There are trips you take, and then there are trips that stay with you. My recent Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia — booked through AMA Waterways, along with EXO Tours, which provided our pre- and post-trip experience. It was a journey that combined extraordinary food, fascinating craftsmanship, sobering history, genuine human connection, and more than a little humidity.
The People Make the Place
From the moment we arrived, one thing stood out above everything else: the warmth of the people. Friendly, open, and—especially in tourist areas—largely English-speaking, the locals we met made every interaction feel welcoming rather than transactional. We were invited into homes in local villages, where families shared stories about their lives with a generosity that was genuinely moving.
Food Worth Traveling For
We took three food tours across the two countries, and I cannot recommend this enough. I had my first Vietnamese coffee and my first bowl of Pho—and I can say neither will be my last. One tour wound through Vietnam at night, lights glowing from a tuk-tuk. Another took us through Cambodia after dark on the back of a Vespa. Each one felt less like a meal and more like a way into the culture itself.
Watching Things Be Made by Hand
One of the trip's quieter highlights was visiting local artisans at work. We watched craftspeople make rice paper, candy, silk from mulberry leaves, and lotus blossoms. These stops were informative in the best way, leaving you with a genuine appreciation for the skill involved. They were also wonderful places to pick up souvenirs with real meaning behind them. My friends and family always enjoy receiving food and products from foreign lands.
A School Visit That Stayed With Me
One of the most impactful days of the entire trip had nothing to do with temples or tunnels. We visited a local school and spent time interacting with the students. AMA Waterways is one of an increasing number of travel companies giving back to the places they visit. AMA built and maintains this school, so we were advised in advance to bring school supplies for these delightful children.
Experiences You Shouldn't Skip
The Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam are a must-see. They offer a remarkable window into a history that is both difficult and fascinating.
The Killing Fields in Cambodia were a hard day — emotionally heavy and quietly devastating. But it was also one of the most impactful experiences of the entire trip. Some places deserve to be witnessed, and this is one of them.
On a more uplifting note, a visit to a Buddhist temple in Cambodia brought one of the trip's most beautiful moments: a blessing that felt genuinely meaningful.
We also had two overnights in Phnom Penh while on the ship, which gave us the freedom to explore local restaurants and sky bars on our own time. It’s always a bonus when a cruise gives you extended time in port to explore.
Go Further If You Can
I always recommend pre- and post-cruise extensions, and this trip is a perfect example. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) deserves extra time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and start recovering from jet lag. So does Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat — and also to Ta Prohm, the temple where Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed. Honestly, I found Ta Prohm even more captivating than Angkor Wat with its dramatic merger of ancient stone with giant jungle trees that have grown through its walls.
Bangkok can also be added to the journey for those who want to maximize their time in the region — and more and more travelers are doing exactly that.
And for those who want to go even deeper into Vietnam, North Vietnam is a remarkable extension worth serious consideration. Hanoi, the country's capital, offers a completely different energy from the south — steeped in history, architecture, and street life. From there, Ha Long Bay is one of those places that genuinely lives up to its reputation: thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald water, best explored by overnight cruise. It's a world apart, and it pairs beautifully with the Mekong itinerary.
A Word on Timing and Packing
We traveled in September, when the humidity is significant and can genuinely wear you down. My recommendation: plan for the dry season, November through April. Yes, it's peak tourism, but the lower humidity and sunny skies make a real difference to your comfort and enjoyment.
As for what to pack:
- Loose clothing in natural fibers — cotton and linen are your best friends
- A portable fan you can wear around your neck (Amazon has plenty of options)
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent — non-negotiable
- A light jacket, sweater, or hoodie — especially if you're extending into North Vietnam. Evenings in Hanoi, on Ha Long Bay, and in some central cities can be noticeably cooler, particularly during dry season.
This is the kind of trip that shifts something in you. The food, the history, the artisans working quietly at their craft, the children in that classroom who reminded you why connection matters—it all adds up to something hard to leave behind and impossible to forget.
AMA Waterways made every detail of this journey seamless, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again. If this corner of the world is on your list, let's talk about making it happen the right way.