RV Amalotus Cruise Mekong Restaurant RV Amalotus Mekong RestaurantPaired legendary European cuisine, traditional and Vietnamese-Cambodia fusion highlights Marguerite Duras' passion for exploring multi sensory dining. A culinary celebrations of aromatic taste and texture adds pleasure to the palate, senses, memory and emotions.
RV Amalotus Cruise Saigon Lounge and relaxing chill out music Saigon Lounge: Indulge in a splendid afternoons and evenings with a variety of soothing and relaxing chill out music. Panoramic Lounge: set right in front of the vessel and one could see the panoramic views of the Mekong River thus allowing the travelers to revel in the beauty of the countryside.
RV Amalotus Cruise Massage and Beauty Salon The way you cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia’s most beautiful and tranquil scenery along the Great Mekong River, why not take the opportunity to pamper yourself? We have an expert hair stylist, masseuse and beauty therapist at your disposal for the duration of the cruise. Pamper your body and rejuvenate your soul while you’re on board with RV Amalotus Cruise.
RV Amalotus Cruise enjoy the sun on Sun deck & Swimming pool RV amalotus cruise swimming poolEnjoy the sun by the dipping pool where you'll find refreshing and invigorating concoctions and snacks that are created and served using the freshest ingredients. You can sip to your heart's content with relaxing views of the Mekong Delta.
Amalotus Cruise Gourmet cuisine
For a delicious taste of local cuisine, all meals are included on your Mekong River cruise. While each meal presents the chance to dine on exotic Asian fare, Western favourites are always available, should you desire a taste of home. Breakfast – Each leisurely breakfast presents a lavish buffet, offering you a choice of English, Continental or Asian-inspired cuisine. Lunch – Select from an extensive buffet or à la carte dining menu, or perhaps order a local dish at the chef’s station, and watch fresh gourmet treats being prepared. Dinner – A four-course à la carte feast explores the delicious fusion of Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, while an equally impressive Western option is always on offer. Included Drinks Throughout Your Mekong Cruise During your cruise aboard the RV AmaLotus, soft drink, local beer and spirits are included at all times, while local wine is included during lunch and dinner. Exquisite Dining Service Ensuring seamless attentive service throughout your Mekong cruise aboard the RV Amalotus, a Corporate Chef and Restaurant Manager will see that every aspect of your onboard dining is cared for.
Amalotus Cruise Life on Board
Intriguing & Insightful Lectures During your Mekong River cruise, local guides and historians will come aboard to deliver fascinating lectures that you’re able to attend as you choose. Learn about the golden age of Cambodia during the Angkor period, which will enrich your appreciation of the fabled temples of the ancient Khmer empire. Local customs, beliefs and traditions are also unearthed, adding valuable commentary to the places you’ll visit. Magical Musical Performances On Board On selected evenings, the Saigon Lounge & Bar converts into an atmospheric theatre that hosts a diverse program of musical entertainment that offers an amazing glimpse into the cultures of the region. Throughout the entire cruise, a pianist will be quietly playing soothing local music as well as some old favourites. Peaceful Movie Nights in Your Suite & the Saigon Lounge Each night presents the opportunity to relax and watch a film on your flat-screen television in the comfort of your suite. In addition to a huge catalogue of the latest box-office movies available to borrow on DVD, you’re able to enjoy movies and documentaries that are based on the very regions you visit. Traditional & Interactive Evening of Khmer Dance During an entertaining evening of song and dance, you’ll enjoy a traditional Khmer folk performance and listen to a range of charming music that’s local to the Mekong region. The folk dancers wear clothes of the people they are portraying, such as Chams, hill tribes, farmers, and peasants. This evening is all about you getting involved – you can even join in the dance if you wish. Cooking Class & Fruit-carving Demonstration Decorative food is a very important part of Vietnamese food culture, as presentation is all-important. Onboard, enjoy a detailed fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s executive chef, and delight in the secrets of making the region’s most famous delicacy – Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Note: the entertainment could be changed basing on shedule or level water.
