Live Travel Webinar

Discover the Mekong with AmaWaterways

Journey through Vietnam and Cambodia on one of the world's most fascinating rivers and hear what the experience is really like from travelers who just returned from the Mekong.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 20265:00 PM PDT / ArizonaLive Online Webinar

A Very Different Kind of River Cruise

The Mekong Brings You Into the Heart of Vietnam and Cambodia

A Mekong River cruise is very different from the classic river-cruise experience in Europe. Here, the river is not simply the route between destinations — it is part of everyday life.

You travel past fishing boats, floating communities and farmland, step into small villages and local markets, meet artisans and families, and experience places that would be difficult to reach on a traditional land tour.

We recently experienced AmaWaterways' Charms of the Mekong aboard AmaDara, traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia ourselves. That firsthand experience will be a big part of our webinar.

We'll tell you what the trip is really like. Not just the itinerary on paper, but the pace of the days, the excursions, the ship, the cultural experiences, what surprised us and what we think travelers should know before they go.

Closer to Everyday Life

The Mekong takes you beyond the major cities into villages, markets and communities where the river still shapes daily life.

Immersive Days Ashore

Excursions focus on culture, history, food, temples, artisans and personal encounters rather than simply sightseeing from one landmark to another.

Much More Than the Cruise

AmaWaterways' land programs can expand the journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Bangkok and, on Riches, Central Vietnam.

Two Ways to Experience the River

Charms of the Mekong or Riches of the Mekong?

Both journeys spend seven nights exploring the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia. The biggest difference is the direction you travel and how you build the land program around the cruise.

Charms of the Mekong

Vietnam → Cambodia

The Journey Suzanne and Steve Just Sailed

Begin in Vietnam and journey upriver through the Mekong Delta, into Cambodia and toward Kampong Cham and the gateway to Siem Reap.

Begin your river experience in Vietnam
Explore the waterways and communities of the Mekong Delta
Experience Phnom Penh along the way
Continue through rural Cambodia toward the Angkor region

View Charms of the Mekong

Riches of the Mekong

Cambodia → Vietnam

Experience the Journey in Reverse

Start on the Cambodian side of the journey and follow the Mekong toward Phnom Penh, the Vietnam border and the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Begin the river journey in Cambodia
Explore villages, temples and traditional communities
Experience Phnom Penh before continuing south
Finish in Vietnam near Ho Chi Minh City

View Riches of the Mekong

Which direction is better? There really isn't a wrong answer. The best choice often depends on your preferred dates, ship and how you want to arrange the rest of your time in Southeast Asia.

What Does a 7-Night Mekong Cruise Cost?

AmaWaterways' current advertised starting fares give a useful benchmark, although actual pricing varies by date, ship, stateroom and promotion.

From $2,029 ppCharms of the Mekong · current advertised cruise-only starting fare

From $2,039 ppRiches of the Mekong · current advertised cruise-only starting fare

No window-only "river view" categoryAmaDara and AmaMaya are different from many European river ships: all staterooms and suites feature both a French balcony and an outside step-out balcony. Entry-level and higher-deck categories vary by location and fare, not by whether you get a balcony.

Published fares shown are current as of September 12, 2026, per person, USD, based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Current promotions are capacity controlled. Port charges are included; land programs and airfare are additional unless stated otherwise.

Fresh From Vietnam and Cambodia

Suzanne and Steve Just Got Back From This Exact Trip

We recently returned from AmaWaterways' Charms of the Mekong aboard AmaDara, and we are genuinely excited to share what this journey is really like with everyone joining us for the webinar.

More Than an Itinerary — We Experienced It Ourselves

We sailed through Vietnam and Cambodia, explored the Mekong Delta, visited villages and local communities, experienced Phnom Penh, and continued through Cambodia toward Siem Reap.

Along the way, we experienced AmaDara firsthand — the cabins, dining, service, excursions, daily schedule and the overall rhythm of traveling the Mekong by river.

During the webinar, we will share the things you simply cannot learn from a brochure: what surprised us, what stood out, what we loved and what we think travelers should know before making the trip.

What AmaDara Is Really Like

Our firsthand impressions of the ship, accommodations, dining, service and onboard atmosphere.

The Excursions

Which experiences stood out, how active the days felt and what to expect when exploring ashore.

The Pace of the Journey

What a typical day feels like and how the cruise balances cultural immersion with time aboard.

Our Practical Tips

The little things we learned along the way that can make your own Mekong journey easier and more enjoyable.

This is exactly why we're hosting the webinar. We came home with stories, photos, observations and plenty of practical advice — and we're looking forward to sharing all of it.

Join Us on Oct. 1

Curious About a Mekong River Cruise?

Have questions about AmaWaterways, the itineraries, extending your trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, or whether this journey is right for you? Send us an email — we're happy to share what we learned from experiencing the trip ourselves.

Email Suzanne & Steve

Your Home on the Mekong

Two Ships, One Remarkable Mekong Experience

AmaWaterways sails the Mekong aboard two intimate river ships: AmaDara and AmaMaya. Both are designed to bring you close to Vietnam and Cambodia while providing a comfortable place to relax between days of exploration.

AmaDara

The ship Suzanne and Steve just sailed

Our Firsthand Experience

AmaDara blends Southeast Asian artistry with French colonial influences and an intimate river-cruise atmosphere. This is the ship we recently called home while sailing Charms of the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia.

120Guests

60Staterooms

Twin-balcony staterooms and suites
Mekong Restaurant and The Chef's Table
Saigon Lounge with panoramic river views
Sun Deck pool and open-air relaxation
Fitness room and massage facilities
Regional décor designed for the destination

Explore AmaDara

AmaMaya

Joining AmaWaterways' Mekong program in January 2027

First Published Charms Sailing: Jan. 4, 2027

AmaMaya brings a fresh generation of AmaWaterways design to the Mekong while retaining the intimate scale, twin-balcony accommodations and strong connection to Southeast Asia that make this style of river cruising so appealing.

120Guests

60Staterooms

Spacious twin-balcony accommodations
Main Restaurant and The Chef's Table
Saigon Lounge with panoramic views
Sun Deck pool overlooking the Mekong
Dedicated Wellness Host and wellness activities
Expanded massage and relaxation facilities

Explore AmaMaya

Whichever Ship You Choose, the Mekong Is the Star

Both ships are intentionally intimate, with twin-balcony accommodations, regional cuisine and inviting spaces for watching life unfold along the river. They provide the comfort you want without separating you from the destination.

Which ship will you sail? It depends largely on departure date. AmaMaya's first currently published Charms departure is January 4, 2027, and its first currently published Riches departure is January 25, 2027. AmaDara continues to sail throughout the season.

Beyond Sightseeing

The Experiences Are What Make the Mekong Special

This is a journey where you don't simply look at Vietnam and Cambodia from the river. You step ashore, meet people, explore communities and experience the traditions and history that continue to shape life along the Mekong.

Suzanne and Steve experiencing the Mekong region

Photo from Suzanne and Steve's AmaWaterways Mekong journey

River Life & Local Communities

Travel by local boat through the Mekong Delta, walk through markets and see firsthand how the river remains part of everyday life for the people who live along its banks.

Artisans & Living Traditions

Visit local workshops, see traditional silk weaving and other crafts, and experience skills and traditions that have been passed through generations.

Phnom Penh — Beauty & History

Cambodia's capital combines royal architecture, bustling markets and energetic city life with powerful reminders of the country's difficult modern history.

Temples, Monasteries & Villages

Experience a Buddhist blessing, visit traditional villages and step into places where customs, faith and community remain deeply woven into daily life.

Some Moments Are Fun. Others Stay With You.

One of the things Suzanne and Steve found most meaningful about this journey was its range. One day might bring a colorful market, local transportation or a village visit; another may bring you face-to-face with Cambodia's difficult history. That depth is part of what makes the Mekong so memorable.

Build the Trip Around the Cruise

AmaWaterways' Land Programs Can Turn Seven Nights Into a Much Bigger Journey

The options depend on which direction you sail. Some pieces can stand alone; others are designed to stack together into a longer Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand journey.

One of AmaWaterways' Best Features: Your Cruise Manager Goes With You

On AmaWaterways' standard pre- and post-cruise land programs, the Cruise Manager stays with the group. On a pre-cruise extension, the Cruise Manager meets you at the starting point, leads the land program and boards the ship with you. On a post-cruise extension, the Cruise Manager disembarks with you and continues the journey on land — helping with transfers, luggage and the day-to-day flow. Bangkok and the Central Vietnam extension are locally hosted exceptions.

Charms: Vietnam → Cambodia

Build before the cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, then continue after the cruise through Cambodia and, if you want the fullest version, northern Vietnam and Bangkok.

2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City — Pre-Cruise

A standalone pre-cruise option that gives you time for the city and Cu Chi Tunnels before boarding the Mekong.

Price varies by sailing · quoted with cruise

7-Night Charms of the Mekong

Sail from the Ho Chi Minh City / My Tho side of Vietnam through the Mekong Delta and into Cambodia.

2 Nights Siem Reap — Post-Cruise

This portion can stand alone and adds Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and the cultural heart of Siem Reap.

Price varies by sailing · quoted with cruise

Add Hanoi + Ha Long Bay

To continue farther, stack the Siem Reap program with 2 nights Hanoi, 1 night Ha Long Bay and a final night in Hanoi. This northern Vietnam portion is part of the longer combined package rather than a standalone Charms add-on. The current 2027 full combination lists $380 pp for Siem Reap → Hanoi intra-Asia air.

Add 3 Nights Bangkok

For the longest Charms journey, Bangkok can follow the Hanoi program, with Ama-arranged air from Hanoi to Bangkok.

2027 from $1,299 pp + $280 pp intra-Asia airLocally hosted

Riches: Cambodia → Vietnam

Riches turns the sequence around. Start with Cambodia — or go farther back to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Bangkok — then finish the cruise in Vietnam, where post-cruise options continue.

3 Nights Siem Reap — Pre-Cruise

A standalone pre-cruise option featuring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the temples of the Khmer Empire before you board.

Price varies by sailing · quoted with cruise

Or Start Earlier: Hanoi + Ha Long Bay + Siem Reap

The fuller pre-cruise package begins with 2 nights Hanoi and 1 night Ha Long Bay, then continues to 3 nights Siem Reap before embarkation. The current 2027 full combination lists $380 pp for Hanoi → Siem Reap intra-Asia air.

Add 3 Nights Bangkok Before Hanoi

Bangkok can be added at the beginning of the longer Riches journey, with Ama-arranged air from Bangkok to Hanoi.

2027 from $1,299 pp + $280 pp intra-Asia airLocally hosted

7-Night Riches of the Mekong

Sail from Cambodia through Phnom Penh and the Mekong Delta, ending on the Ho Chi Minh City / My Tho side of Vietnam.

2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City — Post-Cruise

A standalone post-cruise option that lets you spend more time in Vietnam's largest city after disembarkation.

Price varies by sailing · quoted with cruise

Add 4 Nights Central Vietnam — Post-Cruise

Available post-cruise with Riches, this locally hosted extension begins in Ho Chi Minh City with an Ama-arranged flight to Da Nang, explores Hoi An and Hue, then returns to Ho Chi Minh City before your journey home.

2027 from $1,899 pp + $380 pp intra-airLocally hosted

About extension pricing: AmaWaterways currently publishes year-specific standalone pricing for Bangkok and Central Vietnam. Its standard Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and Hanoi / Ha Long Bay land programs are priced through the selected cruise departure rather than with one universal standalone "from" fare on their land-package pages. We will quote the exact combination for your sailing. Prices and air supplements shown above are current published 2027 figures and can change.

Join Us Live

Ready to Discover the Mekong?

Join Suzanne and Steve as they share their firsthand AmaWaterways Mekong experience and show you what it is really like to travel through Vietnam and Cambodia by river.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 · 5:00 PM PDT / Arizona