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Charms of the Mekong

Experience the history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia with the Charms of the Mekong Cruise. Explore sites of great historic importance, learn of the traditions present in the facets of your every destination, be enchanted by the many beauties nature has to offer.

4.4
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from 379 reviews
  • Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
  • Ship: AmaDara
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: Aug - Dec & Jan - Apr & Aug - Dec
£2,102pp
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Charms of the Mekong Cruise Itinerary

This 7-night luxury cruise will sail you through the most scenic spots of the Mekong River, as well as the many wonders that dwell there and beyond: visit Oknhatey Village and discover the tradition of silk weaving, or perhaps discover the fragments of time itself nestled within the National Museum of Cambodia.

Day 1

Ho Chi Minh City / My Tho

Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the AmaDara via motorcoach at My Tho Port for your Charms of the Mekong Cruise. Then, meet your fellow passengers at a Welcome Dinner as your ship sails to Cai Be.

* All cruise only guests should meet us at Sofitel Saigon Plaza at 11:30am in Ho Chi Minh City on Embarkation day to join the transfer to the ship in My Tho Port. We recommend that you fly into Ho Chi Minh at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.

Day 2

Cai Be / Sa Dec

Enjoy a local boat ride to Cai Be. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of the locals by visiting workshops where rice paper and candy are made. You can also add a walking tour to the renowned Kiet House before embarking on a visit to the workshops.

Later, delight in a boat ride to the sprawling town of Sa Dec, after which you can visit the vibrant market and Cao Dai Temple, residence to the distinctive religion of Caodaism.

Day 3

Tan Chau / Border Crossing

Take a visit to the unsullied Mekong River town of Tan Chau, wherein you will be entreated to a traditional trishaw ride complete with stops at rattan mat and silk-making workshops. Alternatively, you may select the trishaw ride with visits to the workshops alongside an “Evergreen Island” walking tour.

Or, you can visit Tram Chim National Park*, home to an emporium of natural treasures – the rare and vulnerable sarus crane, for example – which you will get to explore by boat.

Later, sail from Vietnam to the Cambodian border on your way to Phnom Penh.

*Please Note: Tram Chim National Park visit is capacity controlled.
**You will need this information for your visa applications:
Exit Point from Vietnam: Son Tien Landport
Entry point to Cambodia: Koh Rokar

Day 4

Phnom Penh

In the morning, visit the resplendent Royal Palace and its extraordinary Silver Pagoda, alongside the National Museum. Or, treat yourself to a spot of shopping in the vibrant Central Market after your Royal Palace visit.

Following lunch, your excursion brings you to the Killing Fields of Cambodia, as well as the Khmer Rouge’s Tuol Sleng detention centre, now the Genocide Museum.

After re-boarding your ship, relax in the Saigon Lounge and take time to enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children.

Day 5

Oudong / Kampong Tralach / Phnom Penh

During your visit to Oudong, be entreated to a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery, which you can explore. Or, engage in a walking tour and bask in the idyllic scenery of the Oudong plain.

Enjoy an oxcart ride through a local village in Kampong Tralach.

Later, experience the beauty of Phnom Penh with a tuk tuk tour and discover the many marvels of the city, including magnificent Angkorian and French Colonial architecture.

If you’re looking for a more active excursion, hike the Philosopher’s Path or participate in a guided bike tour to Ladenburg, a mediaeval town with architecture as fascinating as its history.

Day 6

Oknhatey Village

Cruise to Oknhatey Village and visit a local school to discover the traditional art of silk weaving.

Later, your ship will set sail for Angkor Ban.

Day 7

Angkor Ban / Kampong Cham

Embark on a walking tour of one of the few Cambodian villages left intact after the 1970s Khmer Rouge regime, Angkor Ban. Embrace the local traditions and architecture as you explore the charming village.

After your visit to Angkor Ban, your ship will cruise to Kampong Cham where you can embark on an afternoon excursion to Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, the Twin Mountains.

In the evening, partake in a delicious Farewell Dinner aboard the ship.

Day 8

Kampong Cham / Siem Reap

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

*Guests booking cruise only will be transferred from the ship to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 4:00pm today to avoid potential missed connections.

About The AmaDara

Complete with amenities to suit every passenger, the AmaDara is the sole Mekong River cruise ship under AmaWaterways. A vessel with such a title should provide only the best, and the AmaDara does just that. With twin balconies accompanying most suites, the AmaDara will be your guide to showing you the beauty not just within herself, but to the emporium of wonders you will see on your Charms of the Mekong Cruise, too.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Enjoy a spectrum of delicacies on-board the AmaDara with a choice of restaurants at your disposal. Indulge in your adventurous side with regional and local cuisine, or taste the comforts of home with an array of international and traditional meals. The world is your oyster – or cottage pie, or ossobuco – aboard the AmaDara, and with the Mekong Restaurant and The Chef’s Table at your service, there’s never a dull dish to be had.

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Accommodation

Magnificent staterooms ensure that you have space and luxury aplenty to truly relax and unwind during your cruise. Including twin balconies, a separate bath and shower, bathrobes and slippers and a flatscreen TV, you’ll never go without on the AmaDara.

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Health & Fitness

Get the full cruise experience with a dip in the sun-deck pool and a trip to the accompanying bar, or take to one of the three spas aboard the ship and be pampered after a long day of adventuring. Or, if indoor exercise is more your speed, try out the facilities of the fitness suite.

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Deck Plan

This luxury 3-deck vessel offers a variety of staterooms to suit your needs, as well as a plethora of amenities including the fitness suite, three spas, the Saigon Lounge and Bar, a gift shop, the sun-deck and pool, and a hair salon.

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Charms of the Mekong Deals

Experience the Charms of the Mekong with Crui.se

Brand Shape
  • 12

    Locations Visited

  • 1

    Luxury ship

  • 3

    Pre-cruise options

Charms of the Mekong

Immerse yourself in the rich cultures and traditions found along the Mekong River on the Charms of the Mekong Cruise by AmaWaterways. We’re taking bookings for 2023 and 2024

  • Aug - Dec & Jan - Apr & Aug - Dec
  • 7 Nights
£2,102pp

Charms of the Mekong Cruise Review

“Never have I been so enthralled by a cruise as I have with the Charms of the Mekong! I initially booked the cruise just as a holiday away but it ended up being so much more than that. The excursions showed me aspects of Cambodia and Vietnam I’d never even known existed, like Caodaism. Truly this cruise felt more like an experience than just a simple holiday. I will definitely be booking another adventure with AmaWaterways again.”

Allan Wright, Durham, County Durham

Charms of the Mekong FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

How many passengers will there be on the Charms of the Mekong Cruise?

The maximum number of people the AmaDara can carry is 124 passengers.

What should I pack for my cruise?

What you pack is entirely your choice: our only advice is that you check the weather conditions of your cruise’s destinations closer to the embarkation date to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for any expected and unexpected weather conditions.

Will we be visiting historical sites during the Charms of the Mekong Cruise?

If you choose to do so, yes. You can visit multiple sites of historical interest during the Charms of the Mekong Cruise, which will be listed on your itinerary.

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