From the gentle eyes of elephants in Laos to the sparkling temples of Cambodia, and the rhythm of life along the Mekong River… I’m so excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of our 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 Tour Architect 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, of course, a love for travel come naturally to me.
As a Tour Architect, my role is about more than just logistics (though there’s plenty of that!), it’s about crafting a meaningful story, one that brings guests to the region’s most iconic sights and the off-the-beaten path hidden gems that truly bring these places to life.
Inspired by the River That Connects Everything
When imagining this tour, I first looked at what connects the location and the people living there. What is their shared history? What are their culture, religion, language, and traditions? And how have these things shaped the present community?
During my research, I found that a common theme throughout was the mighty Mekong River, and while we may not be cruising overnight on it, we will visit it in all three countries and experience how this life-giving river touches everything in the region.
And just as the Mekong flows throughout the places you’ll visit, that same spirit of flow inspired the design of the journey itself. The choreography, how each day leads seamlessly into the next is what I think truly sets this experience apart. Just as the Mekong meanders through landscapes and lives, this tour unfolds with ease and intention. And at every turn, our Tauck Directors and local partners elevate the experience with their insight, warmth, and those little surprise touches that create lasting “wow” moments. It’s through this connection where we can experience people’s everyday lives in the most authentic and respectful way. We, as guests traveling to their home, are not there to observe… but to connect, learn and share.
From Vision to Reality
But creating a Tauck journey doesn’t happen overnight. It takes about two years from initial concept to first departure. We take this time to ensure that we have developed the best product possible.
For this tour, planning began back in 2023. Our other tours in this region were already incredibly well-received, and I wanted to expand our footprint with something more immersive, more reflective and with Laos at its heart, a place that I’d completely fallen in love with.
So I started researching and conceptualizing an initial idea for the tour. Once I did this, I immediately booked my flights for a multiple-week research journey across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
During these research trips, our small team of myself, our regional expert Tauck Directors and local partners scout everything: locations, renovated 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 ideas, oftentimes the most powerful experiences are the ones we discover in the moment. One incredible find was APOPO – a nonprofit that trains African giant pouched rats (yes, really!) to detect landmines in Cambodia. As a lifelong animal lover, I was moved beyond words. These “HeroRATs” are literally saving lives, and I’m so excited that you’ll be able to see them in action.
Meaningful Encounters, Lasting Impressions
Another moment I’m thrilled to share is Sai Bat, a sacred morning alms ritual you’ll get to experience while in Luang Prabang. Here, you’ll rise early to offer food to saffron-robed monks in silent reverence. It’s a tradition rooted in humility, gratitude, and deep cultural respect. You won’t just observe, you’ll participate, thoughtfully and respectfully, honoring every custom along the way.
And as one final teaser, for the wildlife enthusiast that I am, I needed to include Mandalao Elephant Conservation, a place that gives me goosebumps every time I visit. These rescued elephants, once used in logging or low-welfare tourism, 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 tour – it’s a story. A beautiful, thoughtful, life-affirming one that’s been years in the making. If there is one thing I hope you take away from this journey it’s a sense of connection. Not just for a moment, but long after you’ve returned home.
The people you’ll meet, the animals you’ll encounter, and the stories you’ll hear… I hope they stay with you.
They’ve certainly stayed with me.
– Alicia Decina, Tour Architect
Like to hear more from Alicia? You can join her on a special episode of our insideTauck series, where she talks about the inspiration behind The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia and provides an in-depth overview of this upcoming adventure.
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