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Writer's pictureDean Nelson, (he/him) CTC, LLD

7 Night Charms of the Mekong River

Updated: Jan 19, 2021

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Join us on the beautiful AmaDara October 28 - November 4th, 2019 sailing the enchanting Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Get pampered aboard the M/S AmaDara a South Asian inspired River cruise with all the comforts you need for this seven night journey. Book Now click here.



Itinerary

DAY 1 (EMBARKATION) - October 28th - Ho Chi Minh City

You will board the AmaDara at the My Tho Port where you will meet your fellow travellers at the Welcome Dinner as we sail to Cai Be, Vietnam.


DAY 2 - October 29th - Cai Be

Today we will take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper-making workshops and the 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 local market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour, whom her prize-winning novel, The Lover, is said to be based on.


DAY 3 - October 30th - Tan Chau

Today we will visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to get an authentic experience and take a traditional "xe-loi" 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." Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh.


DAY 4 - October 31st - Phnom Penh

This morning's excursion takes you to Cambodia's infamous Killing Fields and the the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention centre (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-coloured Central Market. After lunch on board the AmaDara, 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 - November 1st - Oudong

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. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion - an oxcart ride through a local village along the river bank. 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.


DAY 6 - November 2nd - 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 the traditional silk weaving of handicrafts. Later we sail on to Phnom Penh.


DAY 7 - November 3rd - Angkor Ban

Today we 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 AmaDara 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 the AmaDara.


DAY 8 (DISEMBARKATION) - November 4th - Kampong Cham

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and Motorcoach transfer to the Sofitel Siem Reap. Onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 5:30PM to avoid potential missed connections. Book Now Click here.

Ask about 2, 4, and 8 Night pre/post optional tours to Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay!



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