mekong river cruise rv amadara

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Amadara cruise

Cruise company: Amawaterways

Cruise type: Luxury, Sharing, 76 cabins

Destinations: Vietnam - Cambodia

Ms. AmaDara built 2015 is the newest ship on Mekong River. Operate cruise itineraries between Vietnam and Cambodia (also including Tonle Sap Lake). The new AmaDara features modern-style comfort, convenience, all-outside accommodations and lots of public spaces. The ship is among the not so many vessels providing top-luxury Mekong river cruise all-inclusive vacations in this so popular for travel vacations region. 

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Introduction

The brand-new 124-passenger AmaDara features Luxury Suites (452 sq. ft.), Suites (334 sq. ft.) and spacious standard staterooms (226 sq. ft.), all of which have private Twin Balconies (French Balcony plus a full size step-out balcony). The ship’s elegant public areas include two stylish restaurants serving delicious cuisine, an inviting lounge, a fitness room, hair salon, massage rooms, and a refreshing Sun Deck swimming pool.

Accommodation

AmaDara features a vast array of in-room amenities specifically designed for your comfort and convenience. All staterooms are outside accommodations and feature Twin Balconies. This is a relatively new concept of a combination of French Balcony (sliding glass-door window) plus a full-size outside veranda. The number of cabin categories is 5 (max capacity 2 guests per cabin).

Services & Facilities

• 24-hour Security
• Boutique Library
• Conference & meeting facilities
• Newspapers and magazines
• Observatory
• Rowing boat
• Safety box at reception
• Tender for sightseeing
• Theme Cruise
• Beauty Services and Massage
• Boutique shop
• Cabin Service (Snack Meals)
• Fresh flower
• Laundry service

Dining Room & Bar

Designed to match and occasionally distract from the stunning surroundings, Local master chef’s dishes incorporate the timeless flavors and ancient sustainable ingredients of the Mekong’s many cultures and fertile fields. All best local specialty dishes our master chefs prepare on the Amadara Cruise to bringing together the finest recipes of Khmer and Vietnamese river cultures. This casually elegant restaurant will offer signature dishes accompanied by complimentary wine in a single, open, dinner seating. Breakfasts and lunches offer sumptuous buffets with extensive choices.

Onboard Activities

Onboard special highlights include folklore dances and music performances, culture discussion forums, theme dinners and piano entertainment.

Cancellation by Customer:

• Outside 125 days prior to departure       : $250/person loss of deposit
• 124 – 95 days prior to departure           : $450/ person loss of deposit
• 94 – 65 days prior to departure             : 50% of cruise price
• 64 – 35 days prior to departure             : 70% of cruise price
• 34 – 15 days prior to departure             : 90% of cruise price
• Less than 15 days prior to departure      : 100% of cruise price

Children Price & Extra Bed:

• Free of charge for infants below the age of 5 years, traveling with two guardians and sharing the same guardians’ bed. The company cannot guarantee the availability of a cot
• Children at/above 5 years and at/under 12 years traveling with two guardians pay 50% of double occupancy rate when sharing cabin with guardians. This policy is applied for Sadec suite category
• Children at/above 13 years must pay adult rates and will have their own bed allocated

Shuttle Bus:

• Pickup between 11:00 to 12:00 at Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel (upstream) or Le Meridien Angkor. (downstream)
• English Speaking Guide on Board
• Built in: Vietnam
• Length: 302 ft.
• Width: 42 ft.
• Staterooms: 62
• Registry: Vietnam

Tours of Amadara cruise

Saigon - My Tho - Caibe - Sadec - Tan Chau - Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham - Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Kampong Cham - Kok Chen - Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Phnon Penh - Tan Chau - Sa Dec - Cai Be - My Tho - Saigon

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A Mekong River cruise aboard RV AmaDara

Story by Carol Canter.

Photos by Carol Canter and Jack Heyman.

On a Mekong River cruise, we meandered along Asia’s “Mother River,” from Vietnam into Cambodia in late March aboard the RV AmaDara, visiting floating markets and riverside villages where houses rise on stilts. We moored overnight in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city once considered the “Pearl of the Orient.” Along the way we passed fishing boats of every stripe, fruit orchards and fish farms, pagodas and rice paddies–all sustained by the ebb and flow and unparalleled biodiversity of Southeast Asia’s longest river. Even as we ventured forth to visit a glorious gilded palace, historic Buddhist monastery, and small craft workshops producing silk, copper, candy or woven rattan mats, we relished the return to the air-conditioned comfort of our beautiful RV AmaDara, greeted with a chilled hand towel and a cold drink. AmaWaterways ’ new ship–its woodwork gleaming and staterooms spacious–was launched in mid-2015 to cocoon its 124 passengers in comfort on a  seasonal 7-Night Mekong River cruise between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Siem Reap (gateway to Angkor Wat), on journeys billed as “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong.”  Rich it was.

We were a mix of independent adventurers and more traditional vacationers, all well traveled and eager to get off-the-beaten path — but in the context of a cruise line acclaimed for its seamless presentation of exotic lands. We were prepped and primed for forays into this languid landscape by a magnificent staff and crew that were our window into the heart and soul– not to mention the history, geography and culture–of each of our destinations. So we practiced the basics like how to say “hello”, “goodbye” and “thank you.” and to count from one to ten in Vietnamese and Khmer with the charming staff in the dining room and bar. Some of us learned how to wear the Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese long silk tunic dress gracefully draped over pants.

And we expanded our delight in tropical fruits, moving beyond mango and papaya into sapodilla and dragon fruit, longan and lychee, mangosteen and jackfruit. (Durian, which they say smells like hell but tastes like heaven, was not yet in-season.) Most profound for many of us was learning to understand the Buddhist concept of forgiveness from people whose families had experienced unimaginable suffering in both countries during too many decades of war.

