Charms of the Mekong

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – MY THO – EMBARKATION. Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your 7-night river cruise and then meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (L,D)

* 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.

Located in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, My Tho is a vibrant city famed for its floating markets. Blending traditional Vietnam with the tranquillity of the delta, My Tho invites visitors to meander along the waterways, explore local villages and savour the unique flavours of Mekong Delta cuisine.

CAI BE – SA DEC. Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or you may also choose to add an active walking tour to the historic Kiet House followed by a visit to candy and rice paper workshops. 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, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. (B,L,D)

Sa Déc is a charming town situated in the heart of the Mekong Delta, renowned for its intricate French colonial architecture and stunning flower gardens. Beyond its bustling markets and traditional wooden houses, Sa Déc is also famed for its feature in Marguerite Duras' novel "The Lover," giving the town a literary touch to compliment its cultural richness.

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 “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 to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative, explore the stunning Mekong Delta on an intimate 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, water lilies and a carpet of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

*Please Note: Tra Su Forest visit is capacity controlled.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. This morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and 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 to Royal Palace. After lunch on board, the excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)

OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH – 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. 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 amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. (B,L,D)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

OKNHATEY - ANGKOR BAN. 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 the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)

Kampong Cham, the capital city of Cambodia's Kampong Cham Province, is a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history and serene landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Mekong river, visitors to Kampong Cham can explore the nearby Wat Nokor temple and immerse themselves into local life and culture.

Siem Reap, in the northwest Cambodia, is a major tourist hub in the country. Once the seat of power for the Khmer Empire, the name of the city translates to Siamese defeated - a reference to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century. Siem Reap is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor, and its provincial capital sits on the shores of the Tonle Sap lake, making it the most popular tourist destination for those exploring Cambodia.

DISEMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM – SIEM REAP. Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. (B)

*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.

-

Savour authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant.

-

Dine at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen becomes part of the entertainment. Watch as the chef prepares a special, multi-course meal right in front of you and indulge in delectable dishes paired with hand-selected unlimited fine wines. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience.

-

Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The morning excursion takes you to 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. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village Kampong Tralach. 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 amidst monumental Angkorian architecture, or continue your visit to Wat Phnom, a famous landmark of Phnom Penh. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge.

-

Begin your morning exploration of the Angkor temple complex at Angkor Thom, meaning “the great city." This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. You’ll then visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries. Afternoon excursions take you to the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, meaning “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. Cap this memorable day off with a special “Apsara Dance Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers.

-

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 to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative, explore the stunning Mekong Delta on an intimate 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, water lilies and a carpet of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec

-

Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or you may also 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.

-

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam.

-

Meet fellow travellers in Saigon Lounge, enjoy a drink at the bar or soak in the passing scenery. The ship features convenient interior access as well as air conditioning in hallways, restaurants and lounges.

-

Daily entertainment including cultural performances.

-

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on holiday? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

-

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool on your way to the next exotic stop on your cruise.

-

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a visit to one of three onboard spas.

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a king-sized bed
  
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
  
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
  
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a king-sized bed
  
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
  
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
  
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a king-sized bed
  
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
  
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
  
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

-

Stateroom Features:

• In-room temperature control
  
• Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
  
• Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a king-sized bed
  
• Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
  
• Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
  
• Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily