Friday, December 19 – Arrive Siem Reap – Angkor, Cambodia
One of the most famous civilizations and largest religious complexes in the world, it was recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Travel back in time to Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was at one time the largest pre-industrialized city in the world. It is truly monumental and an awe-inspiring sight. From a distance, you see the massive structures with assorted spires rising up to the sky. Once closer, you enter a different world entirely. These stone structures are intricately carved with thousands of relief sculptures, each representing different deities, goddesses and religious themes. For as far as the eye can see, every inch of these ancient buildings are artistically carved.
Upon your arrival, we’ll transfer you to our group hotel at our deluxe resort. This evening, we join together for Shabbat, a group Welcome Event and Shabbat dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Saturday, December 20 – Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Ta Prohm, Cambodia
Early risers may experience a spectacular sunrise view of Angkor Wat. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to the famous Angkor Wat, the world’s largest temple with the world’s longest intricately carved bas-relief panels. Explore this three-tier pyramidal structure with massive galleries of thousands of Buddhas, interior walls and niches decorated with stone asparas (celestial dancers) and devatas (goddesses). Take a walk around the top terrace for a great view of Angkor. We’ve included lunch at a local restaurant where you will have a taste of Cambodian food. Next, visit the magnificent Ta Prohm. The 12th century temple has been left in its natural state, largely un-restored, surrounded by jungle and enveloped with massive banyan roots resembling stone-like tentacles. Tonight is yours to explore the food scene of Siem Reap whether you want to visit “Bar Street” where many local restaurants line the streets, or have a more upscale meal in one of the many recommended restaurants. (B, L)
Sunday, December 21 – Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Banteay Srei
In the morning, we will visit Angkor Thom, which means the “Great City” in Khmer, the 12th-century royal Buddhist city especially famed for its grand Bayon Temple. Also included are the South Gate, Bapoun, the Terrace of the Elephant and the Terrace of the Leper King. We’ll enjoy lunch together as a group before we drive to Benteay Srei, the Citadel of Women with its very attractive carvings, the royal bathing place – Srah Srang, and the unique brick sculptures in Prasat Kravan. In addition, we’ll take you to an artisans market, Les Artisan D’Angkor, where local craftsmen and women display beautifully crafted art pieces for purchase. Keeping the Khmer traditions alive, you will find silks and textiles, sculptures made from wood, soapstone and ceramics. This evening, we’ll go to Raffles Grand Hotel to enjoy a Khmer apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat. Enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine at dinner in Raffles Marquee Restaurant. (B, L, D)
Monday, December 22 – Siem Reap – Kampong Cham – Start of River Cruise
This morning, we’ll transfer as a group to the meeting point of our river cruise in Siem Reap, and together, embark on a 5.5 hour journey to meet our ship in Kampong Cham. Along the way, our guide will provide some commentary as we make our way to the ship and our home-away-from-home for the next week, AMA Dara. Once on board, a late lunch will be provided. This evening, we join together for a Welcome dinner onboard our river cruise. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, December 23 – Angkor Ban – Oknhatey
This morning, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970’s. Here, people still live in their traditional wooden houses that stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural life of the local villagers. Back onboard, the ship sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Our ship will moor in Oknhatey village. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, December 24 – Oudong – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh
Our cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Our morning excursion takes us to 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. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village in Kampong Tralach. 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, or continue your visit to Wat Phnom, a famous landmark of Phnom Penh. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children. (B, L, D)
Thursday, December 25 – Phenom Penh
This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sieng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After lunch onboard, you’ll explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling Central Market after your visit to the Royal Palace. (B, L, D)
Friday, December 26 – Border Crossing: Cambodia to Vietnam
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. This evening, join together for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat services , followed by dinner. (B, L, D)
Saturday, December 27 – Tan Chau – Sa Dec
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 the craftmen’s workshops, followed by an active walking tour to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative, explore the stunning Mekong Delta on an intimate tour through Vietnam’s Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary. Board a traditional sampan boat and glide through this diverse ecosystem that includes more than 70 species of birds, including the painted stork and oriental darter, and lush greenery encompassing majestic cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies and a carper of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it (this tour is capacity controlled and may be limited). Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. (B, L, D)
Sunday, December 28 – Sa Dec – Cai Be
Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. 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 Old House. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for our Amazing Journeys Farewell, followed by a festive Farewell Dinner onboard. (B, L, D)
Monday, December 29 – My Tho
This morning, we depart AMA Dara as we head to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. We’ll make a few stops with our guide, including Thien Hau Temple, Ben Thanh Central Market and the General Post Office. We will arrive into Saigon by mid-day. Those who are continuing on with us for a continuation of the tour in Vietnam will be brought to our hotel in Saigon while those heading for the airport will be taken there as you head back home with memories of our Amazing Journey. (B)
Please note:
- The order of the tour may be changed
- Some activities are weather dependent
Rates
|
Twin* |
Single |
Balcony Stateroom – Lower Deck (view details)
|
$5799 |
$8499 |
Balcony Stateroom – Upper Deck (view details)
|
$5999 |
$8999 |
|
|
$6699 |
$9999 |
A deposit of $950 for twin/$1650 for single is due with your reservation.
