- AmaWaterways’ mighty Mekong River cruises are one of the most exotic itineraries outside of Europe.
- More Australians looking for an authentic adventure are choosing to cruise on the Mekong River.
- AmaWaterways offer seven-night cruises from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City or vice-versa.
AmaWaterways’ Mekong cruises are very popular among Australians with increasing numbers choosing the exotic destination outside of European rivers.
“The Mekong River is the most exotic itinerary outside of Europe. It is very popular among Australians,” said Ian Lyne, head of reservations and guest relations, Australia and New Zealand at AmaWaterways.
Lyne who just returned from a seven-night cruise on AmaWaterways’s AmaDara ship from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City was blown away by the authenticity and genuine friendliness of the local people in Cambodia and Vietnam.
“The local people are so excited to welcome you to share in their experiences. One of my best memories was visiting a local elementary school which AmaWaterways supports. Whenever I told the students my name, they would burst into laughter. Later on, it was explained to me that the students were laughing because in the Cambodian language, my name Ian means shy – and I am really an unshy person.”
He also recalled visiting a traditional silk factory where the looms and the weavers used traditional ways to weave the silk. They use their feet to work the looms and teach their children how to weave.
Another “wow” experience was being blessed by Buddhist monks at a monastery in Oudong, a short drive from Phnom Penh.
“It’s all about sharing peace and kindness as the monks chanted, threw petals and blessed us. It was an awesome experience.”
Life onboard the 60-suite AmaDara on the Mekong was authentic and relaxing. The food was spectacular, with a wide choice of local cuisine like Cambodian curries and Vietnamese pho. There was also a good range of western dishes available for guests who are less adventurous.
After dinner, there was always a local performance of Cambodian dancers and music using traditional instruments like a giant harp.
There are yoga lessons in the morning, gentle pilates in the afternoon, all taught by an excellent yoga instructor, Rose from Vietnam. The ship also has a gym and a wellness centre with three treatment rooms where a 60-minute massage costs only $40.
Because Mekong itineraries are quite active and adventurous, they usually attract a younger age group in their 30’s, 50’s and 60’s.
“You have first world amenities onboard the ship, but when you get off the ship you will have an unfiltered experience of local life. Often, there are no berthing docks, and the ship is tied to a tree. So you have to be quite an active person to be able to step down to the tender which takes you onshore. It’s an adventure,” he said.
There are also opportunities to eat out at local restaurants. Lyne was particularly impressed with a Cambodian fresh noodle café, Dave’s Noodles and a restaurant which trains local Cambodian students in the hospitality trade.
For a change of pace, he went on a nature excursion to the Tra Su Forest Sanctuary, about two hours drive from Tan Chau in Vietnam.
“The nature park with a canal boat ride was a brilliant experience as the forest has so many unique species of birds. It was a great time to reconnect with nature as the Mekong itinerary tends to be very much local people-focused,” he said.
AmaWaterways offer year-round sailings on the Mekong. Prices start from $4745 pp for the river cruise only.
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