Join Simon on this extraordinary journey. Begin in captivating Siem Reap, where we explore this vibrant town and visit the incredible temples of Angkor Wat. Step onboard your boutique river ship for a 7-night Mekong River cruise, drifting through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. Experience bustling riverside markets, timeless villages, Buddhist monasteries and the energy of Phnom Penh before finishing in famous Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout, enjoy the wit and stories from Simon about his travels and extensive career in broadcasting.
Activity Level 3
Cabin Upgrade options (share twin per person)
French Balcony A - $12,785 (single $3,145 additional)
Suite - Category S - $13,485 (single $5,885 additional)
Note:
French Balcony Category A cabins are same size as Category B (shown in images), but located on the Upper and Sun Decks of the Ama Dara. Category B cabins are located on Main Deck, with the exception of a few located at the rear of the Upper or Sun Decks.
FRI 11 SEP- AUCKLAND/SINGAPORE
Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ282 at 11.55pm and fly overnight to Singapore.
SAT 12 SEP - SINGAPORE/SIEM REAP
Arrive Singapore at 6.45am then depart on Singapore Airlines flight SQ164 at 8.25am. Arrive Siem Reap 9.40am. Transfer to hotel, check in, and the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. This evening our driver will pick you up from the hotel and we will savour dinner at Phare Cafe before enjoying a performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus. Phare is a high energy cultural show that combines theatre, music, and dance. This is a non animal circus performance. Included: D
SUN 13 SEP - SIEM REAP SIGHTSEEING
Depart the hotel for a guided exploration of Cambodia’s magnificent temple complex. Discover the ancient city of Angkor Thom with Gates, with its iconic Bayon faces and impressive stone terraces, before continuing to the breath taking Angkor Wat — the world’s largest religious monument and a true highlight of your journey.
Included: B, L D
MON 14 SEP - SIEM REAP/KAMPONG CHAM - OUR CRUISE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then travel by motorcoach to Kampong Cham to board our luxurious river ship, the Ama Dara. Settle into your cabin, and tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard to meet fellow travellers and meet your crew. Included: B, D
TUE 15 SEP - ANKOR BAN
Explore Angkor Ban, a rare Cambodian village untouched by the Khmer Rouge, with stilted wooden houses and lush banana trees. Later, sail to Silk Island, where centuries-old weaving traditions flourish. Visit a local school and witness artisans crafting silk by hand, then moor in the village as the Mekong’s gentle current carries you forward. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. Included: B, L, D
WED 16 SEP - PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh unfolds along the river with elegance and reflection. Stroll along tree-lined avenues and vibrant streets, feeling the city’s rhythms and resilience. In the afternoon, serene spaces and solemn landscapes invite contemplation, while the evening comes alive with the rich movement and music of Khmer folk traditions. OVERNIGHTCRUISE TO OUDONG, CAMBODIA. Included: B, L, D
THUR 17 SEP - OUDONG
Ascend to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony offers a serene start to your day. Take in sweeping views of the plains, then return to Phnom Penh for a tuk tuk tour through its French Colonial streets, tree-lined boulevards, andiconic landmarks such as Wat Phnom. OVERNIGHT CRUISE ENROUTE TO TAN CHAU, VIETNAM. Included: B, L, D
FRI 18 SEP - CRUISE THE MEKONG RIVER
A leisurely day as we cruise the Mekong from Cambodia to Vietnam. Drift peacefully along the Mekong as you cross from Cambodia into Vietnam, watching the lush riverside landscapes change and the rhythm of river life unfold around you. A day to enjoy a pamper onboard, delicious cuisine, and relax by the pool. OVERNIGHT CRUISETO TAN CHAU, VIETNAM. Included: B, L, D
SAT 19 SEP - TAN CHAU
Discover Tan Chau, a charming Mekong River town where local life remains unspoiled. Explore via trishaw, visit silk and rattan workshops, or take an active walking tour. Alternatively, glide through Tra Su Forest by traditional sampan, surrounded by lotus flowers, cajuput trees, and rare birds in a serene delta paradise. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SA DEC, VIETNAM. Included: B, L, D
SUN 20 SEP - SA DEC
Step ashore in Sa Dec, where French writer Marguerite Duras once lived. Visit the vibrant market, Cao Dai Temple, or the historic Huynh Thuy Le House. In the afternoon, tour candy and rice paper workshops or explore Kiet Old House on foot. Conclude the day with a festive farewell dinner aboard the ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MY THO, VIETNAM. Included: B, L, D
MON 21 SEP - MY THO/HO CHI MINH CITY
This morning we bid farewell to the Ama Dara and her crew, and our land adventures begin. Our coach transfer will take us to bustling Ho Chi Minh City for our 2 night stay. This afternoon is yours to relax. This evening we will meet for our exciting Saigon night tour by Jeep! Discover the bustling seafood street food scene, local delicacies, backstreets and tiny alleyways, including famous Beer Street. Included: B, D
TUE 22 SEP - HO CHI MINH CITY
An early start this morning to beat the crowds. Enjoy breakfast, then we travel by speedboat along the Saigon River to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll gain fascinating insight into Vietnam’s wartime history and the ingenuity behind this vast underground network. Back in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a guided walking tour through its bustling streets, taking in historic landmarks, French colonial architecture and the energetic rhythm of this vibrant city. Included: B, L, D
WED 23 SEP- HO CHI MINH CITY/SINGAPORE/AUCKLAND
Today say Tạm biệt (farewell!) to Vietnam and transfer to the airport for your flight to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Depart Ho Chi Minh City on flight SQ183 at 3.55pm, arrive Singapore 6.55pm. Transfer to Air New Zealand flight NZ285 departing 10.50pm and fly overnight to Auckland. Included: B
THUR 24 SEP - AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland 12.20pm. Your transfer home will be provided (if applicable).
Deposit: $3,000 p.p
Insurance: For this tour, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must be in place no later than the tour’s final payment date, however we recommend you buy insurance at the time of paying your tour deposit - this ensures you have protection prior to, and throughout your journey. Please let us know if you need any assistance arranging your insurance.
