AmaDara
Ship Facts
Passengers: 124
Staterooms: 62
Crew: 52
Length: 302 feet
Width: 46 feet
Registry: Vietnam
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Vietnam & Cambodia
Mekong River All-Lesbian Cruise & Tour
October 21 – November 04, 2025
AmaWaterways AmaDara
15 days from Hanoi, Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Experience the enchanting and rich splendor that is Southeast Asia on this 15-day/14-night all-lesbian land and river journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong River. Your journey begins in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, followed by an excursion to breathtaking Ha Long Bay for an overnight stay aboard an elegantly appointed ship. A short flight to Siem Reap brings you to the gateway of the ancient Khmer empire where you’ll explore the temples of Angkor Archeological Park, one of the most renowned UNESCO archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.
Unleash your inner adventurer as you explore Angkor Wat’s amazing temples, including Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants, the pyramid temple of Bayon, Ta Prohm—the vine-covered “jungle temple”—Angkor Wat and other key sites. Cruise along the Mekong as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for fascinating glimpses into a traditional way of life.
After visiting rural villages, local workshops and markets, a monastery and two capital cities, conclude your cruise with a one-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City—once known as Saigon and the “Paris of the Orient”—now a bustling economic boomtown that offers a heady mixture of historic and modern delights.
Enjoy luxury accommodations at the distinctive Sofitel hotels and onboard the intimate 124-passenger AmaDara of AmaWaterways.
What is included?
• Airport transfers on program start and end dates of October 21 and November 4, 2025
• Two nights hotel accommodations in Hanoi at the Sofitel Legend Metropole (or similar) in Premium room with Queen or 2 twin beds, with daily buffet breakfast
• Overnight stay on board a luxurious, elegantly appointed ship in Ha Long Bay
• Flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap
• Three nights hotel accommodations in Siem Reap at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa (or similar) with daily buffet breakfast
• Local Beer or soft drinks with included dinners in Siem Reap
• Included sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary
• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodations aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaDara
• Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
• Local beer, soft drinks, and “house-spirits” — mixed drinks included all day on board the ship (local and premium wine/premium spirits additional cost)
• Local wine is included only during lunch and dinner on board the ship (premium wine additional cost)
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• One night hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza (or similar) in luxury room with King or 2 twin beds with buffet breakfast
• Onboard special highlights including folklore dances and music performances, cultural discussion forums, themed dinners, and an Olivia entertainer
• Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• Gratuities to ship crew and tour director
• Team Olivia assistance throughout the voyage
What's Not included?
• Tips to local guides, hotel maids, and bellman
• Bottled water at included meals while on land/hotels
• Imported wines, beers, and specialty fruit drinks
• Meals not indicated in itinerary
• Airport transfers outside of trip dates
• Laundry service
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance & personal incidentals
Your Ship - AmaWaterways AmaDara
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.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Complimentary Wifi
• Air Conditioning in most areas
• Panoramic windows
• Elegant, contemporary design & décor
• Friendly, English-speaking crew and Cruise Director
• Sun Deck with small pool, shade awnings
• Fitness Room with 3 Spas
• Gift Shop
• Hair Salon
• DVD Library
Dining & Drinks
Savor regionally inspired cuisine as well as traditional favorites at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table.
• Saigon Lounge is the main restaurant on board serving Asian and Western specialties.
• The Chef’s Table is a specialty restaurant available on board.
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Superb Western-style cuisine as well as regionally inspired dishes
• Spacious, open seating in the Main Restaurant
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Complimentary unlimited local wine with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary House spirits, local beer, and soft drinks available all day
Room Amenities
Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony.
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Premium bath products
• Bathroom featuring shower with glass door
• Flat-panel screen that features in-house movies
• Individual climate control and in-room safe
• Full-size closet and mirror
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Twin balcony in every stateroom
• Bottled water replenished daily
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.
Spa
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 holiday? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
Trip Notes
Being LGBTQ in Vietnam/Cambodia
The Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures are widely accepting of LGBTQ lifestyles. While on our Vietnam and Cambodia trip in 2013 and 2018, the local people were very friendly to us as we made our way through their villages and cities. Whether straight or gay, public affection is not appropriate in this culture. To respect this, please refrain from outward displays of affection.
Climate
We are traveling at a great time of year! The end of October brings clearer skies, cooler weather, and autumn colors as the rainy season makes way for the cooler season. The only thing we can guarantee about the weather is that it can be unpredictable. The weather throughout Vietnam is generally an average of 72-84°F degrees. As we go south to Cambodia, you can expect higher temperatures of 77-88°F and more humidity with some precipitation.
Currency
The official currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel (KHR); however, U.S. dollars are commonly used.
Airports
You will need to fly into Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vietnam (SGN). We encourage all passengers to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Flight arrival and departure times
Guests arriving in Hanoi on the start date of October 21 may check into the hotel after 3 pm. Please keep in mind if you arrive on October 21 early in the morning, you can store your luggage, but rooms are not ready until 3 pm. For this reason, you may want to consider purchasing a hotel room for the night prior for immediate check-in. Many of these flights arrive in the evening, but there are a few that arrive in the morning and early afternoon.
Return flights from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) on the last day of the program (November 4) can depart at any time. Hotel check-out is 11 am. The hotel will offer late check-out based on availability for an additional charge. These arrangements and payments are made directly with the hotel. If you want to allow yourself another day to explore, you should try to arrange for a late-night flight. If your flight departs in the morning, we suggest the possibility of reserving an additional night and leaving on the morning of November 5. This is just to give you more time in Saigon.
