Charms of the Mekong

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Charms of the Mekong

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Charms of the Mekong
Charms of the Mekong
Charms of the Mekong
New Release River Cruise
Our Price From
US$2,151
Save $1,344pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Ho Chi Minh City
 Cruise Finishes
Siem Reap
8 Day Charms of the Mekong Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Ho Chi Minh City
 Cruise Finishes
Siem Reap
8 Day Charms of the Mekong Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
Ship
AmaMaya +1
Departures
Passengers
124
Crew
52
Launched
2026
Cruise Code
UA
Ship
AmaMaya +1
Departures
Passengers
124
Crew
52
Launched
2026
Cruise Code
UA

Overview

Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl 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 read more artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong.
Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl 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 read more artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong.

Itinerary

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.

Excursions:

  • Transfer to My Tho
  • Welcome Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Local boat ride
  • Visit local workshops OR Local workshops and active walking tour to historic Kiet House
  • Local boat ride to Sa Dec
  • Visit to local market and temple

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.

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

Excursions:

  • Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops OR Trishaw ride to craftmen's workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island OR Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary*
  • Border Crossing from Vietnam to 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)

Excursions:

  • Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
  • Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

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)

Excursions:

  • Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
  • Tuk tuk tour

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)

Excursions:

  • Visit a Silk Village and local school

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 on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. Fusing the Old-World with the “new,” this centuries-old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls, delighting guests with colorful depictions of the Buddha's life. Alternatively, visit the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (the male and female mountains). Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Walking tour
  • Wat Nokor OR Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei “Twin Mountains” visit

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.

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.

Excursions:

  • Transfer to My Tho
  • Welcome Dinner

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)

Excursions:

  • Local boat ride
  • Visit local workshops OR Local workshops and active walking tour to historic Kiet House
  • Local boat ride to Sa Dec
  • Visit to local market and temple

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.

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

Excursions:

  • Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops OR Trishaw ride to craftmen's workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island OR Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary*
  • Border Crossing from Vietnam to 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)

Excursions:

  • Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
  • Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

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)

Excursions:

  • Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
  • Tuk tuk tour

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)

Excursions:

  • Visit a Silk Village and local school

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 on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. Fusing the Old-World with the “new,” this centuries-old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls, delighting guests with colorful depictions of the Buddha's life. Alternatively, visit the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (the male and female mountains). Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Walking tour
  • Wat Nokor OR Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei “Twin Mountains” visit

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.

Life Onboard AmaMaya

AmaMaya
AmaMaya

Launching in 2026, AmaMaya will offer a range of amenities including a sun-deck pool, fitness room, and massage services. Enjoy local and Western cuisine with complimentary drinks, and engage with nightly entertainment in the Saigon Lounge. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call.

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony.

Regionally Inspired Cuisine
Regionally Inspired Cuisine

Savour regionally inspired cuisine as well as traditional favourites at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us.

Sun Deck Pool & Spa
Sun Deck Pool & Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, take a dip in our refreshing pool or treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a visit to one of three onboard spas.

Download Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart. more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

Sold Out
Sold Out
From $2,151
From $3,686
Monday 09 Feb 2026 09 Feb 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 16 Feb 2026 16 Feb 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,281
Save $168
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 09 Mar 2026 09 Mar 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 16 Mar 2026 16 Mar 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,281
Save $168
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 17 Aug 2026 17 Aug 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,888
Save $860
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 24 Aug 2026 24 Aug 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,984
Save $864
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 07 Sep 2026 07 Sep 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,320
Save $628
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 21 Sep 2026 21 Sep 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 28 Sep 2026 28 Sep 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,040
Save $408
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 05 Oct 2026 05 Oct 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 12 Oct 2026 12 Oct 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,280
Save $168
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 19 Oct 2026 19 Oct 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 26 Oct 2026 26 Oct 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,376
Save $172
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 02 Nov 2026 02 Nov 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 09 Nov 2026 09 Nov 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,473
Save $176
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 30 Nov 2026 30 Nov 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 07 Dec 2026 07 Dec 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,952
Save $196
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 14 Dec 2026 14 Dec 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 21 Dec 2026 21 Dec 26 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,560
Save $888
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 28 Dec 2026 28 Dec 26 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 04 Jan 2027 04 Jan 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$5,144
Save $204
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 11 Jan 2027 11 Jan 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 18 Jan 2027 18 Jan 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,694
Save $184
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 25 Jan 2027 25 Jan 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 01 Feb 2027 01 Feb 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,790
Save $188
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 01 Feb 2027 01 Feb 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 08 Feb 2027 08 Feb 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,694
Save $184
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 08 Feb 2027 08 Feb 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 15 Feb 2027 15 Feb 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,598
Save $180
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 01 Mar 2027 01 Mar 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 08 Mar 2027 08 Mar 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,406
Save $172
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 08 Mar 2027 08 Mar 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 15 Mar 2027 15 Mar 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,070
Save $408
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 15 Mar 2027 15 Mar 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 22 Mar 2027 22 Mar 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,783
Save $396
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 22 Mar 2027 22 Mar 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 29 Mar 2027 29 Mar 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,022
Save $156
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 29 Mar 2027 29 Mar 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 05 Apr 2027 05 Apr 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,598
Save $180
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 05 Apr 2027 05 Apr 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 12 Apr 2027 12 Apr 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,350
Save $628
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 12 Apr 2027 12 Apr 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,254
Save $624
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 26 Apr 2027 26 Apr 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,406
Save $172
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 02 Aug 2027 02 Aug 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 09 Aug 2027 09 Aug 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,438
Save $1,340
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 09 Aug 2027 09 Aug 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 16 Aug 2027 16 Aug 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaDara
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,534
Save $1,344
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 16 Aug 2027 16 Aug 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 23 Aug 2027 23 Aug 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,870
Save $1,108
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 30 Aug 2027 30 Aug 27 Ho Chi Minh City
Monday 06 Sep 2027 06 Sep 27 Siem Reap
Details
AmaMaya
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$2,151
Save $1,328
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar River Cruises

8 Day Riches of the Mekong (AmaWaterways)

8 Days Siem Reap Ho Chi Minh City

Operated By: AmaWaterways

From 1,959
Save 1,328
13 Day Riches of the Mekong with Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (AmaWaterways)

13 Days Siem Reap Ho Chi Minh City

Operated By: AmaWaterways

From 4,567
Save 204
12 Day Charms of the Mekong with Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap (AmaWaterways)

12 Days Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap

Operated By: AmaWaterways

From 5,335
Save 212
11 Day Riches of the Mekong with Siem Reap (AmaWaterways)

11 Days Siem Reap Ho Chi Minh City

Operated By: AmaWaterways

From 4,184
Save 188