2025 will mark 25 incredible years in the travel industry for me, and 5 fantastic years of running my own business, Travels By Yvonne!

To celebrate these milestones, I have decided to fulfill a long-time dream of mine by exploring the majestic Mekong River. This journey is so special to me that I've decided that I want to share the experience with YOU for an intimate experience with a small group of like-minded adventurers.

RICHES OF THE MEKONG (from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Date: Sep 15th - 22nd 2025
Cruise along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life. Visit rural villages, colorful markets and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing by monks. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.

Your home for the week - the AmaDara

This distinctive ship is in a class of her own! AmaWaterways’ sole cruise ship on the Mekong River, AmaDara features French Colonial décor and richly carved wood furniture inspired by the history of the region, as well as local artifacts made by native craftsmen. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, all featuring twin balconies that invite the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia inside. On board, AmaDara caters to your every whim, with massage rooms, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and sun-deck pool. Her stunning Saigon Lounge provides respite by day and unites guests over intriguing local entertainment by night. Savor authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or dine at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant; and throughout your cruise, be treated to unlimited complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks throughout your cruise.

• All outside staterooms with twin balconies (251 – 502 sq. ft.)
• Sitting area ideal for admiring incredible scenery
• Individually controlled air conditioning
• Writing desk, bathrobes, slippers, mini bar, satellite TV, safe and phone for use on board
• Spacious suites with substantial sitting area, spacious bathroom with shower and separate tub, generous private balcony 

What's not included:

1. International Airfare to and from Southeast Asia 
2. Gratuities for the staff
3. Travel insurance
4. Any items of purely personal nature such as laundry and telephone calls

Itinerary:

DAY 1
SIEM REAP – KAMPONG CHAM, CAMBODIA – EMBARKATION

Transfer from Siem Reap to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Your afternoon excursion takes you 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. As the story goes, the women lit a fire at night, which made the men believe the sun was rising. As a result, the men stopped working and the women won the competition. Thus, men still need to ask the women's parents for permission and Phnom Srei is higher than Phnom Pros. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (L,D)

 

DAY 2
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. (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.

 

DAY 3
OUDONG - KAMPONG TRALACH - PHNOM PENH

Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. 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. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village Kampong Tralach. 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. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 4
PHNOM PENH

This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After lunch on board, you’ll explore the highlights of the city, 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. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 5
BORDER CROSSING – TAN CHAU, VIETNAM

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

 

 

DAY 6
TAN CHAU - SA DEC

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. This region thrives in 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. Glide by sampan through this diverse ecosystem that includes more than 70 species of birds, including the painted stork and oriental darter. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. (B,L,D)

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

 

DAY 7
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. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 8
DISEMBARKATION – MY THO – HO CHI MINH CITY

Your cruise concludes in My Tho Port, where you’ll disembark and transfer via motorcoach from My Tho Port to Ho Chi Minh city. (B)

Cancellation policy: