2026 AMA Mekong River Cruise with Larry Gelwix

Dates November 9-16, 2026
Destination Siem Reap, Cambodia; Cambodia; Angkor Ban, Cambodia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Oudong, Cambodia; Vietnam; Tan Chau, Vietnam; Sa Dec, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh
Duration 8 days 7 nights
Price From 2,999
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Religious Focus:

Sightseeing:

Activity Level:

Walking Level:


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 WangsgardTour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Email Sarah

Tour ID #9226K09

Optional Pre-Tour with AmaWaterways: 3-night Siem Reap Package

Double Occupancy: $989 per person

Single Occupancy: $1489 for private room 

Highlights include: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei temples, and Angkor Wat

Day 1: Friday, November 6, 2026 Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. Transfer from airport to hotel not included (call for pricing) Meals: In-flight

Day 2: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Siem Reap, Cambodia

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. (B,D)

Day 3: Sunday, November 8th, 2026 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Discover the heart and soul of Cambodia and the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, Angkor Wat. This is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. (B,D)

Day 4: Monday, November 9th, 2026 Siem Reap – Kampong Cham- Embarkation AmaDara CHAM EMBARKATION

Transfer via motor coach to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven nights cruise. Board a 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. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)

MAIN CRUISE
Day 1: Monday, November 9, 2026
Day 1: Monday, 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: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Day 2: Tuesday, 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: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Day 3: Wednesday, 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: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Day 4: Thursday, 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: Friday, November 13, 2026
Day 5: Friday, 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: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Day 6: Saturday, 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: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Day 7: Sunday, 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: Monday, November 16, 2026
Day 8: Monday, 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
Optional Post-Tour: 2-night Ho Chi Minh-Saigon Package

Double Occupancy: $399 per person

Single Occupancy: $598 for private room 

Highlights include: Reunification Palace, French Colonialera Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 11: Monday, November 16, 2026 Disembarkation – Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, we disembark at My Tho Pier and transfer by coach to Saigon. Lunch is on your own today. Our sightseeing begins in the city center with a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, this iconic landmark secured its place in history on April 30, 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rolled through its gates, marking the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. Today, the palace functions as a museum, featuring preserved meeting rooms, war command areas, and an underground communications center. We then take a short walk to the city’s striking French colonial–era Central Post Office. Nearby stands the Hôtel de Ville de Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City Hall, one of the city’s most prominent architectural landmarks. From the Post Office, you’ll easily spot Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s government district. Dating back to the late 19th century, this romantic church is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Please note that interior visits are not currently possible, as the cathedral has been under renovation since July 2017. Next, we visit the War Remnants Museum, which focuses primarily on the Vietnam War and features exhibits from the French colonial period and the First Indochina War. Our final stop is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. Filled with the rich scent of incense and adorned with ornate carvings and striking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the city’s most atmospheric places of worship. (B)

Day 12: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi tunnels

This morning, meet your local guide and depart the city for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Closely associated with the Vietnam War, this remarkable underground network stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people. Construction of the tunnels began in the 1940s during the conflict with the French and continued to expand over the following 25 years as the war with the United States intensified. What started as simple passages evolved into an extensive underground city, complete with living quarters, meeting rooms, storage facilities, and command centers. At their peak, the tunnels stretched over 200 kilometers, extending from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border, allowing the Viet Cong to maintain control over a strategically vital region of South Vietnam. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are preserved as a memorial park, with two sections open to visitors. At the Ben Dinh site, guests have the opportunity to descend below ground and explore portions of the tunnels firsthand. Those seeking a more adventurous experience may venture deeper, with guidance from your local expert regarding difficulty levels. Above ground, the site also offers informative displays and historical insights. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended, and visitors choosing to enter the tunnels should expect to get a little dusty. Return to Saigon for lunch at your own arrangement. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to further explore the city at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 13: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Saigon 

Airport Today, we transfer to Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight home, taking with you memories to last a lifetime. (B)


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 

Optional Pre-Tour with AmaWaterways - 3 Night Siem Reap Package:

  • Double occupancy: $989 per person 
  • Single occupancy: $1489 for private room 
  • Highlights include: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei temples and Angkor Wat 

Optional Post-Tour - 2-night Ho Chi Minh-Saigon Package:

  • Double occupancy: $399 per person 
  • Single occupancy: $759 for private room 
  • Highlights include: Reunification Palace, French Colonialera Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Cu Chi tunnels 

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