The toughest morning of the trip was our visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh. On the eve of our visit, we gathered in the AmaDara’s spacious Saigon lounge to watch in horror the award-winning documentary film “Pol Pot – The Secret Killer.”  Together we struggled to comprehend the transformation of this idealistic Paris-educated Cambodian student into the genocidal tyrant who turned the clock back on his country’s once vibrant Khmer civilization to”restart” it at the “Year Zero.” There’s no way to soft pedal the horror of what was done. Some 2 million (the figures are disputed) of Cambodia’s population of 7 million were murdered. Certain passengers understandably chose to skip that excursion. But for others, the chance to share the experience, and even to shed tears, with our guides and a few new friends felt cathartic.

In fact, the educational aspect of our journey with AmaWaterways went beyond all of our expectations, adding layers of depth and richness to a trip that was beyond beautiful and fun. Our guides were smart, articulate, and unafraid to discuss not just the painful history of their countries, but the complex ecological and economic challenges facing them today. Daily briefings energized us for our outings on the mighty Mekong–the river that flows 2,700 miles from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. The Mekong basin is Asia’s rice basket and one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world, second only to the Amazon.

From ship to tender, we were immersed in the watery world of floating markets, abuzz with vendors who paddled and peddled their wares: luscious-looking fruits, vegetables and herbs piled high in flat-bottomed wooden boats called sampans. We surveyed floating villages–close enough to peer into living rooms shaded by potted plants–gas stations and grocery stores lapped by the river, stores stacked with 100-pound sacks of rice, a fraction of the 2,500+ species sold on world markets.

From ship to shore we ambled through rural villages like “Evergreen Island,”–poor yet ablaze with the emerald greens of rice paddies, purple morning glories, fuchsia bougainvillea, yellow sunflowers and red peppers drying atop wooden sheds. Huge jackfruits and papayas hung heavy from the trees. Still morning, the temperature was already well into the nineties with humidity to match, but we were shaded by our sunhats, cooled by our fans and enchanted by the children who flocked around to welcome us with their perfectly practiced English phrases and flashing pearl white smiles.

We rode tuk-tuks and oxcarts and trishaws; we meditated with saffron-clad monks at Vipassana Dhura, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Cambodia, after which we extended to them ritual offerings of rice. At the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, built in 1866 as the home of the Cambodian King, our bare feet cooled on the floor of the Silver Pagoda, made from 5,000 pieces of silver floor tiles.

In Sa Dec, we sipped ginger tea at the home of Huynh Thuy Le, the wealthy 27-year old Chinese paramour immortalized by French writer Marguerite Duras in “The Lover,” the highly erotic 1984 novel of her teenage affair made into a film by the same name. “The Lover,” along with “Indochine” starring Catherine Deneuve, and “The Quiet American” a 2002 film based on a Graham Greene novel set in Vietnam in the 1950s were all part of a well-curated selection of films available on our in-cabin video system. Each film unmasked the complexities of colonial life in Vietnam and enriched our exploration.

Downtime was welcome, to enjoy the amenities of our beautiful floating home. My $30 carrot honey facial–the best facial I’ve ever had–was 60 minutes of bliss. I floated back to my cabin in the sensuous silk robe provided, face aglow. While crew handled formalities of our border crossing into Cambodia on Day 3, some passengers attended a cooking lesson with our tall, elegant Head Chef Pheara. He showed us how to make fresh spring rolls and pho bo–Vietnam’s satisfyingly nutritious rice noodle soup with beef–the rich broth flavored with star anise, ginger, garlic and fish sauce, then topped with fresh cilantro, sweet basil, lemon grass and crunchy bean sprouts. Later that afternoon on the sundeck, Salad Chef Sopheap led us in a fruit tasting that introduced the abundance of the region’s tropical fruits. But first he demonstrated fruit carving, showing us how to find the “heart” of the watermelon and from it create a magnificent ruby red flower. That delicate red flower is an image I carry of our mesmerizing Mekong River cruise. Here are some others:

White oxen passing on a dusty village road, an Emerald Buddha.

A young boy in blue tee shirt extending pink lotus blossoms by the monastery gate.

–From the sundeck with friends, or the privacy of our stateroom balcony, passing vistas as picturesque as sampan fishermen in traditional conical hats throwing nets. Or as industrial as the large flat barges laden with silt, the nutrient-rich sediment that replenishes and enriches the land along the Mekong.

IF YOU GO:   Visit AmaWaterways website.  To learn more about their Mekong River cruises, visit: riches of the mekong . See also: Immersed in the Diverse Culture of Vietnam . See also the Vietnam-Travel page.

For more Barge and Cruise options see our Barge&Cruise page; for more articles by Carol click to her page.

3 thoughts on “ A Mekong River cruise aboard RV AmaDara ”

Why don’t i do things like your vietnam cruise? ( I have countless excuses) – this trip sounded glorious.

• Pingback: Our Dreams of Vietnam. Part One - Travel Examiner
• Pingback: Our Dreams of Vietnam. Part Two - Travel Examiner

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“…this trip lived up to its “luxury cruising” label. The boat was truly a 5 star hotel with very comfortable sleeping quarters, an extremely comfortable Lounge and Bar area and first class restaurant. The meals were excellent and provided for both Asian and Western tastes. The level of service provided by the restaurant staff, bar staff and room service staff was excellent. Everything was done with a smile. Our trips ashore were well planned with great variety provided….”

