In the late winter of 2020, we returned to Southeast Asia, having last visited in 2011. It was still cool and cloudy in Hanoi, but already pleasantly hot in the south. Our primary experience was a Viking River Cruise, travelling by boat from Kampong Cham in Cambodia, along the Mekong and eventually arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Before we joined the tour, we were on our own in northern Vietnam, visiting Ninh Binh and the rice country of Sapa.

It was a strange time to visit, as Vietnamese New Year coincided with the beginning of the trip. It's their biggest holiday, so many establishments were closed or had holiday special activities or meals. Then, the coronavirus began to make itself known in Wuhan. By the time we reached Ho Chi Minh City, masks were prevalent, even in restaurants and Chinese temples were closed.