Luxury Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways: Discover Vietnam and Cambodia in depth

A Mekong River journey with AmaWaterways blends luxury cruising with immersive land experiences across Vietnam and Cambodia, from Angkor temples to floating markets and village life

Some journeys are defined not by how far they travel, but by how deeply they connect you to a place. That philosophy has guided AmaWaterways for more than two decades, shaping a style of river cruising that values immersion, space and thoughtful design over scale and spectacle.

Across its global fleet, the family-owned company has built a reputation for intimate ships, generous staterooms and journeys that unfold at the natural rhythm of the river. Rather than rushing from destination to destination, travellers settle into a floating boutique hotel and experience the landscape gradually – village by village, temple by temple, moment by moment.

Nowhere does this approach feel more natural than along Southeast Asia’s legendary Mekong River. Flowing from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before reaching the South China Sea, the Mekong is not only one of the world’s great waterways but also the lifeblood of the communities that live beside it.

AmaWaterways invites travellers to experience this extraordinary region through two immersive journeys – ‘Riches of the Mekong’ and ‘Charms of the Mekong’ – each seamlessly combining a seven-night Mekong River cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam with curated land stays in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.

The result is a journey that reveals Southeast Asia in remarkable depth, connecting iconic landmarks with the quieter, everyday moments that make the region so unforgettable.

Two Mekong itineraries, one extraordinary journey

AmaWaterways’ Mekong voyages are carefully designed to capture both the headline sights and the hidden rhythms of Vietnam and Cambodia.

The ‘Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary pairs a seven-night river cruise with options for pre- and post-cruise stays in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and Siem Reap – the latter the gateway to Cambodia’s extraordinary Angkor temple complex. Guests explore the ancient ruins of the Khmer civilisation, wander atmospheric temple corridors reclaimed by jungle, and experience the enduring spirituality that defines this sacred landscape.

‘Charms of the Mekong’ does the same, offering the chance to venture into the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea and traditional junks glide across the horizon. An overnight cruise here adds another dimension to the journey after travellers farewell their Mekong sailing.

Both itineraries are designed to complement the river cruise experience rather than simply frame it. Each destination deepens the story of the Mekong – revealing the historical, cultural and spiritual influences that have shaped life along its banks for centuries.

Life with AmaWaterways on the Mekong

While the Mekong itself is the journey’s star, life on board AmaWaterways’ elegant river ship brings its own sense of calm and refinement.

The vessel navigating these waters – AmaDara – blends contemporary comfort with subtle Southeast Asian design influences. Rich woods, silk accents and intricate decorative details echo the region’s artistic heritage, while expansive windows and open-air spaces keep the river always within view.

Staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design, combining a French balcony with a full outside balcony so guests can enjoy sunrise over the river or evening breezes drifting through the Mekong Delta.

Days on board unfold gently between excursions. Guests might start the morning with breakfast overlooking riverside villages before heading ashore for guided exploration. Later, they return to the ship for lunch, perhaps followed by a dip in the sun-deck pool, a spa treatment or simply time watching life glide by from the lounge.

Dining reflects the same philosophy of connection to place. Menus blend international favourites with regional specialties, showcasing ingredients and flavours inspired by Vietnam and Cambodia. Evenings often include cultural performances or informal talks that provide deeper context about the destinations ahead.

Discovering life along the Mekong

What makes a Mekong River cruise truly special is the access it provides to everyday life along the water.

Unlike many major rivers where cities dominate the landscape, the Mekong remains closely tied to traditional ways of living. Villages, monasteries, markets and rice fields still shape the rhythm of daily life here.

AmaWaterways’ guided excursions bring travellers directly into these communities. Guests may visit bustling floating markets where traders exchange fruit, vegetables and household goods from wooden boats, or explore small riverside villages where artisans craft traditional textiles and handicrafts.

Other experiences offer insight into the region’s spiritual traditions. In Cambodia, travellers may visit a local monastery to receive a blessing from Buddhist monks – a quiet but powerful moment that reflects the enduring role of faith in daily life.

Cycling tours reveal rural landscapes of palm trees and rice paddies, while walking excursions through village streets allow time to meet local families and learn about their traditions.

For travellers seeking a deeper way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia, few experiences offer the same blend of comfort, discovery and cultural connection as a Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways.

Explore AmaWaterways’ 2026 Mekong departures and speak with your travel advisor to begin planning your journey.ervations.

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