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Highlights
Highlights
- Two lively cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, provide the perfect start and end to your incredible journey
- Cruise along the Mekong River, visiting rural villages, historic pagodas, and colorful markets where you'll soak up the true culture of Vietnam and Cambodia
- Experience Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and other key sights on a Tuk tuk tour
- Sail the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Receive a special blessing by monks at a Buddhist monastery
- Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies
- Oxcart ride through a local Cambodian village
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit a local school and Silk Village
Inclusions
Inclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PROGRAM
INCLUDED IN THE AMA WATERWAYS CRUISE
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Flat-panel screen that features in-house movies
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Sun deck with pool
- Fitness room and three spas
- Saigon Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- Unlimited wine with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary local beer, house-brand spirits and soft drinks during cruise
- Snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Itinerary
Itinerary
JANUARY 30, 2025: DEPART US (CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE)
Depart your hometown and take international flight to Vietnam (not included). Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
FEBRUARY 1, 2025: HO CHI MINH CITY
Check in to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam’s former capital. Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub.
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
FEBRUARY 2, 2025: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR | CU CHI TUNNELS
Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts blending old and new, and east and west. In the morning, explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, visit Cu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. (Breakfast, Lunch)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
FEBRUARY 3, 2023: BEN THANH MARKET | MY THO | EMBARKATION
In the morning, visit Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your river cruise and meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 4, 2025: CAI BE | SA DEC
Take a local boat to Cai Be. 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 House followed by a visit to candy and rice paper workshops. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. You will visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 5, 2023: TAN CHAU | BORDER CROSSING
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.” Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 6, 2025: PHONM PEN, CAMBODIA
This morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and 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 you visit to Royal Palace. After lunch on board, the excursion takes you 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 7, 2025: BUDDHIST BLESSING CEREMONY | OXCART RIDE | TUK TUK TOUR
Visit 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. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 8, 2025: OKNHATEY | VISIT SILK VILLAGE AND A LOCAL SCHOOL | ANGKOR BAN
In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is the “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you will visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 9, 2025 : ANKGOR BAN WALKING TOUR | KAMPONG CHAM
Go on a walking tour of 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 sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. Fusing the Old-World with the “new,” this centuries-old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls inside which you will delight in the colorful depictions of Buddha’s life. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: AmaDara ship
FEBRUARY 10, 2025: DISEMBARKATION | SIEM REAP
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. You’ll visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of the Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation. Check in to your hotel in Siem Reap. (Breakfast, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (or similar)
FEBRUARY 11, 2025: ANGKOR WAT | BANTEAY SREI
Begin your morning exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. During the evening, be treated to a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (Breakfast, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (or similar)
FEBRUARY 12, 2025: ANGKOR THOM | FLIGHT TO HANOI
After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of Angkor Thom meaning “the great city” and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. 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. Later in the day, take a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Check in to your hotel in Hanoi. (Breakfast)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Legend Metropole (or similar)
FEBRUARY 13, 2025: HANOI CITY TOUR AND RICKSHAW RIDE | WATER PUPPET SHOW
From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including The Temple of Literature and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as a “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show. (Breakfast)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Legend Metropole (or similar)
FEBRUARY 14, 2025: HA LONG BAY | OVERNIGHT CRUISE
Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
OVERNIGHT: Overnight stay on board an elegantly appointed ship in Ha Long Bay
FEBRUARY 15, 2025: HA LONG BAY | HANOI
Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with more than 2,000 small islands rising from the water like a dragon’s back. Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer back to Hanoi where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Legend Metropole (or similar)
FEBRUARY 16, 2025: HANOI | RETURN FLIGHT HOME
Bid farewell to Vietnam and prepare for your homeward flight. (Breakfast)
Staterooms A & B
CATEGORY A, B. and C STATEROOM FEATURES
- French & Outside Balcony, 251 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
- Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
- Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
- Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
PRICING:
$5,791.90 per person double occupancy for category C (on Main Deck)
$6,456.90 per person double occupancy for category B (on Main Deck)
$6,771.70 per person double occupancy for category A (on Upper Deck)
Suite
SUITE FEATURES
- French & Outside Balcony, 366 sq. ft.
- Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
- Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
- Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
- Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
PRICING:
$7,216.90 per person double occupancy for Suite
Luxury Suite
Luxury Suite Features
- French & Outside Balcony, 502 sq. ft.
- In-room temperature control
- Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
- Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
- Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
- Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
PRICING:
$8,547.50 per person double occupancy for Luxury Suite
Ship - AMADara
Highlights
- Award-Winning Cuisine
- Mekong Restaurant
- Chef's Table
- Saigon Lounge
- Sun-Deck Pool
- Onboard Spa
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
Ship Deck Plan
The AmaDara, sailing the Mekong River with 124 passengers.
The 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, most 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.
FAQ
What do we need to do to reserve this trip?
Call us at 678-824-5030, or email at travel@recess4grownups.com. We'll need to know your preferred stateroom category and your passport details to make your reservation. For your passport, the easiest thing to do is to use your phone to take a picture of the information page of your passport (the page with your picture, passport number, expiration date, etc), and then forward the passport image to passports@recess4grownups.com.
We'll put a stateroom on hold for your review, and once you okay everything, we'll need a credit card to make a $400 per person deposit, $200 per person is non-refundable. Final payment date for your remaining balance is November 5, 2024.
Do we need a visa?
Yes, you will need a Multi entry visa for Vietnam and Single entry visa for Cambodia. We will advise you of the proper process at the appropriate time to apply for the visas. Also, you need 4 empty visa labeled pages in your passport, and your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after the scheduled return date to your home country.
What about international flights?
International flight schedules from the US to Vietnam will be published by the airlines in late March 2024. The costs of international flights are not included in the trip cost. We'll assist you with looking at the flight options that best fit your preferences.