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| Early morning on the last day Toum Tiou 2 |
The final day of our unforgettable journey on the Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour, offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, has arrived. It’s hard to believe that our nine-day adventure along the Mekong River, from Vietnam to Cambodia, is coming to an end. This morning feels bittersweet, but there’s still a sense of excitement as we prepare for the final leg of our journey to Siem Reap.
We’ve moored overnight at Koh Chen, a small village in Cambodia, known for its traditional silver workshops and stunning craftsmanship. The morning light is soft and golden, illuminating the small boats bobbing in the river, and the village life that seems to slowly awaken as the day begins.
Early Start
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| Crew with some of the luggage |
The crew on board the Toum Tiou 2 has been exceptional, always going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed and more. Today, breakfast was served earlier than usual, from 6:00 to 7:00 am—ideal for those of us eager to start the day. After enjoying the final meal on board, we placed our luggage outside our cabin doors for collection. By 7:00 am, we had disembarked the Toum Tiou 2 for the last time, the boat now behind us as we prepared for the next leg of our journey.
The Toum Tiou 2 has been more than just a vessel to us—it’s been a floating home, a place where we’ve bonded with fellow travelers, laughed with the crew, and immersed ourselves in the wonders of the Mekong River. But now, it’s time to say goodbye.
Farewell to the River
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| Boarding our Coach |
We gathered on the dock and, with a final look at the boat that has carried us so smoothly for days, we made our way to the air-conditioned coach waiting to transport us to Siem Reap. It was a smooth, orderly process—each passenger’s luggage was carefully identified in front of the bus, and everyone was accounted for. The transition was seamless and effortless, thanks to the efficiency and attention to detail of the Toum Tiou 2 staff.
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| A wave goodbye from Toum Tiou 2 crew |
The 6-hour drive to Siem Reap was a scenic journey, taking us through rural Cambodia, where the landscape changed from riverbanks to open fields and quiet villages. This part of the journey felt a little different—no longer sailing up the river, but rather driving through the land by road, offering new perspectives of this beautiful country. It gave us time to reflect on all we’d seen: the floating villages, houses on stilts, the vibrant markets, wats and temples, the endless riverbanks dotted with life, and, of course, the kindness of the people we encountered the way.
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| Break on our Coach trip |
Our First Rest Stop
Into the journey, we made our first stop at a service station—a welcome break to stretch our legs and grab some snacks. As we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by a colourful array of local vendors offering souvenirs, snacks, and food.
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| Anyone game to eat a spider? |
This wasn’t your typical roadside stop. Among the usual fare of chips, drinks, and handmade crafts, there was something a little more... adventurous. Group of local sellers had laid out a spreads of insects to taste—giant crickets, crunchy grasshoppers, and, most notably, large fried tarantulas. These hairy spiders, glistening under the sun, sat in neat piles, ready to be picked up by brave (or curious) eaters. I watched a few fellow travelers muster the courage to try one, laughing nervously before popping the leg of a spider into their mouths. The reactions were mixed: some cheered, some cringed, but it was certainly an experience that would be hard to forget.
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| Tasty snacks |
For those not feeling quite that adventurous, there were other treats to enjoy—fresh tropical fruits like jackfruit, mangoes, and bananas, bursting with sweetness and color, as well as small hand-woven baskets filled with intricate designed trinkets and souvenirs crafted with care. The vendors’ smiles were wide, their hospitality warm, and the atmosphere was lively. It was a stop that felt not only authentic but also vibrant and full of life, offering a taste of local culture and craftsmanship that made it an unforgettable part of our journey.
Our Second Rest Stop
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| Second Coach stop |
We then made another stop for refreshments at a charming restaurant overlooking the lush rice paddies. Some in our group treated themselves to a refreshing ice-cream or a rich, aromatic coffee, the perfect pick-me-up after a travelling on the Coach. The view was absolutely stunning, with the vibrant green fields and water stretching out before us, reflecting the light of the afternoon sun. It was a serene and peaceful spot, the perfect place to pause and take in the beauty of the landscape, while enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation before continuing on our journey.
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| Cooking on fire pots |
As I walked around, I noticed something particularly intriguing—in the kitchen, there was fire pots aglow similar to the ones we had seen being carefully hand-crafted the day before at the pottery workshop. It was such a beautiful moment of connection, seeing the traditional craftsmanship put to use in a practical yet artful way. The fire pot, with its rustic elegance, made the experience feel even more meaningful.
Scenic Drive Through Cambodia
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| View from coach window |
Back on the road, we resumed our journey, which felt a bit different now. We were no longer gliding along the riverbanks but instead heading deeper into the heart of rural Cambodia. The landscape unfolded in front of us, transforming from the lush, waterway-dominated scenes we’d grown accustomed to into wide open fields, water-covered rice paddies small villages, and dense patches of forest.
The drive was peaceful, yet fascinating. Through the windows, I watched rural life unfold—people working in the fields, children walking to school, and families gathered outside their homes. It felt like a different pace of life here, slower and more rooted to the land. There were fewer signs of modern development, but the charm of Cambodia’s rural beauty was undeniable. The wide, open fields seemed to stretch on forever, occasionally interrupted by small, modest houses, farmers tending to rice paddies, and cows grazing lazily by the side of the road.
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| Inside the Coach |
As we drove, I found myself reflecting on everything we’d seen during the past week. The Mekong River had provided an ever-changing landscape: floating villages where homes were built on stilts, markets filled with vibrant colours and scents, and endless riverbanks dotted with life. The people we met along the way were always warm, welcoming, and eager to share their culture and traditions. It was impossible not to feel connected to this incredible region.
Reflection
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| Some of the passengers |
As we left the Mekong behind, I couldn’t help but think back on the highlights of the Toum Tiou 2 cruise. Each day brought something new—whether it was the early morning trips to a local market, the serene sunsets over the river, or the cultural performances and lectures that gave us deeper insight into the region. The Toum Tiou 2 team—14 passengers, 15 crew members—has felt like a family by the end of it all.
The crew on board the Toum Tiou 2 were exceptional. From the captain who navigated the waters with precision to the waitstaff who made every meal feel like an event, their attention to detail and hospitality made this trip something truly special. We were always made to feel at ease, whether we were lounging on the deck, enjoying a delicious meal, or learning more about the history and culture of the Mekong region.
Looking Forward
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| Cambodia street scene |
Siem Reap awaits us now, and while the cruise has come to a close, there’s still more to explore. The temples of Angkor, the bustling markets, and the stories of ancient Khmer civilization are calling. But for now, we sit back in the comfort of our air-conditioned coach, the memories of the Mekong River swirling in our minds, knowing that this trip will remain one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
As we move on, there’s a sense of contentment—of knowing that the Toum Tiou 2 New Discovery Tour, offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, though over, will continue to live on in the stories we share, the friendships we’ve formed, and the breathtaking sights we’ll carry with us forever.
Toum Tiou 2
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| Toum Tiou 2 |
*New Discovery Tour offered by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope
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