2026 Mekong River Cruise with Larry Gelwix

8 Days

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.

Renew Your Faith Through Sacred History!

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

Highlights

  • Hosted by Larry Gelwix for the whole tour along with local guides
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary

Itinerary

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.  

Cost Includes

  • 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)

Cost Excludes

  • 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

About Larry Gelwix

I am probably best known as the “Getaway Guru®” and host of the “Travel Show” radio broadcast on several radio stations. The weekly two-hour radio show highlights the best travel deals, lowest airline and cruise fares, and takes call-in questions from listeners. I also provide a travel segment that is broadcast on several TV stations. All across the country and overseas, I address groups on the dynamics of the travel industry as a motivational speaker.

My professional travel career includes CEO of an airline, member of car rental, airline, and cruise line national advisory boards, co-owner and Executive Vice President of Morris Travel, and published travel writer of books and travel-related articles.

I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Communications. My wife Cathy and I have five children and reside in Salt Lake City.

Pricing Information

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

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

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information