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From the moment you step on board the newest boutique Amadara Cruise, you will be inspired in our signature world of all-inclusive luxury. Delivering the ultimate Mekong river cruising experience and our unrivalled on board inclusions ensure you will enjoy the most relaxing and majestic luxury experiences, from cuisine to culture and scenery to service.

Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards

Unforgettable stays as finest luxurious five star floating hotel

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Trip Highlights

• UPSTREAM: Saigon - Siem Reap
• DOWNSTREAM: Siem Reap - Saigon

Activities Transfer to My Tho port for embarkation

Meal Welcome Reception/ Theme Dinner.

Included Transportation, tour guide, cabin on board

Today you will board your river cruise ship moored at My Tho Port. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be.

Activities Local boat ride to floating market and Visit rice paper & candy-making workshops

Included Tour guide, transportation, cabin on board, entrance fee

Take an morning excursion in a local boat around Cai Be to see the spectacular floating market. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. After lunch, cruise to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her childhood. You will visit the local market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour. The ship sails overnight to Tan Chau.

Activities Trishaw ride and visit "Evergreen Island"

Included Transportation, tour guide, accommodation, sightseeing ticket

This morning, you’ll visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to take one of two tours this morning. Your first option to is take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at a silk-making, slipper and rattan mat workshops. Alternatively, you will take a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to several scenic locations, including a small village known as “Evergreen Island.” Return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a workshop that makes rattan mats in the village. Then cruise to the Cambodian border after lunch, stopping for border formalities. The ship continues sailing overnight to Phnom Penh.

Activities Arrive Killing Fields excursion City Tour & Royal Palace Visit

Included Transportation, tour guide, sightseeing ticket, cabin on board

The ship cruises into spectacular Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, early this morning and docks at the passenger port terminal. This morning you will take an excursion to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and also visit the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch on board, your afternoon tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafés and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. The ship will moor overnight along the waterfront, close to restaurants and Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Activities Discover Phnom Penh and visit silversmith village

Included Tour guide, transportation, accommodation, entrance fee

The morning is free to explore Phnom Penh on your own, perhaps venturing to nearby shops and markets for some souvenir hunting or an opportunity to take a Tuk Tuk tour through the city. In the late morning, the ship continues to Koh Chen, where you will take a leisurely walk through the village and visit home workshops specializing in silversmithing and coppersmithing.

Activities Visit Buddhist Monastery and Oxcart ride

Included Transportation, accommodation, sightseeing ticket, tour guide

Your will have a truly memorable day today, starting with a short motor coach ride to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Visit a Buddhist monastery and receive a special blessing. In Kampong Tralach you will enjoy an oxcart ride through the rice paddies surrounding a small village.

Activities Motor boat excursion to lakeside wetlands

Included Transportation, tour guide, accommodation, entrance fee

This morning you will take a motorboat to explore the lakeside wetlands that form around Tonle Sap Lake, the great lake that dominates Cambodia and is known for its stunning variety of bird life and tranquil fishing villages. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board.

Activities Cruise to Preak K'Dam for disembarkation

Meal Breakfast

Included Tour guide, transportation

Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark at Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River.

Activities Embark and cruise to Kampong Chhnang

Meal Welcome Reception/Theme Dinner

Included Transportation, cabin on board, tour guide

Today you will board your river cruise ship at Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Kampong Chhnang.

Activities Motor boat excursion into lakeside wetlands & visit Koh Chen Silversmith village

Included Accommodation, entrance fee, tour guide, transportation

After breakfast, a local boat will take you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy the stunning variety of bird life here, and be on the lookout for the traps used to catch fish in this area – some are over a half-mile long! In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the Koh Chen village. You will also visit home workshops specializing in silversmithing and copper-smithing.

Activities Visit Buddhist Monastery, take oxcart Ride; Visit Vihara and Phnom Penh Walking Tour

Included Tour guide, sightseeing ticket, accommodation, transportation

This morning you will be transferred to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, and tour a monastery where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly memorable excursion – an oxcart ride through the rice paddies surrounding a small village. Later, your ship will depart for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, where an afternoon walking tour will give you a wonderful introduction to the city. Your tour includes a stop at Wat Phnom. Return to the ship for dinner and an onboard Khmer folk performance presented by local children. The vessel moors overnight in Phnom Penh

Activities Exploration of capital Phnom Penh

Included Tour guide, transportation, entrance fee, cabin on board

This morning you will take an excursion to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and also visit the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch on board, your afternoon tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafés and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine on your own in one of many nearby restaurants.

Activities Border crossing from Cambodia to Vietnam

Included Sightseeing ticket, cabin on board, transportation, tour guide

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam.

Activities Option for choosing: Trishaw ride and craftsmen’s workshop or boat ride and craftsmen’s workshops

This morning, you will visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Take one of two tours this morning, your first option to is take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at a silk-making workshop and another that produces rattan mats and slippers. Alternatively, you will take a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to several scenic locations, including a small village known as “Evergreen Island.” Return to Tan Chau, where you will visit workshops that make silk and rattan mats in the village. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Sa Dec, where it will moor overnight.

Activities Arrive Hanoi, check-in hotel, go on a city tour and enjoy dinner.

In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore, you will tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, now a small museum. Afterwards, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market. You have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner on board.