Behavior on Amalotus Cruise
Bridge policy / No go areas Clearly indicated as “crew only”, please do not enter “No go” areas or the bridge without the permission of the cruise direc-tor. We operate an open bridge policy but ask that you be considerate to the ship’s officers’ duties. Dress Code The dress code on board and ashore is informal and relaxed. In the day time, feel free to wear comfortable casual attire. In the evenings, smart casual would be appropriate. Footwear Flip flops are provided for your comfort. When on-shore, guests should use comfortable non-slippery footwear. During cer-tain seasons, the river banks and paths can be muddy. Thus, we request that you take off your footwear when returning on board so that we can clean your shoes and return them later. River Disturbance Due to heavy winds, especially on the Tonle lake, the ship can be a bit rocky. Please remain calm. The ship is very secure and the worst that could happen is that you will suffer from sea-sickness.
Cabins & Decks
Class C Cabin of Amalotus Cruise
Number of Cabins: 6 cabins Bed Type: Twin or Double beds Area: 19.7 sq.m or 226 sq.ft Locate: Mekong Deck Facilities: A cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television
Class B Cabin of Amalotus Cruise
Number of Cabins: 22 cabins Bed Type: Twin or Double beds Area: 19.7 sq.m or 226 sq.ft Location: Tonle Deck Facilities: A cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television
Class A Cabin of Amalotus Cruise
Number of Cabins: 22 cabins Bed Type: Twin or Double beds Area: 19.7 sq.m or 226 sq.ft Location: Saigon Deck Facilities: A cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television
Suite Cabin of Amalotus Cruise
Indochina Suite
Number of Cabins: 2 cabins Bed Type: King size bed Area: 41.2 sq.m or 441 sq.f Location: Sadec Deck Features: The comfortable sitting area, a bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, plus an extra-spacious private balcony Facilities: A cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television
Sadec Suite Number of Cabins: 10 cabins Bed Type: King size bed Area: 26.4 sq.m or 290 sq. ft. Location: Sadec Deck Features: Balcony, comfortable sitting area, plus a bathroom equipped with both a shower and separate tub Facilities: A cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television
Amalotus Cruise Deckplan
Itinerary
*NOTE: Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed proposal, we will do our utmost to stick to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. It may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors.
Upstream Itinerary
Downstream Itinerary
Day 1: Saigon - My Tho - Embarkation
Register between 11:00 to 12:00 at Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel. Transfer overland by motor coach to My Tho port for embarkation aboard the Indochina Sails’ ship for the journey from the Mekong Delta to Holy Angkor. Embark ship at 13:30. Welcome drinks served in Saigon Lounge. Short briefing is conducted before adjourning for lunch in Mekong restaurant. The cabins are ready for check-in after lunch. After port clearance formalities, captain raises the anchor and cruises towards Cai Be. Join the Cruise Director at Saigon Lounge for safety demonstration and briefing at 18:00, followed by Captain’s Cocktails. Enjoy the first gourmet dinner onboard with fellow travelers. Enjoy folk performances of the Mekong Delta from 21:00 to 21:45 in Saigon Lounge The ship moors overnight midstream at Cai Be.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 2: My Tho – Cai Be – Vinh Long
After breakfast take a morning junk trip around Cai Be. See floating market, go ashore to visit French Gothic Cathedral and colorful port area, filled with colonial buildings, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Return to the boat at noon. After enjoying lunch while ship sails toward Vinh Long – the second largest city on the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, take a short boat ride to get ashore for a walking tour of Vinh Long and visit a bustling market. Return to the ship at 17:00. Cocktail and briefing with Cruise Director at 18:00. After dinner, ship sails to Sadec and arrives Sadec around 23:00. The ship moors overnight midstream at Sadec.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 3: Sa Dec – Tan Chau
This morning, follow guides to the hometown of Marguerite Duras’ lover, Sadec, a quaint little city. Visit the old house of Huynh Thuy Le, partake in the bantering of local markets along the paved river banks, pagoda and the Fujian Temple, build and donated to the city by the late Le family. Pass by the home of Marguerite Duras from across the riverbanks. Re-board ship at 11:00 for lunch. After that, ship sets sail to Tan Chau. In the afternoon, Vietnamese tour guides will give a lecture about Vietnam – the Past and the Present in the Saigon Lounge at 16:00. Cocktails and briefing at 18:00 followed by dinner at 19:00. Ship arrives at Tan Chau around 18:30. After dinner, join the crew show in the Saigon Lounge. More music, more dancing afterwards. Tonight the ship moors midstream at Tan Chau.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 4: Tan Chau - Border Crossing
