CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION CRUISE
CHARMS OF THE MEKONG RIVER OF VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
DEC. 23-30, 2024
WITH OPTIONAL 6 NIGHTS POST CRUISE PACKAGE VISITING
THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF HALONG BAY VIETNAM
THE INCREDIBLE TEMPLES OF ANKUR WAT Cambodia
AND A FESTIVE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION IN SIEM REAP CAMBODIA
FEATURING BOTH A DINNER/LOCAL DANCE SHOW
FOLLOWED BY AN OUTDOOR PARTY CELEBRATION WITH DJ MUSIC AND MASSIVE MIDNIGHT BALLOONs DROP
AND OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE IN HO CHI MINH CITY VIETNAM
RECEIVE $1100 OFF the Pre/Post cruise combo, while promotion lasts. - IN ANY CATEGORY in a DOUBLE OCCUPANCY CABIN (Either with your own friend or let us assign you a roommate of the same gender)
A local fisherman in native attire with his personal canoe
Two lively cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, provide the perfect start and end to your incredible journey. Cruise along the Mekong, visiting rural villages, historic pagodas, local markets and a Buddhist monastery where you’ll witness a special blessing by monks.
Indulge your inner adventurer in Siem Reap, exploring the grand temples of the UNESCO-designated Angkor Archeological Park, including Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants, the pyramid temple of Bayon, Ta Prohm—the vine-covered “jungle temple”—AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMPLEX, THE INCREDIBLE Angkor Wat,
THEN Conclude your journey in THE HISTORIC CITY OF Hanoi, along with an overnight sojourn on board an elegantly appointed ship in the UNESCO-designated Ha Long Ba, VIEWING ITS STUNNING SCENERY OF LIMESTOME ROCK FORMATIONS, MAJESTIC CLIFFS AND CAVES.
Join us on this exciting Christmas 2024 cruise and New Year’s ‘24-‘25 Post cruise Celebration!
We will sail the Mekong River on the fabulous AMADARA river boat of AMA Waterways.
On this cruise - EVERYONE WILL RECEIVE A CABIN WITH A DOUBLE BALCONY!
That’s right. Everyone will get a cabin which has both a Full Balcony with table and chairs And the cabin also has a second balcony (The second balcony is a French balcony.)
This makes it so enjoyable during the time onboard, before and after our included shore excursions, to just relax on your own balcony watching the local people in their daily lives, as we sail along the waterways where many of the locals actually live and work. This makes for fascinating observations and authentic photos of local life unfolding before your own eyes - photos which you can take right from your own balcony!
Also unique to this cruise, all beer & wine is included with lunch and dinner
PLUS
All beer And house brand Cocktails are Included All the time, all across the boat.
Each day we will also enjoy included shore excursions, expertly run by AMA Waterways, to get an even closer experience, seeing the people, the places, the temples and so much more, that make this region of the world so unique and so special!
We will enjoy a Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration on the boat! (And a Happy Hanukkah celebration onboard, as the first night of Hanukkah 2024 actually falls on December 24th).
Our cruise will visit many charming villages along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia with included shore excursions run by AMA Waterways each day.
Here are Just Some of the amazing sites we will visit and memorable experiences we will enjoy during our included shore excursions on this cruise:
* The colorful market and temple of Cao Dai, which is the home to the unique religion of Caodaism (combining elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Confucianism)
* The quaint small town of Tan Chau, which is an Un-spoiled by mass tourism little village in which we will enjoy a Tri-Shaw ride around this charming village, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong to Evergreen Island.
* A visit to the Cambodian town of Phnom Penh, which was the site of the infamous Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge Regime in the 1970s, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.
* A visit to the Cambodian town of Oudong, where we will attend a memorable Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery and later that day enjoy an oxcart ride (a large wagon pulled by local oxen) through the local village.
* A visit to Oknhatey village, also referred to as Silk Island, located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. Here we will visit a local Elementary School, and have the heart-warming experience of observing the local children and witnessing the local tradition of silk weaving.
* A walking tour of Angkor Ban, which is one of the few villages that was not destroyed by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.
We will also enjoy an optional two night Pre cruise in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, with a five star hotel provided by AMA Waterways and a fascinating site-seeing tour of this unique city and both its modern cultural sites, as well as its historical sites from the Vietnam War.