Final payment is due on August 14, 2025. Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.
* Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net. We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.
Stateroom options:
- Balcony stateroom is approximately 251 square feet of living space with a floor-to-ceiling window and a sliding glass door to a balcony with seating area. This cabin is available on both the lower (main) deck and the upper deck.
- Suite stateroom is approximately 366 square feet of living space with a floor-to-ceiling window and a sliding glass door to a balcony with seating area. This cabin is available on the upper deck.
- Larger cabins are available upon request
Prices are subject to change based on availability. Cabins are assigned at time of registration. Those who sign up first receive priority cabin location.
Pre-Night Stays: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. Rates listed are per day and include taxes and breakfast daily. A deposit of $50 is due with your request for pre-nights.
Siem Reap/Angkor (December 17, 18):
Twin – $140*
Single – $240
Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 26, 2024, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From September 27, 2024 – March 19, 2025, the cancellation penalty is $475 for the tour and pre/post nights. From March 20 – August 14, 2025 the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit of the cruise/tour package, post-tour packages and any pre or post-nights reserved. From August 14 – September 18, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the cruise/tour package, post-tour packages and any pre or post-nights reserved. From September 19, 2025 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cruise/tour package, post-tour packages and any pre or post-nights reserved. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.
Passport & Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. Please send Amazing Journeys a copy of your passport at this time if we do not have a current copy. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, a single-entry visa is necessary for entry into Vietnam and no visa is necessary for Cambodia. More information will be offered as we move closer to the date of travel. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.
This trip is for you if: You’re an on-the-go traveler – you don’t want to miss a thing, walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal and you’re able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces. Walking four miles throughout the day is very doable and you can easily climb stairs. You can navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently, climb up and into various modes of transportation including boats, oxcarts, trishaws and tuk-tuks; and can handle changes in elevation as high as 4,900 feet. You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. When traveling in Cambodia and Vietnam, you will encounter warm to hot and humid temperatures. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel with mobility devices.
Vaccines: There may be specific vaccinations recommended for this itinerary. We recommend visiting a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: Center for Disease Control. Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and therefore are unable to give specific information on what vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.
Taxes, Fees & Gratuities: Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for all shipboard staff, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion. Taxes, surcharges and government fees are subject to change.
Air & Transfers: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys. For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into Siem Reap on December 19 – land at Siem Reap/Angkor International Airport (airport code SAI) before 3:00pm on December 19. Our first program will begin on the evening of December 19 for a group Welcome Program, followed by Shabbat and dinner.
Return from Saigon at the end of the cruise on December 29 – depart from Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (airport code SGN) any time after 4:00pm today.
Return from Saigon at the end of the 3-night post-cruise package on January 1 – depart from Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (airport code SGN) any time after 9:00am today.
Return from Hanoi at the end of the 10-night post-cruise package on January 8 – depart Hanoi (airport code HAN) anytime after 9am today.
Transfers between the airports and our group hotels and river boat are included in your tour package, including extra nights booked by Amazing Journeys. A surcharge may be added for those arriving or departing outside of our flight perimeters or will not be offered at all if you are arriving into an airport other than those listed above.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation or switch to a Single accommodation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the cruise or tour costs accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
This cruise is operated by AmaWaterways and V’Explore. We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate this tour.