Today’s highlight is a visit of Tan Chau - a small town untouched by tourism. In the morning, the excursion starts with sightseeing by local boats, navigating narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. Chance to visit floating fish farm and travels along the tiny tributaries where slit houses are haphazardly leaning on each other. Afterwards, go ashore and tour the town on rickshaw (XeLoi). Visit rattan mats and slippers making factories. Return to the ship and enjoy lunch while the ship departs for border. In the afternoon, enjoy Fruits Carving and Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls demonstration by Executive Chef at Saigon Lounge. Border formalities are carried out concurrently. Cocktail hour from 18:00 – 19:00, dinner at 19:00. After dinner catch movie “The Killing Fields” in the Saigon Lounge. In the evening, sail overnight up the broad Mekong River, an international shipping route and moor mid-stream just outside of Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 5: Phnom Penh
A busy day with many interesting sightseeing and activities, in the morning, sightsee Phnom Penh by bus. Visit Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum where outstanding Khmer crafts are exhibited. Afternoon excursion facilitates understanding of a crucial part of the Cambodia’s history: the Khmer Rouge’s grim ToulSleng (S21 detention center) and the Killing Fields. (For a free and easy afternoon, please inform Cruise Manager). Cocktail hours are served from 18:00 to 19:00. Dinner is served from 19:30 to 21:00. After dinner, join the Khmer folk dances and songs at the Saigon Lounge. Before midnight, opt to chill in one the bars located across the road from the pier.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 6: Chong Koh – Oudong – Kampong Tralach
Early in the morning the ship sails towards little known village Chong Koh. After breakfast, take leisurely morning stroll through Chong Koh silk weaving village. Visit a school, some home workshops manufacturing traditional silk and cotton handicrafts and buy some local products. Return to the ship at 10:00.Enjoy a hearty lunch onboard at 12:30 as the ship sails to PrekK’dam.Interesting afternoon tour starts with a bus ride to visit Oudong – the second capital city of Cambodia. Visit a Buddhist Center here and join a blessing. After that, take another bus ride to Kampong Tralach, see Kampong TralachPleu temple and take a 20-minute ox-cart ride back to the ship. Re-board ship in Kampong Tralach. Ship sails to Kampong Chhnang afterwards. Cocktail hour from 18:00 to 19:00, dinner is served at 19:00. After dinner, join together in the Saigon Lounge with Cruise Director for a “Nasty Quiz” night. Ship arrives at Kampong Chhnangaround 23:00 and moors midstream overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 7: Kampong Chhnang – Prek K’dam
Kampong Chhnang is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen, and of considerable interest are local life and floating village. Return to the boat and cast off towards Tonle Lake. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. Here bird life is profuse, and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. There is a great stillness and tranquility as the boat sails past floating fishing villages. Enjoy the great afternoon views to the boat cruise over the lake. Time for packing and prepare for Farewell Cocktail this evening. The ship moors overnight near Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 8: Disembarkation – Prek K’dam
Enjoy breakfast onboard. Bid farewell to the crew and guides. Disembark around 8:30 and take motorized boats to local jetty approximately 5 to 6 km away from the middle of the lake. Transfer by motor coach to Le Meridien Angkor Hotel. Arrive at hotel at 10:00
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Day 1: Embarkation – Siem Reap – Prek K’dam
Register between 11:00 - 12:00 at Le Meridien Angkor. Transfer by coach to the jetty and take a 30-minute motorboat to La Marguerite ship, passing floating fishing villages from Siem Reap through Tonle Sap Lake. Embark the ship 13:00. Welcome drink served in Saigon Lounge. Attend a short briefing followed by a lunch served in Mekong restaurant at 13:30. Captain raises the anchor and cruises towards Kampong Chhnang. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. Along the way, enjoy a scenic view of the wild lives while passing through inspirational floating villages. Join the Cruise Manager at Saigon Lounge for safety demonstration and briefing at 18:00. Enjoy Captain’s Cocktails afterwards and adjourn to the first gourmet dinner onboard with fellow travelers. The boat moors overnight at Kampong Chhnang.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 2: Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Oudong
