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12 Day Mekong River cruise

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Julie Evans, Travel Agent in Ponoka, AB

Julie Evans

Ponoka, AB Travel Agent
Super Agent

Julie Evans

Ponoka, AB · 25+ Years of Experience

Julie’’s Travel, an independent agent with Valente Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Julie is THE asset when we travel. She is prompt and has a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge and experience when booking for us. ... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Cambodia, Mekong River, Vietnam
PLACES VISITED:Angkor Wat, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City, Kampong Cham, My Tho, Phnom Penh, Sa Dec, Siem Reap, Tan Chau
SUGGESTED DURATION:12 Days
Explore Vietnam and Cambodia on a 12-day Mekong River journey aboard Amawaterways. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City with historic landmarks and a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels. Cruise through Cai Be and Sa Dec to discover local crafts and temples. Experience authentic village life in Tan Chau and cross into Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, tour royal sites and the Killing Fields. Visit Oudong’s monasteries, silk weavers on Oknhatey Island, and traditional homes in Angkor Ban. Continue to Kampong Cham for ancient temples before heading to Siem Reap. Explore Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and Angkor Thom, concluding with a traditional dance show.
Close All Days
DAY1
Ho Chi Minh City
Close Day
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, blends old-world charm with modern energy. Once dubbed the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now a dynamic center of industry, culture, and education in Vietnam.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the Paris of the Orient
DAY2
Ho Chi Minh City
Close Day
Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with energy and contrast, blending old and new, East and West. Explore iconic landmarks like the Presidential Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum. Later, visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cu Chi Tunnels
DAY3
My Tho
Close Day
Embark on your cruise
Begin your day at the iconic Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. Later, travel by motorcoach to My Tho Port to embark on your river journey. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner while cruising toward Cai Be.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Board your luxurious ship
DAY4
Cai Be
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Sa Dec
Close Day
Cruise to Cai Be
Cruise to Cai Be and explore local candy and rice paper workshops, with the option to visit the historic Kiet House on a guided walking tour. Continue to Sa Dec to visit its vibrant market and the Cao Dai Temple, representing a unique blend of major world religions.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cai Be & Sa Dec
DAY5
Tan Chau
Close Day
Border Crossing
Visit the peaceful town of Tan Chau and ride a traditional trishaw to local silk and mat workshops. Explore Evergreen Island on foot or opt for a serene sampan boat ride through Tra Su Forest’s vibrant birdlife and lush scenery. Later, cruise toward Cambodia.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Crossing the Border
DAY6
Phnom Penh
Close Day
Explore Phnom Penh
In Phnom Penh, explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, or shop at the lively Central Market. In the afternoon, visit the poignant Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. End the day with traditional Khmer folk dancing.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the Killing Fields
DAY7
Phnom Penh
Close Day
Explore Oudong
Visit Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, and receive a traditional Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a local monastery. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains, then return to Phnom Penh for a tuk tuk ride through its charming French Colonial and Angkorian architecture.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Buddhist Blessing
DAY8
Mekong River
Close Day
Explore Silk Island
Sail to Oknhatey, known as “Silk Island,” where you’ll visit a local school and watch traditional silk weaving, a craft passed down through generations. Continue along the Mekong River to the culturally rich village of Angkor Ban.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Learn silk weaving
DAY9
Kampong Cham
Close Day
Visit Angkor Ban
Explore Angkor Ban, one of Cambodia’s few villages untouched by the Khmer Rouge, where traditional wooden homes and daily rural life endure. Later, visit Kampong Cham’s Wat Nokor, a unique blend of ancient temple and modern pagoda, or discover the Twin Mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the ancient village
DAY10
Siem Reap
Close Day
Visit the Kingdom of the Trees
Disembark at Kampong Cham and transfer to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Visit Ta Prohm, the “Kingdom of the Trees,” where ancient temple stones are beautifully entwined with dense forest vegetation.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Temples and forest
DAY11
Angkor Wat
Close Day
Explore Angkor Wat
Start your day exploring Angkor Wat, the iconic 12th-century temple built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. Choose an early tour to witness the temple's colors at sunrise or a later start to relax. In the afternoon, visit Banteay Srei, famed for its intricate carvings. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance showcasing Cambodian folk culture.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore a 12th century temple
DAY12
Siem Reap
Close Day
Bid farewell
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, featuring Bayon Temple with its giant smiling stone faces, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later, prepare for your departure from Siem Reap.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Angkor Thom
FINAL THOUGHTS
Explore Vietnam and Cambodia on Mekong River cruise. Discover historic sites, local crafts, royal palaces, temples, and villages. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi tunnels, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and traditional Khmer dance.