Join me as we Discover the Timeless Wonders of the Mekong River with me and my wife, Cathy, and I will be your personal hosts.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam, where life moves at a graceful pace and the spirit of tradition thrives. Cruise past lush countryside landscapes and explore charming rural villages, bustling markets, and serene monasteries. Receive a heartfelt Buddhist blessing from local monks and uncover the rich history of Cambodia at the Royal Palace and National Museums in Phnom Penh. Along the way, marvel at the artistry of skilled craftsmen, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy authentic cultural experiences, from oxcart rides to tuk-tuks and trishaws. This transformative voyage brings the vibrant shores of the Mekong to life, offering a deeper connection to its people, history, and timeless beauty.
Group cruising offers a unique blend of camaraderie and convenience, making it the perfect way to explore the Mekong River. With every detail expertly planned, you can relax and immerse yourself in the journey while enjoying the company of fellow travelers who share your passion for adventure. Group cruising also provides exclusive access to curated experiences, local guides, and shared moments that create lasting memories. Whether you're discovering hidden gems, dining together on regional specialties, or sharing stories under the starlit sky, the bonds formed on a group cruise turn every moment into something extraordinary.
*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, your days will be full touring walking 2-4 miles a day usually. Please be sure you notify us of any physical limitations you might have at booking.
To book this cruise contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Email Sarah
Tour ID #9226K09
Day 1: Sunday, November 9, 2026
EMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM, CAMBODIA
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.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Monday, November 10, 2026
ANGKOR BAN - OKNHATEY
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday, November 11, 2026
PHNOM PENH
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wednesday, November 12, 2026
PHNOM PENH - OUDONG
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Thursday, November 13, 2026
BORDER CROSSING – TAN CHAU, VIETNAM
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday, November 14, 2026
TAN CHAU
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, November 15, 2026
SA DEC - CAI BE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sunday, November 16, 2026
HO CHI MINH CITY - DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise concludes in My Tho Port, where you’ll disembark. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights of the Tour:
- The Getaway Guru®, Larry Gelwix will be your personal cruise host for the whole trip along with expert local guides
- Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 60+ years of experience!! Yes, IT MATTERS!
- Cruise on the beautiful AMA Dara River Ship
All This Is Included:
- 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom on the AMA Dara
- All meals on board and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation for included tours
- Licensed Local guides at each port
- Experienced Tour host, Larry Gelwix
- Room steward & twice-daily housekeeping service
- Hotel-style bed with the optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
- 40" flat-screen LCD TV & complimentary movies on Demand
- Refrigerator, security safe, hair dryer
- 110/220-volt outlets & USB port
- Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors
- Glass-enclosed shower
- Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)
Not Included:
- Government taxes and fees $250.00
- Airfare from your home city
- Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Items of a personal nature (e.g. phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
- Travel insurance
Optional Pricing:
- Category C (French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 251 sq. ft.) $2,999 per person based on a double cabin
- Category B (French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 251 sq. ft.) $3,549 per person based on a double cabin
- Category A (French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 251 sq. ft.) $3,879 per person based on a double cabin
- Category S (Suite - 366 sq. ft.) $4,369 per person based on a double cabin
- Category SL (Luxury Suite - 502 sq. ft) $5,359 per person based on a double cabin
Payment Terms:
- $500 per person deposit at the time of booking - Deposit and all payments are non-refundable
- Final Payment due on July 20th, 2026
- Read our Terms & Conditions
Charter Cancellation Policy:
- All payments are non-refundable!!
- If the cancellation comes prior to final payment, if you resell your cabin to a friend and a name change is allowed, we will refund the deposit amount once paid in full
- Or, once the charter is fully booked, if we can resell your cabin for you a refund will be allowed of your deposit
