Mekong River Cruise

Mekong River

AmaWaterways has a Mekong river cruise that I recommend to my clients. On their website they have this to say about their cruise: The Mekong River winds its way through the rainforests, plains and rice fields of five Southeast Asian countries before meeting the South China Sea. In terms of length, it’s the 12th largest river in the world, but in terms of historic, cultural and ecological richness-the Mekong has no equal. The sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers and modern conflicts have unfolded along its banks. Through it all, the Mekong remains first and foremost a lifeline. Temples, trade routes and fishing villages in the river’s path are today untouched by time, just as the way of life they represent. And nowhere are the river’s riches more apparent than in the neighboring yet distinct countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.

They have 7 day river cruises that start in Kampong Cham (Siem Reap, Cambodia) and end in My Tho (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). 

Day 1: Embarkation. Transfer via motorcoach from Siem Reap to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham. Have a welcome dinner in the evening. 

Day 2: During the morning, go on a walking tour to Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed by 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 sails to Okhnhatey Village or "silk island", located on the lush banks of the Mekong river. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you'll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. 

Day 3: The cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This morning's excursion takes you to the highlights of Phnom Penh, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the 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 the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, prepare for a moving visit to Cambodia's infamous killing fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuoi Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. 

Day 4: The morning excursion takes you to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital from the 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. You may walk around Oudong's monastery or take an active walking tour to see panoramic views of the Oudong plain. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial Architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amongst monumental Angkorian architecture, or continue your visit to Wat Phnom, a famous landmark of Phnom Penh. 

Day 5: Spend the day cruising the Mekong river as the ship crosses the border into Vietnam.

Day 6: Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong river town unspoiled by tourism. Be treated to an authentic experience on a traditional "xe-loi" (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops. You may also choose the trishaw ride with visits to craftsmen's workshops, followed by an active walking tour 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, and water lilies. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec.

Day 7: Once ashore in Sa Dec, there are multiple tours visiting historic sites and museums which showcase blends of architectural styles and historical furniture. Visit a fascinating local market a colorful Cao Dai temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in southern Vietnam, a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Confucianism. In the afternoon, 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 Old house and cap the day off with a festive farewell dinner on board.

Day 8: Disembark My Tho port and motorcoach to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Nights in Ho Chi Minh city and Siem Reap may be added to this cruise pre or post cruise. Onboard activities include wellness programs (yoga, fitness classes, spa), entertainment (live music, trivia), regional culinary experiences (cooking demos), and relaxing amenities like pools and whirlpools, all designed to let you customize your adventure from active to relaxed.