From the mild eyes of elephants in Laos to the gleaming temples of Cambodia, and the rhythm of life along the Mekong River … I’m so ecstatic to share a behind-the-scenes look at the production of our brand-new The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia journey, one that’s been years in the making … literally!
Hi, my name is Alicia Decina and I am a Trip Designer here at Tauck. I’ve been at Tauck now for a little over 10 years and before this I had a short stint as a wildlife documentary filmmaker, so storytelling and, naturally, a love for travel come naturally to me. As a Trip Designer, my role has to do with more than just logistics(though there’s lots of that!), it’s about crafting a significant story, one that brings guests to the region’s most renowned sights and the off-the-beaten path hidden gems that genuinely bring these places to life.
Motivated by the River That Links Everything
When envisioning this tour, I initially took a look at what connects the place and individuals living there. What is their shared history? What are their culture, religion, language, and customs? And how have these things formed the present neighborhood?
Throughout my research study, I found that a typical style throughout was the mighty Mekong River, and while we might not be travelling overnight on it, we will visit it in all three nations and experience how this life-giving river touches everything in the region.
And simply as the Mekong streams throughout the places you’ll check out, that same spirit of flow inspired the design of the journey itself. The choreography, how every day leads flawlessly into the next is what I believe genuinely sets this experience apart. Just as the Mekong meanders through landscapes and lives, this tour unfolds with ease and objective. And at every turn, our Tauck Directors and regional partners elevate the experience with their insight, heat, and those little surprise touches that create lasting “wow” minutes. It’s through this connection where we can experience individuals’s everyday lives in the most genuine and considerate method. We, as visitors traveling to their home, are not there to observe … however to link, discover and share.
From Vision to Reality However developing a Tauck journey does not occur over night. It takes about two years from initial principle to very first departure.
We take this time to make sure that we have established the very best product possible. For this tour, preparing started back in 2023. Our other tours in this area were currently extremely well-received, and I wanted to expand our footprint with something more immersive, more reflective and with Laos at its heart, a location that I ‘d entirely fallen for.
So I began looking into and conceiving an initial concept for the trip. When I did this, I immediately booked my flights for a multiple-week research journey across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
< img width="1024 "height= "768"alt=""data-src ="https://blog.tauck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Silk-weaver-in-Cambodia_7879-1024x768.jpg"src="image/gif; base64, R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw= ="/ > During these research journeys, our small team of myself, our local professional Tauck Directors and regional partners hunt everything: areas, refurbished hotels, possible excursion options, Michelin-starred restaurants … if it’s an option, we’ll explore it. And while we always go in with a list of concepts, frequently the most powerful experiences are the ones we discover in the moment. One incredible discover was APOPO– a not-for-profit that trains African giant pouched rats (yes, actually!) to discover landmines in Cambodia. As a long-lasting animal
enthusiast, I was moved beyond words. These”HeroRATs” are actually saving lives, and I’m so excited that you’ll be
able to see them in action. Meaningful Encounters, Long Lasting Impressions Another minute I’m enjoyed share is Sai Bat, a spiritual early morning alms routine you’ll get to experience while in Luang Prabang. Here, you’ll rise early to use food to saffron-robed monks in silent respect. It’s a custom rooted in humbleness, appreciation, and deep cultural regard. You will not just observe, you’ll participate, attentively and respectfully, honoring every custom-made along the way.
And as one final teaser, for the wildlife lover that I am, I required to include Mandalao Elephant Conservation, a location that provides me goosebumps whenever I go to. These rescued elephants, as soon as utilized in logging or low-welfare tourist, now live peacefully in the forest. Walking beside them, feeling their low, rumbling vocalizations through the ground … its pure joy and I can’t wait for you to visit.
The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia isn’t just another trip– it’s a story. A gorgeous, thoughtful, life-affirming one that’s been years in the making. If there is one thing I hope you remove from this journey it’s a sense of connection. Not simply for a moment, but long after you have actually returned home.
The people you’ll meet, the animals you’ll come across, and the stories you’ll hear … I hope they stay with you.
They have actually certainly stuck with me.
— Alicia Decina, Trip Designer
Like to hear more from Alicia? You can join her on a special episode of our insideTauck series, where she discusses the motivation behind The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia and supplies an in-depth overview of this upcoming adventure.
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