Summary
Highlights
- Enjoy the comfort of an all-inclusive cruise with luxurious twin-balcony suites
- Includes fine dining, drinks and tours with expert led guides
- Discover an untouched way of life on the sleepy backwaters of the Mekong
- Visit rural villages, bustling markets, and historical landmarks
- End your holiday on a high as you explore the temples of Siem Reap
In Brief
- 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City
- 1 Night Ho Chi Minh
- 1 Night My Tho Port
- 1 Night Cái Bè
- 1 Night Tân Châu
- 2 Nights Phnom Penh
- 1 Night Angkor Ban
- 1 Night Kampong Cham
- 2 Nights Siem Reap
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
River cruise
The lively city of Ho Chi Minh City provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, visiting rural villages, historic pagodas, local markets and a Buddhist monastery where you’ll be treated to a special blessing by the resident Monks. It's a rare chance to get a glimpse into another era – one where people still happily honour the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. What's more, it's all enjoyed alongside the comforts of your twin balcony stateroom, included dining and drinks, an onboard spa and a sun-soaked pool deck aboard the luxurious AmaDara.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy complimentary lounge access at the airport before your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, steps away from some of the best shopping, dining and landmark attractions. If you don't feel like venturing too far afield, enjoy a nightcap at the stylish Boudoir Lounge in the hotel before you retire to your room.
Stay: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Day
3
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City – formerly known as Saigon – is a vibrant city with a complex past that has left an inedible mark on its culture and appearance. Today you'll tour famous landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral – made entirely of materials imported from France, the Central Post Office and the grand former Presidential Palace. In the afternoon, you'll visit Củ Chi, an immense network of underground tunnels built during the Vietnam War. Accompanied by a fascinating museum, the tunnels give you a unique insight into life as a soldier living and working in the most cramped of conditions. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the hotel or in one of the city's many centrally-located restaurants.
Stay: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: B L
Day
4
Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Port
After breakfast this morning you'll visit one of Ho Chi Minh City's oldest and most iconic structures, the Ben Thanh Market. Shop for souvenirs or sample hawker-style Vietnamese food at the busy stalls before you transfer to My Tho Port to board the luxurious AmaDara. A welcome dinner as you sail to Cái Bè is the perfect way to meet your fellow passengers as your cruise adventure begins. As an exciting day comes to an end, watch the sun set from the upper deck or from the comfort of your twin-balcony stateroom.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Cái Bè to Sa Đéc
Today you will take a local boat to Cái Bè, a river-land town famous for its floating market. You will have the chance to take part in candy and rice paper making workshops and tour the historic Kiet Old House, a solid structure preserved from before the French colonisation of the area. This afternoon, you'll head to Sa Đéc, a river port on the Mekong Delta. Here you'll visit the colourful markets, Cao Dai Temple and the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House. This historic property was the home of French writer Marguerite Duras’ Chinese paramour, who her acclaimed novel “The Lover” is said to be inspired by.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Tân Châu to Border Crossing
Today you'll visit the tiny Mekong River town of Tân Châu. This unspoilt pocket of Vietnam is the perfect place for the most authentic of experiences; ride a xe-loi trishaw around town and stop along the way to participate in traditional silk-making and rattan mat workshops. A boat ride through the river channels to Evergreen Island is the perfect way to finish your tour – or if you prefer, take the tour in reverse, starting with a morning at Evergreen. Back onboard, you'll cruise to the Cambodian border on your way to Phnom Penh. Perhaps spend some time on the pool deck in the sun or take advantage of one of three onboard spas before another delicious dinner.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This morning, reflect on Cambodia's chequered history with a visit to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge detention centre and Genocide Museum. An alternative excursion to the Central Market is also available. Enjoy lunch on AmaDara before a city tour of Phnom Penh, stopping at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and of course the National Museum – a treasure trove of Khmer crafts. Return to the ship for a traditional Khmer folk dancing display in the Saigon Lounge and another delicious meal, perhaps at The Chef's Table speciality restaurant.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Oudong to Kampong Tralach to Phnom Penh
You'll start the day in Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital until 1866 and a place of pilgrimage that attracts many visitors during religious celebrations. Visit a monastery for a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony or take a walking tour of the area before moving on to Kampong Tralach, where you'll take a memorable oxcart ride through a local village. You'll finish a busy day with a tuk tuk ride through the streets of Phnom Penh, in amongst its enchanting architecture and tree-lined avenues. This evening, enjoy a cocktail in the Saigon Bar as the sun sets outside the window.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Oknha Tey to Angkor Ban
This morning as breakfast is served you'll sail for Oknha Tey Village, also known as Silk Island. A rich tradition of silk weaving gives this lush island its nickname, and you'll have the chance to wander among the weavers' looms to see the centuries-old artform in progress. You'll also visit a local elementary school before returning to the ship for a relaxing afternoon by the pool as you sail towards Angkor Ban.
Stay: AmaDara
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Kangkor Ban to Kampong Cham
Today you'll have the opportunity for a walking tour of the few villages in Cambodia still standing after the Khmer Rouge regime, where locals still live in traditional wooden homes on stilts under the shade of the banana trees. You'll then sail onwards to Kampong Cham for a coach trip to Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei – the Twin Mountains – legend suggests that a competition between men and women in ancient Cambodia led to the formation of these impressive peaks. Finally, you'll return to the ship this evening for a sumptuous farewell dinner and drinks.
Stay: AmaDara
NB - Based on seasonality, the port of Angkor Ban may be inaccessible from August - September. During this time, Wat Hanchey will replace Angkor Ban as the port of call.
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Kampong Cham and Disembarkation to Siem Reap
This morning you'll farewell the colonial charms of AmaDara and transfer by coach to Siem Reap. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Khmer empire is the gateway to the spectacular Angkor Archaeological Park and is steeped in history and cultural significance. Here, you'll take a tour of Ta Prohm, the Kingdom of the Trees, where temple stones are entwined with lush forest as though devoured by the jungle.
Stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Hotel
Meals: B D
Day
12
Siem Reap
This morning you'll be treated to an exploration of the iconic temples of Angkor Wat. Built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, the complex honours the Hindu god Vishnu, and is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. This afternoon, you'll visit Banteay Srei, which means Citadel of Women, and gaze at the spectacularly well-preserved intricate stone carvings and sculptures. At your hotel this evening, you'll watch the traditional Apsara Dancing Show, a Cambodian folk dance display featuring local performers.
Stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Hotel
Meals: B D
Days
13-14
Siem Reap to UK
This morning, you'll check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Meals: B
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