Name: Charms of the Mekong (Smithsonian Journeys)
Brand: AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways

Luxury cruise line, AmaWaterways, has a fleet of 23 custom-designed, five-star river ships which sail to destinations all over the world, across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

On board AmaWaterways, passengers can learn Thai Chi as they sail the Mekong river, or enjoy sunrise yoga on the serene waterways of Europe.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Siem Reap

Day 1

Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.

Day 2

Angkor Ban

Days 2-3

Oknha Tey Village

Days 3-4

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Day 4

Oudong

Day 5

Day 6

Tân Châu

Day 7

Sa Déc

Day 7

Cái Bè

Day 8

My Tho

Day 8

Ho Chi Minh City

Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.

Day 1

Siem Reap

Day 1

Kampong Cham

Day 2

Angkor Ban

Days 2-3

Oknha Tey Village

Days 3-4

Phnom Penh

Day 4

Oudong

Day 5

Oudong

Day 6

Tân Châu

Day 7

Sa Déc

Day 7

Cái Bè

Day 8

My Tho

Day 8

Ho Chi Minh City

120

Passengers

Crew

2015

Launched

92m

Length

14m

Width

Decks

USD

Currency

AmaMaya

Inspired by the beauty and traditions of Southeast Asia, AmaMaya invites guests to experience the Mekong through its local artistry, regional cuisine, and the calm rhythm of life on the river.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Brilliant loved the ship food and crew

Welcoming crew lots to do food was excellent and entertainment was superb

AmaWaterways AmaMora

Reviews

Customer Review

An autumn Danube river cruise was a tempting idea, so we chose and booked an AMA waterways river cruise on AMA Verde, especially when we could fly from a regional airport to join this charming ship. We had to get the inevitable tests at a local pharmacy , wear masks for the journey , and do the extra health questionnaire paperwork , but small prices for the joy of being back on water. The flights were painless, as were the transfers to join the ship. Our vaccination records were checked at several points. We saw nobody without masks at airports , and it was clear that Europeans took travelling safely very seriously. We happily joined the ship at Linz, and noticed that several other river ships were lit up, and had guests. We were welcomed aboard Verde with a pleasant sparkling wine and plates of canapés. Formalities were few, and we were directed to our cabin. To our surprise our chosen cabin was unavailable and we were shown to one on a higher deck, with a huge French window. The cabin was a marvel of planning, the bed comfortable , with cosy bedding, two chairs by the window for watching the river flow by, a well planned bathroom and plenty of storage space. We decided to explore the ship, discovering a beautiful sun deck with shaded area and two small pools, one deep for diving tuition, a busy bar, and stairs leading to a higher area overlooking the river, plenty of comfortable loungers ,for which a crew member would bring beautiful thick blankets. The interior spaces were magnificent, very classical in style with galleried tiers, curved staircases and charming decor. Tables were assigned as guests entered the dining area, busy waiters bustling around. Daily menus were varied and excellent; dining far exceeded our expectations, meals beautifully prepared and presented, and accompanied by quality wines , generously poured. Low key evening entertainment was in the comfortable lounge , with an excellent pianist who played wonderful classical and popular selections, and a talented duo who sang popular show music. The bar was kept busy serving all evening, and guests helped themselves to hot drinks from a high tech machine tucked in one corner. After busy days touring and sightseeing, most guests retired fairly early and the ship moored for the night. Daily tours departed through the days that followed, when the ship moored in the pretty towns of the region interspersed between sailing along the busy river and navigating the complicated Danube locks . There was always so much to see along the banks of the river, so much to watch as the ship sailed upstream , so many choices of places to visit and activities to sample at the daily moorings. We couldn’t have chosen a better river to sail in late autumn, with beautiful autumnal colours, fascinating river life, all on a pretty, welcoming, ship.

AmaWaterways AmaVerde