Included Transportation, tour guide

Following breakfast, your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho port and transfer to Ho Chi Minh city

6 Reasons to sail with RV AmaDara Cruise

• Low Price No booking fees • Save money! Best price guarantee.
• Excellent service 24/7 Hotline support, all services are available
• Local booking support Hotel bookings, domestic flights, visa arrangement.
• They speak your language AmaDara Cruise’s staff speak: English
• Excellent customer’s care Support what you need by the best
• Comfortable Cabins with balcony Make you feel at home

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There’s no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

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RATING SUMMARY

Striving for Excellence

AmaDara cruise, excellent experience! – We had cruised in a very comfortable board – The journey was very interesting – The ship was spotlessly clean, beautiful room with adequate balcony – Excellent food, so much choice, wine is plentiful at meals – All the cruise’s staff was so nice, quick serving and very fun. – Our tour guide in Vietnam and Cambodia were both very professional, possessed good English – In general, I could not fault anything on the boat

AmaDara Cruise, best cruise ever! – We had planned a trip to Vietnam with Viet Prestige Travel – The Cruise was great, clean and safe boarding – Check in -out on the ship was very quick and smooth – Meal times were a delight, offering a choice of either Western or local cuisine – Drink on board is one of my favorite with rice wine, smoothies, juices and cocktails – We feel at home with AmaDara cruise’s member – I could not wait for come back on Mekong Delta with AmaDara cruise mentions on here!

A Wonderful, Memorable trip! – Whole cruise trip was excellent, professional and smoothly by the tour guide and cruise manager – The AmaDara is a new, and lovely, vessel – The crew and staff were excellent, consisting mostly of Vietnamese and Cambodians – The rooms were comfortable, and our standard cabin had an impressive-sized bathroom for a cruise ship of any size – The food, overall, was excellent, and meals often included the choice of local cuisine

Excellent Amadara! – First, the cabin was very nice – The food was exceptional – ALL of the crew being very cheerful and respectful. They made us feel very special – The great service started when we were making the comparison on cruises and was assisted by their service staff – Itinerary for shore excursion are so interesting, we leant more about cultures, people…

Wonderful Excursion, Beautiful Surrounding! – The crew were always helpful and courteous and seemed to be enjoying themselves – The cabin was beautifully set up – Food was uniformly outstanding being high quality and lot of it – My wife is diabetic and the chef went out of his way to modify dishes to suit her dietary requirements – The ship was beautiful, we were happy with our choice – Our guide was extremely nice, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the whole experience

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AmaDara RIVER CRUISE SHIP

• ITINERARIES
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• TECHNICAL DATA
• Built in Vietnam
• Length 302 ft.
• Width 46 ft.
• Staterooms 62
• Passengers 124
• Registry Vietnam

Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony.

Savor regionally inspired cuisine as well as traditional favorites at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.

Meet fellow travelers 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.

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool on your way to the next exotic stop on your cruise.

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a visit to one of three onboard spas.

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.

• Navigation Bridge
• Fitness Room
• Saigon Lounge & Bar
• Public Computers
• The Chef's Table Restaurant
• Mekong Restaurant

•   Luxury Suite
•   SUITE
•   LUXURY SUITE
•   CATEGORY A
•   CATEGORY B
•   CATEGORY C

• In-room temperature control
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

AmaDara GALLERY

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AmaWaterways AmaDara Mekong River Cruise: Cambodia and Vietnam

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure  here .

Last week I had the most amazing, bucket list, trip to Cambodia and Vietnam with AmaWaterways. We sailed on the beautiful AmaDara down the Mekong River. This is an exceptional experience, truly the trip of a lifetime and I’m excited to share my full trip report, And get many lucky travelers on this river cruise!

I was invited to sail down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam on the AmaWaterways AmaDara Riches of the Mekong cruise, as this was my host agency’s top producer retreat. About 20 agents, and their guests were invited as a reward for being the top selling agents in 2022.

You know I love my ocean cruises and at this point I’ve been on all those lines ( Holland America , Disney Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line ) but this AmaDara Mekong River Cruise was my first ever River Cruise!

A river cruise is so unique, and yes, most of AmaWaterways’ ships are in Europe, but they do offer some exotic destinations including this Mekong River Cruise, the Nile, and coming in 2024 the Amazon!

A river cruise down the Mekong River is so much more than just the sailing itself. In addition to being all about the adventure, excursions and cultural immersion, the opportunities to add pre and post cruise tours makes this a comprehensive journey to Southeast Asia.

AmaWaterways’ AmaDara Mekong River Cruise is seven nights. Most of my travel companions spent at least two weeks in Southeast Asia. I traveled with my mom, and we did one night in Siem Reap before the cruise, which was pretty much the minimum amount of time you need to do this trip.

I do wish I had arrived at least another day earlier to adjust to the time difference, recover from the travel and tour more in Siem Reap, so I definitely recommend guests consider a longer stay.

One Night in Cambodia before our AmaWaterways AmaDara Mekong River Cruise

After over 24 hours of travel from New York to Siem Reap (and we did fly on the worlds longest flight from JFK to Singapore), we checked into the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort , a luxury five star hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Those guests who did the AmaWaterways pre-cruise land extension stayed at the Sofitel in Siem Reap Cambodia for a three nights before departing for the ship. Prior to that they started in Hanoi, Vietnam and all the guests raved about the pre-cruise portion of the trip.

I did love the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra . There are two restaurants on property and Cambodia’s first champagne bar. There is a pool with a swim up bar, spa, and a gym. The rooms were comfortable and had everything you needed! The service was also outstanding.

On AmaDara cruise Day 1 we departed the Sofitel at 8:30 am. After breakfast, we checked in for our cruise at the hotel. The buses for the ship depart from the Sofitel, so if you aren’t staying there, you need to make your way over to that hotel to meet the group.

Getting to the AmaWaterways AmaDara

We traveled on a luxury coach from Siem Reap to where we would meet our ship. The ride was about five hours with two stops. We ordered lunch and they had it boxed for us.

