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Charms of the Mekong

Charms of the Mekong

About This Cruise

Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers a vibrant mix of old and new and provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong.

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

AmaDara

Departure Date

14 December 2026

Cruise Line

AmaWaterways

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – MY THO – EMBARKATION. Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your 7-night river cruise and then meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (L,D)* All cruise only guests should meet us at The Reverie Saigon Hotel at 11:30am in Ho Chi Minh City on Embarkation day to join the transfer to the ship in My Tho Port. We recommend that you fly into Ho Chi Minh at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.

Vietnam

My Tho

No summary for this day yet.

Vietnam

Cái Bè

CAI BE – SA DEC. Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or you may instead choose to add an active walking tour to the historic Kiet House, followed by a visit to candy and rice paper workshops. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. Once ashore in Sa Dec, visit a fascinating local market and a colorful Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam, a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. Alternatively, you may wish to tour the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’s Chinese paramour, on whom her prize-winning novel “The Lover” is said to be based. The house itself now serves as a small museum showcasing a blend of architectural styles, original furniture and family memorabilia. In the evening, your ship cruises to Tan Chau. (B,L,D)

Vietnam

Sa Déc

No summary for this day yet.

Vietnam

Tân Châu

TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING. Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Be treated to an authentic experience on a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops. You may also choose the trishaw ride with visits to craftsmen’s workshops, followed by an active walking tour to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative, explore the stunning Mekong Delta on an intimate tour through Vietnam's Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary. Board a traditional sampan boat and glide through this diverse ecosystem that includes more than 70 species of birds, including the painted stork and oriental darter, and lush greenery encompassing majestic cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies and a carpet of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)*Please Note: Tra Su Forest visit is capacity controlled.

No summary for this day yet.

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. This morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling, yellow colored Central Market after you visit to Royal Palace. After lunch on board, the excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)

Cambodia

Oudong

OUDONG – PHNOM PENH. Visit Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. You may walk around Oudong’s monastery or take an active walking tour to see panoramic views of the Oudong plain. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. (B,L,D)

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Cambodia

Oknha Tey Village

OKNHATEY - ANGKOR BAN. In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is the “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you will visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)

Cambodia

Angkor Ban

ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM. Go on a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. Fusing the Old-World with the “new,” this centuries-old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls, delighting guests with colorful depictions of the Buddha’s life. Alternatively, visit the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (the male and female mountains). Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Cambodia

Kampong Cham

No summary for this day yet.

Cambodia

Kampong Cham

DISEMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM – SIEM REAP. Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. (B) *Guests booking cruise only will be transferred from the ship to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 4:00pm today to avoid potential missed connections.

Cambodia

Siem Reap

No summary for this day yet.

Overview

Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers a vibrant mix of old and new and provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong.

Suite

Luxury Suites

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Sadec (Sun Deck)
  • Luxury Suite
  • French & Outside Balcony

Suite

Suites

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Sadec (Sun Deck)

  • Suite
  • French & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Cat A. Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Saigon (Upper Deck)
  • Category A
  • French & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Cat B. Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Saigon (Upper Deck)
  • Category B
  • French & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Cat C. Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Saigon (Upper Deck)
  • Category C
  • French & Outside Balcony

varies

Mekong Restaurant

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Regional Flavors and Fresh Ingredients

Taste the essence of every destination through cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and using regional traditions, bringing the authentic flavors of your travel destination directly to your table.

Perfectly Paired Wines and Beverages

Pair dishes with regional wines, beers, or handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully chosen by our sommeliers to complement each dish and enhance your dining experience throughout the journey.

chef

The Chef's Table Restaurant

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings. Watch as our chefs prepare each course before your eyes, pairing exquisite flavors with impeccable service.

Lounge

Saigon Lounge

Meet fellow travellers in Saigon Lounge, enjoy a drink at the bar or soak in the passing scenery. The ship features convenient interior access as well as air conditioning in hallways, restaurants and lounges.

Lounge, Theatre

Onboard Entertainment

Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings

Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets

Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.

Live Regional Performances On Ship
Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.

Gym

Fitness Room

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on holiday? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Pool, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Sun Deck and Pool

Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, the Sun Deck, or simply watching the river drift by.

Spa

Spa

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and serenity.

Exercise Class

Fitness Classes

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded by fresh air and flowing scenery.