And when the cruise ends on December 30, 2024, join us for an optional six night post cruise land program to witness two of the most stunning wonders of Asia (and really of the world - Halong Bay Vietnam and Ankur Wat Cambodia. and enjoy an incredible New Year's Eve celebration, complete with an outdoor party featuring DJ music, food/drink stands and huge balloon drops at midnight!
As our cruise ends Dec 30 we will take AMA’s chartered coach to the charming and lively little town of Siem Reap Cambodia, famous for the incredible temples of the Ankur Wat complex, where we will enjoy guided touring of these amazing sites over our two days here. I have personally been here and toured the Ankur Wat temples and I can tell you all that they are truly some of the most massive, and amazing structures you will ever see.
We will enjoy two nights here featuring visits to the amazing Ankur Wat temples and also a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration, kicking off first with an included dinner show featuring local dance performances, sponsored by and provided to us by AMA Waterways.
After our dinner show, we will have the rest of the NYE night to enjoy the incredible local festivities that the lively town of Siem Reap sponsors each year including:
* AN OUTDOOR PARTY ALONG THE TOWN'S MAIN STREET WHERE ITS BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE LOCATED
* DJs will be set up with festive music playing all along this main street to enhance the NYE party atmosphere
* Food and drink vendors will be set up all along this main street to further enhance the NYE fun
* Many of the local bars/nightclubs along this main street will also be hosting in house celebrations, so you can pop in and out of these bars to enjoy the best of them as you wish, along with the festive outdoor party!
* SEVERAL MASSIVE BALLOON DROPS WILL TAKE PLACE AT MIDNIGHT ALL ALONG THIS STREET, TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
Day One Dec 21,2024.
ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam’s former capital. Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub.
DAY 2
HO CHI MINH CITY
Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts blending old and new, and east and west. In the morning, explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, visit Cu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. (B,L)
Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 3
HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – EMBARKATION
In the morning, visit Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer via motor coach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your river cruise and meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (B,L,D)
DAY 4
CAI BE – SA DEC
Sa Dec Vietnam
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 , the home to a unique religion Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING
Smiles from the locals in Tan Chau
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)
DAY 6
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
A traditional Trishaw ride in Phnom Penh
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). 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. Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling, yellow-colored Central Market after your visit to Royal Place. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
DAY 7
OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH – PHNOM PENH
Local herders in Kampong Trelach
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-tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian (B,L,D)
DAY 8
OKNHATEY - ANGKOR BAN
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)
DAY 9
ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM
Locals along the river in Kampong
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 motor coach 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)
DAY 10
DISEMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM – SIEM REAP
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer by motor coach to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. You’ll visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of the Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation. (B,D)
DAY 11
SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT
The amazing temples of ANKUR WAT
Begin your morning exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. During the evening, be treated to a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,D)
After our dinner show, we will have the rest of the New Year’s Eve night to enjoy the incredible local festivities that the lively town of Siem Reap sponsors each year including:
* AN OUTDOOR PARTY ALONG THE TOWN'S MAIN STREET WHERE ITS BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE LOCATED
* DJs will be set up with festive music playing all along this main street to enhance the NYE party atmosphere
* Food and drink vendors will be set up all along this main street to further enhance the NYE fun
* Many of the local bars/nightclubs along this main street will also be hosting in house celebrations, so you can pop in and out of these bars to enjoy the best of them as you wish, along with the festive outdoor party!
* SEVERAL MASSIVE BALLOON DROPS WILL TAKE PLACE AT MIDNIGHT ALL ALONG THIS STREET, TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
DAY 12
SIEM REAP – HANOI
After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of Angkor Thom meaning “the great city” and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day, take a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. (B)
DAY 13
HANOI
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi
From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as a “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show. (B)
DAY 14
HANOI – HA LONG BAY
The stunning rock formations of Halong Bay
Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. (B,L,D)
DAY 15
HA LONG BAY – HANOI
Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with more than 2,000 small islands rising from the water like a dragon’s back. Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer back to Hanoi where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)
DAY 16
DEPART HANOI
Bid farewell to Vietnam and prepare for your homeward flight (B)
ABOUT OUR SHIP
AmaDara
This distinctive ship is in a class of her own!
Ama Waterways’ 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, all 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 unlimited house brand spirits/cocktails, local beers and soft drinks throughout your cruise.
Twin Balconies
Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms featuring both a French balcony and a full outside balcony in all cabins in all categories on this ship.
