11-Nights Charms of the Mekong by Cruise: Vietnam & Cambodia from $4,649

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Saigon

Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Airportto Ho Chi Minh City - District One

Hotel: Sofitel Plaza Saigon (5 Star Rating)

Bringing together all the qualities of a luxury class deluxe hotel, Hotel Sofitel Plaza is located on the historical Le Duan Boulevard, which houses the former US Embassy. In the heart of the city's commercial district and close to the Reunification Palace and the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the hotel is also just a short drive away from the exhibition centre and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. From the moment you arrive you will be assured of the refined luxury and outstanding service for which Sofitel is renowned worldwide. 280 rooms, 11 suites and the Champagne Suite are all elegantly furnished with five star amenities to cater to your every whim.

Day 2: Full Day Cu Chi and Ho Chi Minh City

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more.

After 2-hour drive from Saigon, upon arrival, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. Return to city for lunch at a local restaurant. Starting the city tour with a visit to the historic former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War.

Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and stop by one of the local stands to purchase a Saigon postcard. Then visit the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Take the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of a bygone era and send a postcard to your family back home.

Next, either walk or drive to the War Remnants Museum, primarily focuses on the Vietnam War but also showcases exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City My Tho - Embarkation

Transfer via motorcoach from The Sofitel Saigon Plaza at 1130 am this morning to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your 7­night river cruise and then meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Day 4: 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 prize­winning 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.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 5: 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 "xe­loi" (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk­making 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.

*Please Note: Tra Su Forest visit is capacity controlled.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 6: Phnom Penh

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.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 7: Oudong to 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 tree­lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 8: Oknhatey Village

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.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 9: Angkor Ban to 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 on­going 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 Old­World with the "new," this centuries­old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls inside which you will delight in the colorful depictions of 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.

Hotel: AmaDara (5 Star Rating)

AmaWaterways' sole Mekong River ship, AmaDara stands out with elegant French Colonial decor, richly carved wood furnishings and authentic regional artifacts crafted by local artisans. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that bring the shifting scenery of Southeast Asia right into your room. On board, relax by the sun-deck pool, unwind in the massage and fitness rooms, browse the gift shop, or visit the hair salon. The inviting Saigon Lounge offers daytime tranquility and lively local entertainment each night. Savor flavorful regional dishes and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or enjoy a special culinary experience at The Chef's Table. Throughout your cruise, indulge in complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house spirits, local beer and soft drinks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 10: Kampong Cham to Siem Reap

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap with drop off at the Sofitel Angkor Hotel. Please ensure any onward flights do not depart.

Hotel: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (5 Star Rating)

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is set among tranquil landscaped gardens on tree-lined Charles de Gaulle Avenue and is the closest hotel to the ruins of Angkor Wat. The resort is near traditional markets, local tourist attractions and only 15 min drive from the airport.

Combining French and Khmer architecture to provide elegant accommodation, the hotel features 238 rooms with balconies.

Day 11: Full Day Angkor Temples

This morning, explore the grandeur of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Discover the impressive Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King before visiting the iconic Bayon Temple, renowned for its serene stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs that depict scenes of daily life and ancient battles.

Continue to Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple left largely untouched since its rediscovery. Wander through its atmospheric corridors, where massive tree roots weave through the ruins, creating one of Angkor's most striking and photogenic sights. The fusion of nature and architecture offers a glimpse into how the temples once appeared when first found. Then stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Built in the 12th century, it features soaring towers, remarkable symmetry, and extensive carvings that stretch across its galleries. Highlights include the detailed bas-reliefs, which tell stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Sea of Milk. Still an active place of worship, it remains beautifully preserved and stands as a powerful symbol of Cambodia's heritage. Enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour.

Day 12: Depart from Siem Reap

Transfer: Siem Reap - Old French Quarter to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport