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Suzanne (MCC, ECC) and Steve Klasen - CruiseOne
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Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia
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.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 5:00 PM PDT / Arizona Live Online Webinar
Register for the 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.
1

Closer to Everyday Life

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

2

Immersive Days Ashore

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

3

Much More Than the Cruise

The river journey pairs beautifully with experiences such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.

Two Ways to Experience the River

Charms of the Mekong or Riches of the Mekong?

AmaWaterways offers the journey in both directions. Both cruises spend seven nights exploring the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia — the biggest difference is simply which direction your adventure unfolds.

Charms of the Mekong

Vietnam → Cambodia

AmaWaterways Charms of the Mekong itinerary map
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

AmaWaterways Riches of the Mekong itinerary map
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 Vietnam and Cambodia. We'll talk through those choices during the webinar.

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.

1

What AmaDara Is Really Like

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

2

The Excursions

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

3

The Pace of the Journey

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

4

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. 10

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.

Your Home on the Mekong

Two Ships, One Remarkable Mekong Experience

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

AmaWaterways AmaDara sailing the Mekong River

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
AmaWaterways AmaMaya sailing the Mekong River

AmaMaya

AmaWaterways' newest ship on the Mekong

Debuting in 2026

AmaMaya brings a fresh generation of AmaWaterways design to the Mekong while retaining the intimate scale 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
  • Onboard Wellness Host and wellness activities
  • Three massage rooms and enhanced relaxation spaces
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 you came all this way to experience.

Which ship will you sail? That will depend largely on your departure date. Both AmaDara and AmaMaya operate Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong. We'll talk about the ship choices and available departures during the webinar.

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.

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.

Make It a Bigger Journey

The Mekong Cruise Can Be Just the Beginning

AmaWaterways offers land programs that can turn the seven-night river cruise into a more complete Vietnam and Cambodia experience.

Hanoi

Explore Vietnam's fascinating capital, from the Old Quarter and French colonial architecture to temples, lakes and centuries of history.

Ha Long Bay

Spend the night among dramatic limestone islands rising from emerald waters in one of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes.

Siem Reap & Angkor

Discover the extraordinary temples of the ancient Khmer Empire, including the world-famous Angkor complex.

Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the energy, cuisine and history of Vietnam's largest city before or after your time on the Mekong.

You don't have to figure out the pieces yourself. The best combination depends on your cruise direction, available time and the places that matter most to you. We'll explain the options during the webinar and help you put the journey together.

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.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 5:00 PM PDT / Arizona