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Vietnam & Cambodia
Mekong River LesbianCruise 2025
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 21 Oct |
Hanoi, Vietnam |
|
| 22 Oct |
Hanoi, Vietnam |
B |
| 23 Oct |
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay |
B, L, D |
| 24 Oct |
Ha Long Bay - Siem Reap, Cambodia |
B, L |
| 25 Oct |
Siem Reap - Angkor, Cambodia |
B, D |
| 26 Oct |
Siem Reap - Angkor, Cambodia |
B, D |
| 27 Oct |
Siem Reap - Kampong Cham, Cambodia |
B, L, D |
| 28 Oct |
Angkor Ban - Oknhatey, Cambodia |
B, L, D |
| 29 Oct |
Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
B, L, D |
| 30 Oct |
Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
B, L, D |
| 31 Oct |
Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau, Vietnam |
B, L, D |
| 01 Nov |
Tan Chau - Sa Dec |
B, L, D |
| 02 Nov |
Sa Dec - Cai Be, Vietnam |
B, L, D |
| 03 Nov |
My Tho (disembark) - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
B, L |
04 Nov |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
B |
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Itinerary is subject to change.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends in harmony with its vibrant present. From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. After your airport greeting, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own, or perhaps rest up for your big day tomorrow.
No meals on arrival day.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
City Tour & Rickshaw ride, and Water Puppet Show
A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including The Temple of Literature and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. 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”) around Hoan Kiem lake, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Hanoi — Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Motor Coach Transfer to Ha Long Bay, overnight cruise
After breakfast, leave Hanoi behind and take a scenic ride 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-day conveniences to ensure smooth sailing where you will spend the night for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience and an OLIVIA exclusive. Enjoy an onboard dinner set against the sunset and the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations.
Ha Long Bay — Siem Reap, Cambodia
Friday, October 24, 2025
Transfer to airport, flight to Siem Reap, and hotel check in
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. Late morning, disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport. A short flight will take you to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire and Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned archeological sites in all of Southeast Asia. Enjoy a dinner snack on the plane.
Siem Reap — Angkor, Cambodia
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei Temples
After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your morning exploration of the Angkor temple complex at Angkor Thom, meaning “the great city." 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. You’ll then visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries showcased in the film Tomb Raider). Afternoon excursions take you to the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, meaning “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. Cap this memorable day off with a special “Apsara Dance Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers.
Siem Reap — Angkor, Cambodia
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Angkor Wat
Discover the heart and soul of Cambodia and the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, Angkor Wat. This is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You may choose to enjoy the local town, restaurants or seek out $10-foot massages, enjoy the beautiful hotel pool, spa, and facilities, or perhaps go back to Angkor Wat in the late afternoon for a different lighting opportunity for photographs.
Siem Reap — Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Monday, October 27, 2025
Transfer to Kampong Cham, Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei “Twin Mountain” visit
Board a motorcoach from Siem Reap to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Your excursion takes you 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. As the story goes, the women lit a fire at night, which made the men believe the sun was rising. As a result, the men stopped working and the women won the competition. Thus, men still need to ask the women's parents for permission and Phnom Srei is higher than Phnom Pros. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner.
Angkor Ban — Oknhatey, Cambodia
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Visit Silk Village and local elementary school by Tuk Tuk OR by an active walking tour
During the morning, go on a walking tour to 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 sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving; an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your ship moors in Oknhatey village.
Kampong Tralach — Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Enjoy Buddhist Blessing Ceremony,
OR take an active walking tour to the hilltop of Oudong
Oxcart ride Tuk Tuk orientation tour,
OR Tuk Tuk orientation tour with an active walking tour to Wat Phnom
Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The morning excursion takes you to 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. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village Kampong Tralach. 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 architecture, or continue your visit to Wat Phnom, the famous landmark site in Phnom Penh. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Killing Fields and Genocide Museum excursion
Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
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’ll 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 the Royal Palace.
Phnom Penh — Border Crossing — Tan Chau, Vietnam
Friday, October 31, 2025
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam.
*You will need this information for your visa applications:
Exit point from Cambodia: Koh Rokar
Entry Point to Vietnam: Son Tien Landport
Tan Chau — Sa Dec
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Trishaw ride to craftsmen’s workshops,
or
Trishaw ride to craftsmen’s workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island,
or
Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary
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. You may also choose the trishaw ride with visits to craftsmen’s workshops, followed by an active walking tour to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative and capacity controlled, transfer to breathtaking Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary. This region thrives in lush greenery encompassing majestic cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies and a carpet of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it. Glide by sampan through this inland waterway, a diverse ecosystem that includes more than 70 species of birds. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. Your ship will moor midstream in Sa Dec.
Sa Dec — Cai Be
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Local boat ride to Sa Dec, visit local market and Cao Dai Temple
Visit local workshops in Cai Be, or
Visit local workshops and an active walking tour to historic Kiet Old House
Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is the fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Confucianism. Your cruise continues sailing to Cai Be, where you will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, and the historic Kiet Old House. In Cai Be, cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board.
My Tho (disembark) — Ho Chi Minh City
Monday, November 3, 2025
Disembarkation, city tour, and hotel check-in
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port followed by a transfer to nearby Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon. This former capital of Indochina was once known as “Paris of the Orient.” Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, a photo stop at the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its vast collection of artifacts from the Vietnam War. Finish with a visit to the Ben Thanh Market — one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can search for local handicrafts, colorful textiles, as well as other unique souvenirs and gifts before your journey home. Top the evening off with dinner on your own in a local recommended restaurant. You will overnight at the Sofitel Plaza (or comparable hotel) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Departure
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Return flight home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or purchase an additional hotel night to extend your vacation. If your flight departs in the evening, this will give you another day to explore the city, shop, or take an optional tour through the hotel concierge.
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