Along the way, our local guide gave us lots of info about the country and he went over the next day’s excursion options. He also explained that Cambodia has two currencies, the Riel and USD, and other interesting facts to help us get oriented to the destination.

AmaWaterway’s AmaDara Mekong River Cruise Excursions

The first afternoon we arrived at the ship, we had another light lunch and got checked into our staterooms. After a few minutes to unpack, it was time to depart for the first excursion! Yes, all the excursions are included and for most activities guests have a choice between a regular and more active experience.

If the activity is easy/regular all around, the whole group will be offered that excursion.

When you leave for your excursion, they hand you a bottle of water, which you can carry in your water bottle holder, and you bring your provided listening device to better hear the guide.

All of the excursions are fully guided. The same guides stay with you (on the ship). We started with three guides in Cambodia and new ones arrived when we crossed into Vietnam.

Each day, you are briefed on the next day’s excursions so you can decide what you would like to do. Each excursion is color coded so before the start time, you stop by the reception desk and pick up your room card, and the color corresponding to what you chose. Usually one option was less active and/or shorter and the other option was longer or had more walking involved.

Examples of the excursions we did:

• Tour of the twin mountain temples
• Buddhist blessing at the largest temple in Cambodia
• Hike to the top of a hill in Oudong
• Tuk Tuk tour of Phnom Penh
• Tour if the S21 prison, now the Genocide museum
• Tour of a Khmer Rouge killing field
• Active walk on silk island and Cambodian silk weaving factory
• Ox cart ride
• Tour of the Royal palace in Phnom Penh and a trip to the central market
• Trishaw ride in a Vietnam village with stops at a silk factory and rattan weaving workshop
• Rice paper and candy making in Vietnam
• Tour of a Cao Dai temple and a walk through an authentic Vietnamese food market

All of the excursions offered are included with your cruise fare. Some days there were two excursion blocks, one in the morning and one after lunch.

Some days we sailed during lunch and one day there was only one excursion.

On the AmaWaterways AmaDara Mekong River cruise, we had one sea day as we crossed from Cambodia into Vietnam.

A note about excursions on the AmaDara – They did want you to fill out a selection sheet the first day but pretty much before each excursion you went to the reception desk and got a card coordinating to the activity you wanted to do. You would then follow that guide out and be on your way.

I loved that you could decide at the time what you felt up to!

On this sailing no one got “shut out” of any excursions. You also could opt to stay on the boat- or in Phnom Penh, you could self-tour, since we were docked at a port right in the city.

In Vietnam, we always docked in the middle of the river, and started the excursion via tender boat, so there really was no option for self-exploration.

Interested in this cruise? Any river cruise? Or maybe a land trip to Southeast Asia? As a full service travel agent, I can assist with all your travel planning needs – CLICK THE BANNER BELOW TO GET STARTED!

AmaWaterways AmaDara Deck Plan

The AmaDara is a very simple ship. There are only three decks, and pretty much the back half of each floor is where you find cabins.

On the front of deck one is where you will find the Mekong Restaurant. On deck two is the Saigon Lounge, and reception desk. At the way back of deck two is a spa treatment room and the Chef’s Table restaurant.

On deck three, you will find the sun deck – this is a covered area with a small pool, lots of seating, and a bar. At the back of deck three are two more spa treatment rooms and a small fitness room.

That’s pretty much it! Nice and simple!

Here is a full ship and room tour I have up on youtube:

AmaWaterways AmaDara Dining

On the AmaDara, there is one dining room, the Mekong restaurant, and all meals are open seating.

Unlike ocean cruising, there is one meal time, one seating, and it’s usually at 7pm for dinner.

Breakfast and lunch have set hours, but the times changed based on the excursions.

When you enter the Mekong restaurant, there are food displays to help you decide what you would like to order. This is a very Asian thing!

Breakfast and lunch have self-service, buffet options, and an ala carte menu as well.

For breakfast, choices include an omelet station, traditional favorites like pancakes, eggs Benedict, and pastries, but there is also a pho station as well!

AmaDara Pro Tip : Order a Vietnamese coffee- a blend of sweetened, condescended milk and the strong local coffee. Also don’t forget about the make your own mimosa bar!

For lunch and dinner a variety of choices were offered – everything from Caesar salad to veggie burgers, to Asian favorites!

Also worth noting, when you are docked for two nights in Phnom Penh, many guests will go out to dinner. The ship can help with making recommendations and reservations. You can get to the restaurant via Tuk Tuk- but be sure to pay your driver AFTER your round trip ride.

Throughout the day, there are always snacks in the Saigon Lounge, and up on the sun deck, a light lunch is offered from 12:30-130.

What’s included on an AmaWaterways AmaDara Mekong River cruise?

Your cruise fare includes your cabin, transportation to/from the ship starting at the Sofitel in Siem Reap, and ending at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City , all on board meals, and at least one dinner at the chef’s table.

As for drinks – unlimited bottled water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are included all day.

On board the AmaDara, wine is included only at meals. All wine is imported, so it’s not offered all day. But worth noting, drinks for purchase were very reasonable, around $6 per drink.

Wi-Fi is included but in this part of the world can be spotty. AmaWaterways is planning to add star link, hopefully in 2024.

Otherwise your excursions are also all included. I did tip my local guides but you don’t pay for the tours or entrance fees at the sites. They also included all transportation to the sites, on a large coach bus.

