What Ian 'Dicko' Dickson really thought about his Cambodian fish massage experience for Getaway
Ian 'Dicko' Dickson hasn't just graced our TV screens as a judge on reality show Australian Idol or the winner of Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2012, he's also been a guest presenter on Getaway.
The former record label professional had the pleasure of showing viewers Scenic's Luxury Mekong and Temple Discovery Cruise in 2017.
Catch up on the latest Getaway episodes on 9NowCatch up on the latest Getaway episodes on 9Now
Along with exploring stunning temples and bustling markets, he tried out a unique spa experience that had him both giggling and cringing. This moment is has been re-released as part of celebrations for Getaway's 30th season.
He spoke to 9Entertainment about the fish foot massage and other highlights from the trip.
How did presenting on Getaway compare to the other television work you've done?
Most television shows can be summed up by the words 'Hurry up and wait there!'. This Getaway trip was a very different experience for me. It was mostly very long days of shooting, but did not feel like a slog at all because all the amazing experiences that were on offer were a massive sensory overload, and really kept me and the crew in a constant state of excitement.
Dicko cruised down the Mekong river on one of Scenic's luxury vessels. Nine
Many presenters have described appearing on Getaway as a dream job, how did you feel when you were asked to be a guest presenter?
I was honoured to be asked to do the Luxury Mekong and Temple Discovery Cruise. I was also a little nervous as I'm mates with Getaway veteran David Reyne, who is an absolutely fantastic presenter, and I thought I'd never be able to raise my game to his levels of professionalism… I was right (laughs).
What were the highlights of the trip?
The boat, the Scenic Spirit was ridiculously luxurious — I felt like royalty. I was absolutely gobsmacked by the temples at Angkor Wat. I didn't think I was much of a temple fan, but you simply cannot fail to be overawed by the majesty of this ancient Khmer citadel. I also thought Ho Chi Minh city was an amazing buzz… and the street food! Wow!
Dicko tried a unique wellness experience while in Cambodia. Nine
What was going through your mind during the fish foot massage experience?
I have really ticklish feet so the fish foot massage in Siem Reap was never going to end well. It was not exactly unpleasant, but I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would pay for a shoal of trainee piranhas to savage their toes in public.
Dicko was unable to hide his giggles as the fish touched his ticklish feet. Nine
You also surprised one of the guides on the tour by eating a chili straight from the plant at a local farm. What was that like?
Ahhh… the beautiful Duc. What a great guy! I remember the little kids staring at us with amazement that these two stupid men thought it was a great idea to chow down on raw chili. Suffice to say, I had another nasty surprise about eight hours later!
Duc and Dicko decided not to eat chilis again when they met up a year later. Nine
What advice do you have for Getaway viewers considering this tour with Scenic or a trip to this region of Asia once borders have reopened?
I would 100 per cent recommend a trip down the Mekong with Scenic. It was a first class experience and I enjoyed it so much I went back the following year with my wife Mel. We even met up with Duc again in Ho Chi Minh city… we stayed clear of the chilis though.
Getaway airs on Nine and at 5.30pm on Saturday.
