AmaWaterways: a successful return to the Mekong

January 5, 2023

AmaWaterways, a luxury river company, is celebrating its successful return to the Mekong River with AmaDara, which resumed operations on the Mekong River in October 2022.

Vietnam and Cambodia are popular destinations, and it is possible to see the desire on the part of guests for authentic experiences in exotic destinations. Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, said she is excited to take guests to the Mekong, one of her favorite parts of the world, where the beauty of the places is surpassed only by the kindness of the people who live there.

Mekong Cruise

Return to the Mekong River includes 2 incredible itineraries with enriching excursions and experiences for guests in Cambodia and Vietnam: Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong.

Mekong river cruises

Making the experience on the Mekong a unique, life-changing experience for guests are the various services designed by AmaWaterways.

The company offers pre- and post-cruise service, on selected sailings, so it will be possible for some dates to extend the cruise experience with a Land Package for a full trip. Transfers between ship and hotel, luxury hotel stays, as well as specially curated guided tours are included in the package. Both itineraries can be combined with pre- or post-cruise packages with fascinating, must-see destinations such as the Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s most renowned location where a unique experience can be had aboard an elegant ship. Also available is an additional package with destination Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and fascinating center of commerce and culture.

Angkor Wat

Ha Long Bay

Bangkok

The itineraries along the Mekong River include visits to unique places such as rural villages, a monastery, Phnom Penh City, and Ho Chi Minh City. But let’s discover some of the highlights of the itinerary.

In Sa Déc guests can take a local boat to Cai Be where candy and rice paper making workshops can be visited, as well as the historic Kiet Old House. While in Sa Dec you can visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple and Mr. Huynh Thuy Le’s house.

Sa Dec Vietnam

Cai be Vietnam

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia‘s capital, you can explore the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, highlights of the city.

Phnom Penh Cambodia

In Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians, it is possible to witness a memorable Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery. In Kampong Tralach, on the other hand, it is possible to have an authentic experience by taking an ox-cart ride along a local village.

Oudong

Kampong Tralach

At Oknhatey Village, a silk island known for its rich tradition of silk weaving, you can visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving.

Oknhatey Village

Finally, onboard services that help make the Mekong River experience unique include:

The culinary experience: the on-board kitchen includes fresh and authentic foods, local specialties, cooking demonstrations and tastings. On-board chefs will cook local dishes, all while demonstrating how they are cooked, what the main ingredients are, and answering all guests’ curiosities. This is because AmaWaterways believes that cooking is an important part of the vacation, the best way to learn about a culture.

Food Mekong

The Wellness Program: a variety of activities have been made available on board such as the tea ceremony, thus a cruise suitable for tea enthusiasts, as well as stretching, meditation, yoga, and regionally inspired wellness activities.

Wellness Program

Entertainment: shows on board are organized with the participation of local artists, such as Cambodian dancers or Vietnamese musicians, so it is possible to watch performances with folk dances and listen to local music.

Entertainment

Accompanying guests along this unique journey, as mentioned above, is AmaDara, which offers spacious and luxurious accommodations. On board, guests can relax among massage rooms, fitness room, and a sun-deck pool, while also enjoying award-winning dining at the Mekong Restaurant or at the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, and sipping fine drinks in the Saigon Lounge with panoramic views.