Tips for sailing on the AmaWaterways AmaDara Mekong River Cruise

• Shipboard outlets are European two pin outlets .
• AmaWaterways provides a listening device and water bottle holder for the excursions
• You NEED knees and shoulders covered at many sites. In Cambodia, a shawl will not suffice- bring t-shirts that cover your shoulders.
• Bring cash (USD) for the markets in Cambodia – I didn’t see anyone in the central market accepting credit cards
• Speaking of cash, the USD is an official currency of Cambodia (along with the Riel)
• Bring small bills for tips (drivers, Tuk Tuk drivers, and your local guides)
• Bring an external battery charger and small snacks on excursions
• Although AmaWaterways did provide it, most rest areas do not have toilet paper or soap. I brought tissues and hand sanitizer
• Spa appointments on the sea day (and in general) book up fast, so make them early!
• At the end of the cruise, mandatory service gratuities are $110 per person. Eighty dollars goes to the crew, which can be charged to your ship board account. $30 goes to the cruise manager but must be paid in cash directly to him.
• Laundry is available on board
• When you check in at the Sofitel in Cambodia, the cruise manager takes your passport. It is returned to you the second to last day, after clearing immigration into Vietnam.
• Download the AmaWaterways MyAma app before you sail.
• You can send unlimited postcards to friend and family back home! So bring their addresses, and you can find the postcards in the back of the Saigon Lounge.
• You do need visas for Vietnam and Cambodia. When you book your AmaWaterways cruise with me, I can assist with guiding you on how to do those!

Sailing the Mekong River on the AmaDara with AmaWaterways was truly the trip of a lifetime. If you are interested in this river cruise, or any worldwide adventure do please contact me here . I know all the river cruises and can help you find the best one for you!

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Thank you. I have to agree – this is a bucket list type trip that I am not sure many travelers even know about!

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AmaDara deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

AmaDara deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by APT River Cruises (AmaWaterways) deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the AmaDara cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on AmaDara staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

ms AmaDara (built 2015) is the newest  AmaWaterways cruise ship  on Mekong River. Operating on the same route and similar as design to  AmaLotus , AmaDara cruise itineraries are in Vietnam and Cambodia (also including Tonle Sap Lake). The new AmaDara features modern-style comfort, convenience, all-outside accommodations and lots of public spaces. Both AmaWaterways ships are among the not so many vessels providing top-luxury Mekong river cruise all-inclusive vacations in this so popular for travel vacations region.

MS AmaDara cruise ship deck plan has a total of 62 staterooms for 124 passengers served by 50 crew/staff, 3 passenger decks (no elevator), 2 restaurants, Fitness & Spa, swimming pool.

The AMA ship Dara also features the rarely found on river cruise ships full-service spa and top-deck swimming pool. The new APT AmaDara riverboat offers plenty of public space and dining and wellness options available only on the largest luxury river ships.

Deck layouts

Deck 0 - service, deck 01 - tonle, deck 02 - saigon, deck 03 - sadec.

AmaDara deck plans are property of APT River Cruises (AmaWaterways) . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Amadara Overview

AmaWaterways' flagship sailing the Mekong River, AmaDara is truly in a class of her own. With design elements primarily inspired French Colonial decor, she evokes luxury with the spice of Southeast Asia being provided with ornately carved wood furniture and handmade artifacts from local artisans. While cruising aboard AmaDara, a world of relaxation is always steps away, whether you want to relax by the Sun Deck pool or treat yourself to a massage. Spend your days exploring the riverbanks and relaxing in the Saigon Lounge before dining on unique, regional cuisine at the Main Restaurant or Chef's Table. For more information on AmaDara and her exotic itineraries through Vietnam and Cambodia, please call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our expert cruise consultants!

• Passenger Capacity: 124 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2015

• Twin Balconies Most staterooms on the AmaDara feature twin balconies, a traditional and French balcony side-by-side, which allow the scenic riverbanks to be seen from your room.  

• The Chef's Table Featuring western classics and authentic regional cuisine, all made with fresh ingredients, you'll want to make sure you make a reservation at The Chef's Table during your voyage (complimentary, but reservations required).  

• Saigon Lounge Stop in for an afternoon snack or a drink at any time of the day, or watch the lounge transform into an entertainment venue each evening, with a wonderful entertainment schedule.  

• Sun Deck Pool Watch beautiful temples float by and enjoy the view from the comfort of the luxurious Sun Deck pool on AmaDara.  

• Sa Dec Spa Named for the port city of Sa Dec, Vietnam, this is the place on board to relax and enjoy a luxurious massage. Go on, you deserve it (additional fee).  

Amadara Cruise Destinations

From the castles, cathedrals and vineyards of Europe, to the temples, gardens and terraced fields of Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways River Cruise Line delivers a luxurious, immersive river cruise experience. AmaWaterways’ itineraries are designed to allow guests the opportunity to explore both the popular sites and out-of-the-way gems, and the line’s experienced guides and choice of included excursions will give you the ability to spend time where you most desire. Whether it be navigating the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, cycling along the Rhine, wandering Monet’s garden in Giverny, making friends with monks in a historic abbey, sampling Portugal’s wines or just walking the fairytale streets in one village after the next, AmaWaterways will continual deliver rich destination experiences throughout your voyage. Continue below to learn more about the destinations visited by AmaWaterways:

Southeast Asia

Explore the ancient history of Vietnam and Cambodia while enjoying delicious regional cuisine on your AmaWaterways cruise on the Mekong River.

