Riches of the Mekong with Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer via motorcoach from Siem Reap to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (L/D)

*Guests should meet us at Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap at 8:00 am on Embarkation day to join the transfer to the ship in Kampong Cham. We recommend that you fly into Siem Reap at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.

Excursions:

• Transfer to Kampong Cham
• Welcome dinner

During the morning, go on a walking tour to 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 on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you'll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your ship moors in Oknhatey village. (B/L/D)

*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.

Excursions:

• Walking tour
• Visit Silk Village and local elementary school

Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This morning's excursion takes you to the highlights of Phnom Penh, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the 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 your visit to the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, prepare for a moving visit 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)

Excursions:

• Cruise to Phnom Penh
• Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
• Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

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. 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Walking tour and Buddhist blessing ceremony OR Active walking tour of the Oudong hilltop
• Tuk tuk orientation tour OR Tuk tuk orientation tour with active walking tour to Wat Phnom

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Border Crossing from Cambodia to Vietnam *You will need this information for your visa applications: Exit point from Cambodia: Phnom Penh Entry Point to Vietnam: Vinh Xuong

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. (B/L/D)

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

Excursions:

• Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops OR Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island OR Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary*

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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Local boat ride to Sa Dec
• Visit local market and Cao Dai Temple
• Visit local workshops
• Or visit local workshops and an active walking tour to historic Kiet Old House

Disembark the AmaDara in My Tho Port and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam's former capital of Indochina was once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” and today, it is an industrial, cultural and educational hub. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum before visiting the Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. (B/L)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
• City Tour

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

Excursions:

• Cu Chi Tunnels

Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)