Walk the path less traveled. Discover the magic and beauty of a distant land. Delve deeply into local cultures and meet extraordinary people who have a remarkable resilience. When you journey along the Mekong River from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (or reverse) on an AmaWaterways river cruise, be prepared to be left in awe. And as the countries of Cambodia and Vietnam welcome you with open arms, you will ask yourself why you hadn’t taken this life-changing trip earlier.

The Mekong is the third largest river in Asia, with biodiversity that rivals that of the Amazon. Along its banks, you’ll find a variety of robust and vibrant cultures, as the river flows through multiple countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. You will sail this unique and fascinating river aboard the distinctive AmaDara. This ship stands out for its design of richly carved dark woods evocative of the region’s French Colonial history, and it features art and artifacts created by local artisans all along the Mekong. The spacious stateroom and suite accommodations are luxuriously appointed, and most include twin balconies where you can relax as you take in the scenery along the banks of the river. Enjoy gourmet meals at The Chef’s Table restaurant and indulge in even more relaxation with the three spas onboard to meet your every need. There’s no better way to discover the Mekong than on the opulent AmaDara.

With two 7-night itineraries to choose from – Riches of the Mekong (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City) and Charms of the Mekong (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap) – you will have plenty of opportunity to discover and explore the bordering countries of Cambodia and Vietnam and be delighted and inspired by the singular details that make them must-sees in Southeast Asia. Both itineraries take you on excursions through the most extraordinary parts of both countries. In Cambodia, you’ll travel to resilient villages, experience educational and eye-opening visits to museums and historical sites, partake in exhilarating ox cart and tuk tuk rides, and enjoy shopping in the bustling Central Market. Vietnam offers its own incredible ports of call, with visits to silk-making, rattan mat, and candy workshops, as well as villages untouched by tourism, and boat rides through narrow Mekong channels to Evergreen Island and scenes of lush nature you’ll only find in this unique country.

With the optional land packages offered by AmaWaterways, you can get even more from your trip by spending a few nights in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City before the cruise. In each of these spectacular cities, you’ll find a long list of activities to keep you occupied, not to mention delectable food options that your taste buds will simply never forget. There is also the possibility of an optional Bangkok extension where you stay in Thailand’s must-see city for three days, visiting ornate temples and palaces, taking part in the energetic street life, and viewing the incredible, lustrous Reclining Buddha statue.

Put seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat on your bucket list and enjoy the satisfaction of crossing it off during your AmaWaterways trip. A Hindu temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor Wat was founded in the 12th century and remains the largest religious monument in the world. A very spiritual place, it feels calming and grounding even on its busiest days, and will be one of the main highlights of your trip. Pro Tip: If you make it in time to see the sunrise, you can explore the grounds before the Cambodian heat is at its peak.