Amadara Departure Ports

AmaWaterways river cruises depart from incredible cities in Europe, Asia and Africa, offering convenient—and luxurious—access to new cultures, historic towns and scenic landscapes. AmaWaterway’s European river itineraries depart from cities like Amsterdam, Basel, Bordeaux, Budapest, Lyon, Nuremberg, Paris and Porto, just to name a few. For more exotic river escapes, you could depart from Cape Town, Ho Chi Minh City or Kampong Cham. For many of these departure ports, which are worthy destinations themselves, you even have the option to add pre-cruise extensions to see even more of Europe, Asia or Africa and get an earlier jump on your vacation! Continue below to view the current departure ports for AmaWaterways’ river cruises, and call 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our experience cruise consultants to start planning today.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Despite a turbulent past, Ho Chi Minh City is evolving at a fast pace and offers travelers a look into its storied past and hopeful future.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Exploring Siem Reap, Cambodia can be considered a timeless wonder because of the temples of Angkor, A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Amadara Deck Plans

Mekong (lower deck), tonle (main deck), saigon (upper deck), sadec (terrace deck), amadara staterooms.

Balcony (B)

The ship’s exquisitely decorated staterooms feature all the amenities of a fine hotel, a cozy sitting area, air-conditioning, a writing desk, mini-bar, safe, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and a flat-screen monitor.

Balcony (C)

Balcony (a).

The ships exquisitely decorated staterooms feature all the amenities of a fine hotel, a cozy sitting area, air-conditioning, a writing desk, mini-bar, safe, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and a flat-screen monitor.

In addition to all the amenities of the outside staterooms, suites feature a larger sitting area, plus a bathroom equipped with both a shower and a separate tub.

These luxury suites feature all the amenities of outside staterooms and suites, plus a king-sized bed, larger sitting area with a full size sofa, spacious bathroom with both a shower and a separate tub and an extra-spacious private balcony

Photo Gallery for Amadara Cruise Ship

Browse our AmaWaterways image library, which offers a glimpse into the river cruise line’s amenities, experiences and destinations. Keeping in mind that this is merely a sample of the luxurious benefits of cruising with AmaWaterways, continue through our photo gallery to see what sets AmaWaterways river cruises apart from other vacations!

The Chef's Table on the AmaDara

A dance performance on AmaDara

The fitness room on the AmaDara

A junior suite on the AmaDara

Main Lounge on the AmaDara

The Sun Deck on the AmaDara

Top 10 Amadara Cruises

• AmaDara 7 night Charms of the Mekong Departing From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (Aug 2024 - Dec 2026)
• AmaDara 7 night Riches of the Mekong Departing From Siem Reap, Cambodia (Aug 2024 - Dec 2026)

Learn More About Amawaterways

Accessibility

AmaWaterways strives to deliver an unrivaled river cruise experience, which includes making accommodations for guests with special needs.

Preview the exquisite regional cuisine offered by AmaWaterways, internationally recognized by La Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Entertainment

Learn about the onboard entertainment provided by AmaWaterways, including live music, traditional Bavarian folklore performances and more.

Onboard Activities

AmaWaterways’ immersive river ships are designed to immerse you in our destination, but they still offer plenty to do on board, including a pool, spa, library and lounge with nightly entertainment.

Service & Awards

Experience the thoughtful, sincere service of AmaWaterways, an award-winning leader in luxury river cruising

Spa & Fitness

Relax and rejuvenate on a river cruise with AmaWaterways, where wellness and pampering are always just a few steps away.

Special Events

Golf lovers, foodies, wine enthusiasts and world adventurers can all find a special river cruise on AmaWaterways that highlights distinct interests.

Preview AmaWaterways’ well-appointed accommodations, many with twin balconies, and learn about the luxury river cruise line’s wonderful amenities.

Youth Programs

Learn why AmaWaterways could be perfect for your next family cruise vacation or multi-generational getaway.

Cruise Type

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• Cruise Lines

Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise line or Choose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line

• Ship in Detail

The brand-new 124-passenger AmaDara (2015) features Luxury Suites (452 sq. ft.), Suites (334 sq. ft.) and spacious standard staterooms (226 sq. ft.), all of which have private Twin Balconies (French Balcony plus a full size step-out balcony). The ship’s elegant public areas include two stylish restaurants serving delicious cuisine, an inviting lounge, a fitness room, hair salon, massage rooms, and a refreshing Sun Deck swimming pool.

• Year Entered Service 2015-01-01
• Total Passengers 124
• Total Crew 50
• Tonnage 302

Alternative AMAWaterways Ships

Amakristina, zambezi queen, ms amadagio.

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Let’s find your dream river cruise.

Choose a river, charms of the mekong.

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Home » Cruises » AMAWaterways » Charms of the Mekong

From £2,038 pp

Cruise along the Mekong as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for fascinating glimpses into a traditional way of life. Experience the lively hustle and bustle of open-air and floating markets, offering exotic produce. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Browse the local workshops throughout Vietnam, where exquisite handmade silks, rattan mats, and other crafts make memorable souvenirs. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.

What’s Included:

• 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City hotel stay
• 7 Nights luxury cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom with balcony
• 2 Nights Siem Reap hotel stay
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Immersive tours in every destination with gentle, regular, active and late-riser options
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Award-winning onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• Unlimited wine with lunch and dinner on board
• Complimentary local beer, house-brand spirits and soft drinks during cruise
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Luxury hotel stays with daily breakfast and additional meals as specified in the itinerary

Please call for a flight inclusive package.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
• Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Extension
• Bangkok Extension

Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam’s former capital.

Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub. to know Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon. It iis Vietnam’s former capital.

Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub.

Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts blending old and new, east and west.  I

n the morning, explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post office, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon visit Cu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam war.

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, visit Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Board the AmaDara at My Tho Port.

Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops and the historic Kiet Old House.

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.

You will visit the local market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which her prize-winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on.

Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism.

You will have the opportunity to take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, simply take the boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop.

Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh.

This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum).

Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market . After lunch on board, you will explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts.

