Experience the charms of the Mekong in 2024

18 September 2023

Flowing past flourishing forests, lush green hills and the colourful stilted houses of Vietnam and Cambodia, the Mekong is one of the most atmospheric river trips you can make – and AmaWaterways is one of the best ways to make it.

This multi-award-winning, family-run company now celebrating more than 21 years on the world’s rivers stands out to us for its incredible hospitality and its innovation. This was the first river cruise line to introduce twin-balcony staterooms, a fleet of complimentary bikes, a fleetwide wellness programme and The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant. It’s also a sustainability-focused cruise line, with many of its ships Green Award certificated for their industry-leading safety, quality and environmental performance.

We’ve looked at what to expect from a Mekong river cruise with AmaWaterways and why you should book this epic adventure for 2024.

Charms of the Mekong

This fantastic river cruise onboard the stunning AmaDara is available with various exciting permutations of pre and post cruise land touring, all of which combine a 7-night Mekong river cruise with land adventures that also allow you to take in more of the iconic sites of this fascinating region. Discover as Angkor Wat –the world’s biggest temple complex, Ha Long Bay and Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Following a 2-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, you will start your journey to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Setting out from the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, take in old and new as you sail along the Mekong River. Timeless traditions passed down through the centuries will give you glimpses into other eras, and you’ll get to see rural villages, busy markets and historic pagodas. There’ll also be unique immersive experiences such as a special blessing by monks in a Buddhist monastery, and the chance to watch artisans create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies.

This insightful itinerary embraces an extensive line-up of included tours to choose from, with highlights such as an active walking tour to historic Kiet House, a local boat ride to Sa Dec, a trishaw ride to craftsmen’s workshops, and a visit to Tram Chim National Park. In Phnom Penh you can opt to explore the Royal Palace and National Museum, the Royal Palace and Central Market, or the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum. In Oudong you can enjoy an oxcart ride, and there’s a brilliant opportunity to see the Oknha Tey silk village and a local school.

And there are also immersive experiences on board, including Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. Your vessel is the AmaDara with its spacious staterooms and suites, all with private twin balconies, two stylish restaurants, three spas, a fitness room, and the Sun Deck swimming pool.

Choose from the following itineraries, all of which include a 7-night Mekong river cruise with various pre and post cruise options:

Seven-night cruise with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City pre-cruise and two nights in Siem Reap, two nights in Hanoi, one night in Ha Long Bay, and one night in Hanoi post-cruise
Seven-night cruise with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City pre-cruise
Seven-night cruise with two nights Siem Reap post-cruise
Seven-night cruise with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City pre-cruise and two nights in Siem Reap post-cruise.

To book your next cruise with AmaWaterways, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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