WWT newbuild river ship

WENDY Wu Tours has confirmed the construction of its first ever company-owned river ship ( TD breaking news), with the new Victoria Mekong set to commence operations in 2020.

The move was unveiled in the UK overnight, with the ship offering a “uniquely scenic” itinerary between the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Phnom Penh in Cambodia - four nights upstream or three downstream.

The US$10m project is a partnership with Vietnam’s Thien Minh Group (TMG), which is itself a joint venture partner with Flight Centre in Buffalo Tours in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

TMG said the Victoria Mekong’s shorter itineraries were a “great value alternative to the traditional seven-night Mekong cruise, and the perfect length to easily add to an escorted tour of Vietnam and Cambodia”.

WWT founder Wendy Wu said the addition of the four- star product to the company’s portfolio “means we can control our own destiny”.

The ship will feature 33 deluxe cabins and two “VIP suites” all with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.

There will also be a swimming pool with bar and sundeck, a spa, library, games room and a restaurant with an open kitchen, according to a dedicated website at victoriamekong.com.

The ship will also be sold through third-party operators, the company confirmed, while Wu said it would help her company meet ongoing strong demand for Mekong River cruising.