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7-Night Culinary Experience of the Mekong

Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

December 11 – 18, 2023

 

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Price:

Starting At: $6,618.00 (USD) per person double occupancy

Duration:

7 NIghts, 8 Days

Approximate Flight Time:

24+hrs, from  IAD to SGN

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Our Culinary Journey

Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Peal of the Orient,” offers a vibrant mix of old and new and provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors.

Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong.

FULL PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

  • Distinctive Voyage Host
  • Private Welcome Reception
  • 7 nights onboard AmaDara
  • Taxes, fees and port expenses
  • All transfers
  • Prepaid gratuities
  • Private Wine Tastings
  • Exclusive Shore Excursion
  • An Exclusive Amenity
  • Amazing Swag Bag
  • English Speaking Local Guide
  • Follow Food & Wine Lover Group Members To Share The Experience With

ABOUT AMADARA

The 124-passenger AmaDara made her debut in 2015 and is in a class unto itself with distinct French Colonial décor and accented by Mekong artifacts made by native craftsmen. Elegantly appointed staterooms are 251 sq. ft. and suites range from 366-502 sq. ft. Staterooms and suites feature twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. AmaDara offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a spa, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and Sun Deck pool. The stunning Saigon Lounge provides a wonderful place to meet fellow guests, and enjoy local entertainment.

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
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AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

7-Night Charms of the Mekong

Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your 7-night river cruise and then meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (L,D)

* All cruise only guests should meet us at Sofitel Saigon Plaza at 11:30am in Ho Chi Minh City on Embarkation day to join the transfer to the ship in My Tho Port. We recommend that you fly into Ho Chi Minh at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.

Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, as well as the historic Kiet Old House. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. You will visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which her prize-winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on. (B,L,D)

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, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you will 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. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)

Visit 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. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk ride and be enchanted by the city’s French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian (B,L,D)

In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is the “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you will visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)

Go on a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

*Based on seasonality, the port of Angkor Ban may be inaccessible from August – September. During this time, Wat Hanchey will replace Angkor Ban as the port of call.

Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you disembark and motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. (B)

*Guests booking cruise only will be transferred from the ship to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 5:30pm today to avoid potential missed connections.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

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French Balcony

    • French & Outside Balcony, 251 sq. ft.
    • In-room temperature control
    • Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
    • Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
    • Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
    • Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
    • Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
    • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
    • And much more…
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Suite – French Balcony

  • French & Outside Balcony, 366 sq. ft.
  • In-room temperature control
  • Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
  • Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
  • Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
  • Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • And much more…
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Luxury Suite – French Balcony

    • French & Outside Balcony, 502 sq. ft.
    • In-room temperature control
    • Cozy sitting area; Suites and Luxury Suites feature a larger sitting area
    • Deluxe hotel-style bedding; Luxury Suites feature a queen-sized bed
    • Spacious bathrooms with showers; Suites feature both a shower and separate tub
    • Writing desk, mini-bar, safe, bathrobe and slippers, in-house telephone and hairdryer
    • Flat-panel screen featuring an in-house movie channel
    • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
    • And must more…

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Unforgettable Culinary Journey

This distinctive ship is in a class of her own! AmaWaterways’ sole cruise ship on the Mekong River, the AmaDara features French Colonial décor and richly carved wood furniture inspired by the history of the region, as well as local artifacts made by native craftsmen. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that invite the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia inside.

On board, the AmaDara caters to your every whim, with massage rooms, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and sun-deck pool. Her stunning Saigon Lounge provides respite by day and unites guests over intriguing local entertainment by night. Savor authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or dine at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant; and throughout your cruise, be treated to unlimited complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks throughout your cruise.

