Charms of the Mekong

On day 4 you will transfer to the port to board the luxury river cruise ship, AMA Dara. Sit down to a delicious welcome dinner with your fellow passengers as you begin cruising towards Cai Be.  

Travelling to Cai Be by local boat, you’ll have the chance to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, with the option to add an active walking tour to historic Kiet House as well. Later in the day, you’ll arrive to Sa Dec on the Mekong River delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth.  Here, the vibrant market and colourful Cao Dai Temple await.  

Enjoy a visit to the small town of Tan Chau, known for its silk production. An optional walking tour to ‘Evergreen Island’, where life has changed little over the years, offers a unique insight into the local area. Select sailings may offer an additional optional tour, travelling to Tram Chim National Park. A stunning 850-hectare biodiversity preserve, this pristine oasis is brimming with flora and fauna, which can be discovered whilst gliding along the inland waterways on a traditional sampan boat. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh.  

*Please Note: Tram Chim National Park visit is capacity controlled and available on select sailings only.

Start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention centre (Genocide Museum) is a sobering experience. Once back onboard, sit back and relax as local children perform traditional Khmer folk dancing for you. 

Today sees a visit to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866 and today an important pilgrimage site for Cambodians. Wander around Oudong’s monastery and experience a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony or opt for an active walking tour where panoramic views of the Oudong plain will reward you for the effort! In Kampong Tralach, an oxcart ride through a local village is a uniquely authentic experience. Later, there’s more time to discover all Phnom Penh has to offer on a tuk ride along tree-lined boulevards and past impressive French Colonial architecture.  

In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey, known as ‘Silk Island’, a beautiful island on the banks of the Mekong River. A visit to a weaving village gives you an insight into how traditional silk textiles are made, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Later, your cruise continues, sailing onward to Angkor Ban.    

Set off 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. Next, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where there is time for an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. End the day with a festive farewell dinner on board the ship, the perfect opportunity to relive the adventures of the last seven days with your fellow guests.      

*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. 

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you will disembark before being transferred to Siem Reap. Check into Anantara Angkor Resort, a luxurious all-suite property with an enviable location near the iconic site of Angkor Wat.   

Spend two days exploring vibrant Siem Reap. An included walking tour is an ideal introduction to the city, and a culinary tour allows you to discover some of the secrets of Khmer cuisine. On day 14 it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight back home.