up and reflecting on the day’s interactions. The quiet after a busy evening is always a moment of satisfaction for me—a reminder of how many new connections were made, how many stories were shared, and how much joy we’ve all experienced together.

The Beauty of the Mekong: A Daily Reminder

The work I do aboard the Toum Toui 2 is more than just serving drinks. It’s about creating experiences that help guests connect with the culture, flavours, and people of the Mekong. Every day aboard this ship is an opportunity to share a little piece of Southeast Asia with the world, and I am honoured to be a part of that.

Sun lounge and bar

When the guests disembark at the end of the cruise, I know that they will leave with more than just memories of the destinations we visited—they’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the Mekong, its people, and its rich history. And for me, that’s what makes this job so fulfilling.

As I watch the river stretch out ahead of us, carrying us toward the next destination, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. The Mekong River, with its timeless flow, reminds me of the importance of connection, of taking the time to appreciate the journey, and of savouring each moment—whether it’s a drink shared with new friends or the simple pleasure of watching the sun set over the water.

For me, working as a barman aboard the Toum Toui 2 means being part of something greater than myself, something that flows with the rhythm of the river itself. Cheers!
*By Phanith, the Barman

Toum Tiou 2

Toum Tiou 2

Website: https://www.croisieurope.travel/en/boat/rv-toum-tiou-ii
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFMekongRiverCruises/
Email: office@cfmekong.com
Address: Office 20, Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, 12207, Cambodia
Phone Number: + 855 (0) 23 216 070, + 855 (0) 12 240 859