After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge.

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 also take a walking tour of Oudong. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village along the river bank. 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.

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.

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 of handicrafts.

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 via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals.

Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board.

*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.

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and Motorcoach transfer to Sofitel Siem Reap.

Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your morning exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honour the Hindu God, Vishnu.

An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian Art, Banteay Srei, which means citadel of Women, as its has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man.

Later in the day, visit the English language school, sponsored by AmaWaterways in the village of Ta Toum.

During the evening, be treated to a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers.

After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Angkor Thom, meaning “Great City”. This is home to the Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Later in the day, bid farewell to Siem Reap as you prepare for your return flight home.

Note: We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 3:00pm today to avoid potential missed connections if you wish to join sightseeing tour to visit Angkor Thom in the morning.

After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of Angkor Thom meaning “the great city.” This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Later in the day, take a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam

From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city.

A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as a “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show.

Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn.

Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with more than 2,000 small islands rising from the water like a dragon’s back.

Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer back to Hanoi where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure

Bid farewell to Vietnam and prepare for your homeward flight.

Arrive in Bangkok and check into your hotel.

Discover the spectacular and centuries-old Grand Palace with its glittering Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The infamous Buddha was chiseled from one block of emerald and is believed to have supernatural powers.

Stop at Wat Pho, known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It houses a school of Thai medicine and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Enjoy rest of day at your leisure to discover more of Bangkok’s incredible sights

This morning, cruise along the small canals (“khlongs”) of Thonburi, gaining a better understanding of why Bangkok is known as “the Venice of the East.” Conclude your morning sightseeing tour with a visit to the imposing Temple of the Dawn, which stands beside the Chao Phraya River and dazzles with a structure composed of millions of fragments of Chinese porcelain.

Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring more Bangkok, from its fascinating three-dimensional art museum, Art in Paradise, to its world-famous shopping centers and colorful markets, such as the Night Train, an eye-catching local gathering of tents illuminated by electric lights as the sun sets.

Check out of your hotel and bid farewell to Bangkok as you prepare for your flight that brings you to your next destination.

Check out of your hotel and bid farewell to Bangkok as you prepare for your flight that brings you to your next destination .

The 124-passenger AmaDara launched in 2015 and is in a class unto itself with distinct French Colonial décor and accented by Mekong artefacts made by native craftsmen. Elegantly appointed staterooms are 251 sq. ft. and suites range from 366-502 sq. ft. Staterooms and suites feature twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Additional stateroom amenities include a cosy sitting area, climate-controlled air conditioning, in-room safe and mini bar. Spacious bathrooms have a shower, bathrobe, slippers and hair dryer. Suites have additional enhanced amenities with a large sitting area and bathrooms with both a shower and separate tub. AmaDara offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a spa, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and Sun Deck pool. The stunning Saigon Lounge provides a wonderful place to meet fellow guests, and enjoy colourful and vibrant local entertainment, including traditional Khmer Psara dancers and lively musical performances. Savour authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the main restaurant or dine at The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant; and throughout your cruise, be treated to unlimited complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Onboard Features & Facilities

• 48 spacious staterooms and 14 luxurious suites, all with both French and full balconies
• Mekong restaurant with panoramic views
• Saigon lounge with full service bar
• Canopied Observation Lounge & Pool
• Chef’s Table Restaurant
• Library & reading room
• Internet Café
• Fitness suite, hair salon & Spa

Accommodation & Amenities

62 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 251-502 sq. ft, all feature a French balcony and Outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and bathrooms with both a shower and a separate bath, staterooms and suites amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning; plush towels, bathrobes and slippers telephone, safe and hair dryer, mini bar with bottled water replenished daily, and an in-room safe.

Luxury Suites

502 ft² – sadec (sun deck) deck.

• Fixed Super King size bed (6ft wide)
• large verandah with loungers
• Large bathroom with shower, bathtub, WC & wash basin
• Enhanced sitting area with table, sofa & armchairs
• Twin balconies with both French & sit out balconies
• Private bathroom with shower, WC & wash basin inclusive with toiletries
• Desk with chair and separate seating area
• Flat-screen television with infotainment centre & satelite
• Telephone, safe, hair dryer, and mini bar with bottled water replenished daily
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Plush towels, bathrobe and slippers

366 ft² – Sadec (Sun Deck)

• Enhanced sitting area with table & sofa
• Bathroom with shower, bathtub, WC & wash basin
• Twin or King size (UK 5ft) double beds

Cat. A, B & C Staterooms  251 ft²

Cat a – saigon deck (upper), cat b – sadec, saigon & tonle deck (sun, upper & main deck), cat c – saigon & tonle (upper and main deck).

AmaDara Deck Plan

Prices do not include flights – please call for a flight inclusive quote

J  Christmas Sailing K  New Years Sailing

Enquire now about this cruise & speak to one of our friendly river cruising team on 0800 471 4754 .

Why Choose This Cruise?

AMA’s included excursions go beyond the ordinary with small group tours exploring the culture and traditions of the places you visit as well as the main sights.  Real destination enrichment and deeper understanding is already included in  the cost of your cruise.

Flexible Itinerary options

Our standard itinerary includes 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a 7 night river cruise and 2 nights in Siem Reap.

• Add 4 nts post-cruise with a trip to Hanoi in North Vietnam and an overnight Cruise on the stunning Ha Long Bay
• We can also offer the cruise on its own as a 7 nt itinerary or with either one of the extensions in Siem Reap and Saigon.

Featured on Cruising with Jane McDonald

This Asia tour on the was featured on Jane McDonald’s television program.  Watch now on My5 from the link below:

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