Ethics on the Mekong: Crossroads of History
A 2026 Saint Anselm Center for Ethics Mekong River Cruise
Aboard the AmaDara
January 12 ─ January 19, 2026
As the AmaDara makes its way up river, passengers will visit local artisans, bustling markets, and wildlife habitats. Stopping in the town of Sa Dec, we will see one of the largest temples devoted to Cao Dai, a religion native to the Mekong Delta. After crossing into Cambodia, participants will visit a traditional village before taking in the sites of Phnom Penh, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Readings, lectures, and discussions will explore pre-colonial Vietnamese and Cambodian history; French colonialism; the formation and growth of the National Liberation Front in the 1960s; combat in the Mekong Delta; the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia after 1978; and the normalization of U.S.-Vietnamese relations in the 1990s.
AmaDara Overview
This distinctive ship is in a class of her own! AmaWaterways’ sole cruise ship on the Mekong River, 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, AmaDara caters to your every whim, with massage rooms, fitness rooms, a 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. 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.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and reflect a 5% group discount.
Port Fees & taxes will be additional $240pp
St A’s program fee will be additional $300pp
Airfare is additional. Pre and Post Extension available at additional cost. Single rates available on request.
Inclusive Pricing
- All gourmet meals onboard (Early Riser Coffee and Croissants, a Rich Breakfast, a Festive Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Coffee with Cake & Sandwiches and a Multi-Course Dinner)
- Unlimited red and white wine from the local regions as well as beer and sodas during meals
- Choice of dining options at no additional cost including the main dining salon or an intimate Chef’s Table Restaurant for up to 36 guests where the chef prepares the meal in person.
- Free coffee, tea, ice-water and iced-tea are included all day. Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso can also be requested free of charge during all meals! Complimentary coffee & tea station available 24 hours.
- Captain’s Welcome Champagne Reception & Gala Dinner as well as Captain’s Farewell Champagne Reception & Gala Dinner plus several Theme Dinners
- Complimentary cocktail hour offering a “Happy Hour Menu” one hour before dinner on 5 evenings; Captain’s Receptions on the other 2 evenings
- Bottled water, fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided free of charge in each cabin
- Use of the fitness area and fitness equipment inside
- Complimentary Wellness Program with qualified fitness instructor
- Use of the bicycles and helmets free of charge
- Unlimited internet onboard – strictly subject to availability
- Complimentary in-cabin movies
For more information or to make a reservation contact Cruise Travel Outlet at 603-894-7245 x 251 and mention Saint Anselm College. Or contact Laura at 603-212-5068.
Twin Balconies
Enjoy Panoramic Views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside Balcony.
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
Award-Winning Cuisine
Savor regionally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional favorites at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant or the Chef’s Table
Massage and Hair Salon
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
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.
2026 Charms of the Mekong
Note: (B)-Breakfast, (L)-Lunch, (D)-Dinner Included
8 Days – Travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Return from Siem Reap, Cambodia
7 NIGHTS CRUISE Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life enriching cruise along the Mekong. Conclude your Mekong journey and indulge your inner adventurer in Siem Reap, exploring the grand temples of Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1, HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – MY THO – EMBARKATION.
Transfer via motorcoach from Ho Chi Minh City to AmaDara at My Tho Port for your 7-night river cruise and then meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (L,D)
* All cruise only guests should meet us at Sofitel Saigon Plaza at 11:30am in Ho Chi Minh City on Embarkation day to join the transfer to the ship in My Tho Port. We recommend that you fly into Ho Chi Minh at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.
Day 2, CAE BE – SA DEC.
Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or you may also choose to add an active walking tour to the historic Kiet House followed by a visit to candy and rice paper workshops. 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, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. (B,L,D)
Day 3, TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING.
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.” Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Day 4, PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA.
This morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and 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 you visit to Royal Palace. After lunch on board, the excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
Day 5, OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH – PHNOM PENH.
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 architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 6, 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 traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)
Day 7, ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM.
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 work of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion to Wat Nokor, perhaps the most treasured monument within the ancient complex of Banteay Prey Nokor. Fusing the Old-World with the “new,” this centuries-old temple now boasts a contemporary pagoda within its walls inside which you will delight in the colorful depictions of Buddha’s life. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 8, DISEMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM – SIEM REAP.
Your cruise concludes in Kampong Cham, where you will disembark and take a motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. (B)
*Guests booking cruise only will be transferred from the ship to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Siem Reap after 6:30pm today to avoid potential missed connections.
