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…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Taucker Travel Blog…