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Award-Winning Cuisine
Savor regionally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional favorites at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.
Inviting Public Spaces
Meet fellow travelers in Saigon Lounge, enjoy a drink at the bar or soak in the passing scenery. The ship features convenient interior access as well as air conditioning in hallways, restaurants and lounges.
Sun-Deck Pool
Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool on your way to the next exotic stop on your cruise.
Onboard Spas
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a visit to one of three onboard spas.
Fitness Room
Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
Cruise pricing: Includes
- 7 night cruise of the Mekong River on the AMADARA of AMA Waterways Dec. 23-30, 2024
- Professionally guided shore excursions run by AMA in each port
- Unlimited beer, cocktails and soft drinks at all times on the ship
- Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with each dinner & each lunch onboard
- Unlimited Wi-Fi on the ship
- Nightly local entertainment on the ship
Category C - Main deck in the aft (back) area of the boat; 251 sq. feet with both a full balcony and a French balcony
$3099 per person plus tax of $210 per person
Category B: On all three decks (Main deck Mid-ship, then on the top two decks in the Aft)
All Category B cabins are also 251 sq. feet with both a full balcony and a French balcony
$3799 per person plus tax of $210 p.p.
PRE/POST CRUISE PROGRAM
AMA is offering $1100 off its Pre/Post cruise package on this trip, in this special limited time offer
AMA'S 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE PROGRAM IN HO CHI HINH CITY COMBINED WITH ITS 6 NIGHT POST CRUISE PACKAGE VISITING THE TEMPLES OF ANKUR WAT, THE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS IN SIEM REAP AND THE OVERNIGHT CRUISE ALONG HALONG BAY IS NORMALLY $2679 Per Person –
…BUT WITH THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER, CALL US BY MARCH 31ST TO GET THE FULL 8 NIGHTS PRE/POST CRUISE PACKAGE FOR ONLY $1579 PER PERSON, WHEN BOOKING YOUR SPACE IN ANY CATEGORY ON THE CRUISE IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. (Either travel with a friend or let us assign a roommate of the same gender to you)
That is $1100 savings per person off a pre/post cruise package which includes:
* 2 nights pre cruise in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) at the five star Sofitel Hotel
* City tour of Ho Chi Minh featuring city highlights as well as visiting the historic Chu chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War
* Transport from HCM to the river boat
And Also Includes
* Six nights Post cruise provided by AMA Waterways including
* 2 nights in Siem Reap Cambodia in a 4 or 5 star hotel provided by AMA Waterways
* Tour of the famous Ankur Wat temples complex
* Dinner show with dance performance on New Year’s Eve
* Flight from Siem Reap to Hanoi Vietnam with all airport trransfers
* 2 nights four or five star hotel in Hanoi
* 2 day/ 1 night Halong Bay cruise with sightseeing shore excursion
AND AS AN ADDED BONUS FOR ALL AMA WATERWAYS PAST PASSENGERS:
Past AMA passengers having sailed once before on AMA will receive an additional $100 off per person or having sailed twice before on AMA will get a past passenger discount of $200 off or having sailed three times on AMA before this sailing will get a free one category cabin upgrade plus an additional $100 off the cruise.
OR BOOK A SINGLE OCCUPANCY CabIN in Category C BY MARCH 2nd AND GET A LOW SINGLE SUPP. OF ONLY 25% ON THE CRUISE AND 50% ON THE PRE/POST CRUISE COMBO.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
AMA WATERWAYS REQUIRES ONLY A $400 DEPOSIT WITHIN 7 DAYS OF BOOKING.
THE BALANCE FOR THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY CRUISE IS DUE JULY 6TH, 2024.
CANCEL POLICY FOR THIS TRIP
IF YOU CANCEL AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT AND BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR BALANCE PAYMENT, AMA WATERWAYS WILL REFUND HALF ($200) OF YOUR $400 DEPOSIT. THE REMAINDER OF YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE NON REFUNDABLE.
IF YOU CANCEL AFTER YOU HAVE MADE YOUR BALANCE PAYMENT, YOU WILL NOT GET ANY REFUND UNLESS EITHER YOU PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER, OR WE ARE ABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER FOR YOU, OR YOU HAVE PURCHASED TRAVEL INSURANCE. (Please inquire about trave4l insurance if you are interested in knowing the insurance rates)