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French Balcony

DOUBLE: $6,618.00 per person

SINGLE: $4,083.75 per room

Club Veranda Stateroom

Suite - French Balcony

DOUBLE: $4,058.00 per person

SINGLE: $6,357.00 per room

Luxury Suite - French Balcony

DOUBLE: $6,208.00 per person

SINGLE: $11,456.00 per room

ONBOARD DINING OPTIONS

Our ships in Europe are members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – a prestigious international culinary society – and with good reason. Our expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. We are the only river cruise line that has The Chef’s Table, an intimate specialty restaurant included in the price of the cruise where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish multi-course menu right in front of you. Each dinner at The Chef’s Table is served with complimentary hand-selected local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions. There’s also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals. All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you’d like.
Join a few of your fellow travelers at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen — usually hidden — becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river.
You will enjoy complimentary, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, as well as sparkling wine and fresh-squeezed juices during breakfast. We hand pick only the highest quality wines and pair them with our cuisine. You’ll have the chance to savor different wines on each day of your cruise.

Our reds and whites are of the highest quality, and come from local wineries and vineyards. It is a fantastic way to savor the flavor of each region you are visiting. Rieslings from the Wachau Valley, Sauternes in Bordeaux and Calvados from Normandy are just a few examples of how you can indulge.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Flights to destinations and return flight home
  • Alcoholic beverages unless noted
  • Transportation from airport to cruise port
  • Vaccination Requirements: Not Required
  • Covid-19 Testing Requirements: Not Required
  • Quarantine: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation: Not Required
  • Covid-19 Insurance Coverage: Strongly Recommended
  • Masks & Social Distancing: Masks are not required to be worn.

If more than 90 days prior to departure, a $400 per person deposit is due to confirm booking, of which, $200 per person is non-refundable. Verbal confirmation of reservations cannot be made over the phone, please use the link provided to make deposit. Reservations without deposit are not considered firm and may be canceled once the option has expired without any notice. Furthermore, once a deposit has been received, normal cancellation fees will apply.

  • Single occupancy = one person to a room
  • Double occupancy = two persons to a room
  • Each person in a room will have his or her own bed. Couples will have one king bed.

The fear of missing (FOMO) is a horrible feeling...but losing your hard earned money you paid for your vacation is far worse. Because all of Wine Lovers Group d/b/a Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC are non-refundable and non-transferable, travel insurance is therefore highly recommended for this trip. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. Click the link for our preferred travel insurance vendor list. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance you will be required to complete a form declining this options. This is to ensure you understand the repercussion of not purchasing travel insurance. 

All cancellations must be received in writing.All payments on your cruise are subject to the cruise line guidelines. However, because Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC has contractual agreements with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and other vendors that charge penalties for late cancellation, we do charge a $250 cancellation fee for cancellations within 30 day of travel. This is in addition to the cruise line/vendor’s fee.

This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation. All final payment dates are clearly noted on the website of the event you have selected. It is your responsibility to be sure payments arrive to us on or before that date. All late payments will require a late fee of $250. If you are paying late, you must send your request by email and give us the date you will make your late payment.

If you fail to make your final payment by the final payment date, your reservation will automatically cancel and all previous deposits will forfeit. If you see a travel event you would like to participate in, you can make your first payment at anytime even if it is in the middle of a payment schedule, provided that space is still available.

  • Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
  • All payments to Wine Lovers Group d/b/a Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Wine Lovers Group d/b/a Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC has contractual agreements with cruises, hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
  • Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.
  • Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Your name on your invoice MUST match your passport.
  • Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we recommend Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. We have a full list of travel insurance vendors. Click here to see referrals.
  • Seat assignments are at the discretion of airlines. Wine Lovers Group cannot request seats on your behalf.
  • Seats for this group are only located in economy class. If you require another class of service please purchase our Cruise Only Package and secure your flight on your own.
  • Prices are subject to change without notice. Please make your reservations today at this price to be locked in.
  • Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current. Your invoice will clearly note your payment plan. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
  • You must ensure your roommate, if applicable, is also making timely monthly payments.
  • Roommate Matching is available. Review our Roommate Matching Program.
  • You can log-in to our member portal to view your account and reservations 24 hours a day.
  • Name changes are allowed with a $100 name change fee up until the final payment date and $250 after final payment date.
  • Late payment of $250 per person is required after final due date listed on your payment plan. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservations the day after your final due date.
  • All late payment requests must be approved by management before the final payment deadline on your account.