Vietnam & Cambodia
Asia Winter River
Travel
January 20 - February 02, 2025

Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam & Cambodia aboard the Mekong Princess

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About the Study Leader 

Sophal Ear *97, Associate Professor, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University 

Dr. Sophal Ear *97 (SPIA MPA) is a tenured Associate Professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University, where he specializes in global political economy, focusing on Asia's regional dynamics and international organizations. His remarkable journey from a Cambodian refugee to a respected academic and global advisor reflects his deep commitment to understanding and navigating the complexities of international development, governance, and human rights. 

Dr. Ear's multifaceted career has seen him consult for the World Bank, serve with the United Nations Development Programme in East Timor, and contribute as a TED Fellow and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. He is also the author of several influential works, including "Viral Sovereignty and the Political Economy of Pandemics" (Routledge, 2022) and "Aid Dependence in Cambodia: How Foreign Assistance Undermines Democracy" (Columbia University Press, 2013), and "The Hungry Dragon: How China's Resource Quest Is Reshaping the World" (Routledge, 2013). Dr. Ear's personal and professional narrative is marked by resilience, a dedication to democracy, and an enduring commitment to leveraging education and knowledge to impact global communities positively. 

Please note, Dr. Ear will participate in the Vietnam portion of this program only, but will speak about both Vietnam and Cambodia.

Watch Sophal Ear’s TED Talk, “Escaping the Khmer Rouge”

About the Journey 

Join us for a fascinating journey through the magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples, lush tropical landscapes, and rich culture of Vietnam and Cambodia, including a seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the 14-cabin Mekong Princess. Her small size and ultra-shallow draft allow us to experience this mighty river from an intimate and authentic perspective, stepping into local homes to see how people live and work, and gliding through floating markets in the early-morning hours as they come to life. 

Our Princeton-exclusive program begins with a stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and ends with two full days to explore the remarkable Khmer temples and monuments of legendary Angkor, one of Asia's most exquisite archaeological gems. In between, the Mekong River takes us into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of one of Asia's great waterways. Marvel at floating villages whose residents literally live on the water—working, shopping, even attending school and church. Spend two days in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, and take time to witness and reflect on the sites of the Cambodian genocide. 

A pre-trip extension to Hanoi and breathtaking Ha Long Bay is available for those wishing to explore this region further. 

Reservations 

Please contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 to register.

Trip Details