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Charms of the Mekong | AmaWaterways
  Varies pp

  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Destinations: Cambodia, Vietnam

January - December 2025 - 2027 | AmaWaterways:

Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Peal of the Orient,” offers a vibrant mix of old and new and provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life­ enriching cruise along the Mekong.

Call to Book 800-829-5448
Included With Your Trip

AAA Exclusive Benefits on select sailings:

7, 10 & 11-NIGHT CRUISES:

• Up to $500 per stateroom discount

• Up to $150 per stateroom onboard credit

PLUS A WELCOME GIFT

• Asia & Africa—$50 per stateroom onboard credit

Additional Information

Day 1 - HO CHI MINH CITY, MY THO 

Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City 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. 

* All cruise-only guests should meet 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 - SA DEC CAI BE

Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, as well as the historic Kiet Old House. 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. You will visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, on which her prize­winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on.

Day 3 - 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 silk­ making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. 

Day 4 - PHNOM PENH 

This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow­ colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you will explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. 

 Day 5 - OUDONG ­KAMPONG­TRALACH ­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. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree­lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian  

Day 6 - 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 traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. 

Day 7 - ANKGOR BAN ­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 via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. 

*Based on seasonality, the port of Angkor Ban may be inaccessible from August ­- September. During this time, Wat Hanchey will replace Angkor Ban as the port of call. 

Day 8 - KAMPONG CHAM ­SIEM REAP 

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. 

 *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 5:30pm today to avoid potential missed connections.


Bangkok Extensions

The capital and most populous city in Thailand, Bangkok is a fascinating center of commerce and culture. During your unforgettable Bangkok land program, you’ll discover architectural riches from the Grand Palace to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, cruise along the city’s famed canals and enjoy leisure time to explore incredible museums or shop for distinctive souvenirs in its colorful markets.

Pre Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 1: BangkokHotel Check-in
DAY 2: BangkokVisit Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha
DAY 3: BangkokKhlong Tour and Temple of the Dawn
DAY 4: BangkokDepart Bangkok

Post Hanoi

DAY 1: BangkokHotel Check-in
DAY 2: BangkokVisit Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha
DAY 3: BangkokKhlong Tour and Temple of the Dawn
DAY 4: BangkokDepart Bangkok

Departure Dates
Start: January 6, 2025
End: December 31, 2026
Price: Varies pp


Price My Trip
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-AMA

Please refer to vendor brochure or their website for general information, itineraries and all terms, conditions and responsibility statements. Wi-Fi access may be limited. Applicable AAA benefits apply to first two passengers, are non-transferable, have no cash value if not used, and may not be applied to purchase. Gov’t misc fees/taxes and travel insurance not included. Restrictions and limitations apply. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 AAA Vacations valid on new FIT cruise bookings made from October 1, 2021 through sailing date on the select 2022 AAA Vacations® Amenity dates listed. Offer does not apply to Groups. AAA Vacations® Amenity offer is combinable with AAA Member Benefits and with current promotional offers available at the time of booking. *AAA Vacations® Amenity offer of up to $800 per stateroom savings is already inclusive of AAA Member Benefits for 14-night Europe cruises, based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). 7-, 10- & 11-night cruises receive $500 savings per stateroom based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). Onboard credit is $150 per stateroom on 7-, 10- & 11-night cruises and $300 per stateroom on 14-night Europe cruises, based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). AAA advisor must request the AAA Vacations® amenities at the time of booking. Cruise must be booked through AAA Travel in order to receive AAA Vacations® Amenities and AAA Member Benefits. Stateroom category upgrades, land programs, roundtrip airfare, gratuities and port charges are additional. Availability is limited on each cruise and the offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.