Kampong Chhnang is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Enjoy a stunning variety of birdlife, and of considerable interest are local life and floating village, see numerous great fish traps, some over a half-mile long. Return to the boat and attend lecture on “Cambodia - The Past & Present” in Saigon Lounge while the shipcasts off towards Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tour includes an oxcart ride from the riverbank through the countryside to the beautiful Kampong Tralach Pleu. Then board a motor coach to Oudong, the former capital city of Cambodia, where you will tour the Buddhist Monastery. After the visit, take another 15-minute coach back to the ship and embark at Prek K’dam. Cocktail hour starts from 18:00 to 19:00. Join Cruise Manager on daily briefing beforeenjoying your dinner at 19:00. Catch the movie night with “The Killing Fields” shown in the Saigon Lounge after dinner. Ship sails towards Chong Koh Village and moors midstream overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 3: Chong Koh – Phnom Penh
This morning we visit Chong Koh – a silk weaving village located in the middle of the Mekong River. After breakfast, take leisurely morning stroll through this village. Visit a school, some home workshops manufacturing traditional silk and cotton handicrafts and buy some local products. Return to the ship at 10:00.Ship sets sail to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia afterwards. An afternoon walking tour provides an orientation to this spectacular city and free time for shopping or exploring the city yourself. Return to the vessel for cocktail hour starts from 18:00 to 19:00 in the Saigon Lounge. Dinner at 19:00. After dinner, enjoy the nightlife in Phnom Penh. Ship docks overnight at Phnom Penh port.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Today is a busy day with many interesting sightseeing and activities. In the morning, sight-see Phnom Penh by bus. Visit Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum where outstanding Khmer crafts are exhibited. Afternoon excursion facilitates understanding of a crucial part of the Cambodia’s history: the Khmer Rouge’s grim Toul Sleng (S21 detention center) and the Killing Fields. (For a free and easy afternoon, please inform Cruise Director). Cocktail hour starts from 18:00 to 19:00. Dinner is served from 19:00 to 21:00. After dinner, join the Khmer folklore dances at the Saigon Lounge. Before midnight, opt to chill in one the bars located across the road from the pier. Ship docks overnight at Phnom Penh port.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Border Crossing – Tan Chau
Enjoy a hearty breakfast as the ship departs for border. Cast off for a day cruising the main Mekong channel, an international shipping route. Join the “Towels and napkins folding demonstration” from the Housekeeping and Restaurant Staff in the Saigon Lounge. In the afternoon, join the cooking class with fruits carving and Vietnamese fresh spring rolls demonstration by our Executive Chef at Saigon Lounge, while the border formalities are carried out. Arrive at Tan Chau in the evening - the first Vietnamese town on the Mekong River. Join the crew-members after dinner for a nice surprise in the Lounge. The boat moors safely at the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 6: Tan Chau – Sadec
Today’s highlight is a visit of Tan Chau - a small town untouched by tourism. In the morning, excursion starts with sightseeing by local boats, navigating narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. Chance to visit floating fish farm and travels along the tiny tributaries where slit houses are haphazardly leaning on each other. Afterwards, go ashore and tour the town on rickshaw (XeLoi). Visit rattan mats and slippers making factories. In the afternoon, cruise downstream to Sa Dec. Join the lecture on-board theme “Vietnam - The Past & Present”. The ship arrives in Sadec around 18:30 and moors midstream overnight. Cocktails and briefing at Saigon Lounge at 18:00. After dinner, watch in-house movie “The Lover” in the cabin or enjoy the beautiful music from the on-board pianist.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 7: Sadec – Xeo Quyt – Cai Be
In the morning, board a local boat for Sadec passing floating markets as your boat maneuvers through the river’s channels. Once ashore, you will tour Sadec, noteworthy as the town where the French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years during her childhood. Visit a local market and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. Afterwards, take a 1-hour bus ride from Sadec to Xeo Quyt, used as a base during the French and U.S war and now an important ecological site, with its jungle overgrowth. Meet and re-board the ship in Cai Be. After lunch onboard, a local boat will take you to Cai Be’s floating market. Go ashore to visit the rice paper and coconut candy workshops. After that, visit a typical old house in the Mekong Delta; take a short walk through the big garden. Return to the boat and prepare for Farewell cocktail at 18:00. Enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner at 19:00. Ship moors midstream in Cai Be.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Amalotus Cruise
Day 8: Disembarkation – My Tho – Saigon
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship arrives at My Tho Port. Breakfast from 6:30 to 8:00, followed by a motor coach transfer to Saigon at 8:30. As the capital of the French colony of Cochichina, Saigon was known as “Paris of Orient”. Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past.
