Riches of the Mekong and Vietnam War
Journey along the Mekong River for 8-days to explore Southeast Asia’s history from ancient civilisations to modern conflict in the company of our expert Historian aboard the luxurious AmaMaya.
8-day River Cruise with Optional 5-day Land Extension
River Cruise: 8 Days I Kampong Cham, Cambodia to My Tho/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) I 9-16 August 2027
Join Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours for a profound journey along the Mekong River as we explore Southeast Asia’s complex history from ancient civilisations to modern conflict. This exceptional river cruise combines the comfort of luxury cruising aboard the brand-new AmaMaya with expert historical commentary from our distinguished military Historian who will accompany you throughout the journey.
Cruise through the heart of Cambodia and Vietnam with an expert Historian who will bring the story of the Vietnam War to life through onboard seminars and dedicated shore excursions during the voyage. From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to the Mekong Delta battlefields, we’ll explore how this region became the crucible of Cold War conflict and examine the lasting impact on both nations.
After your cruise concludes, join our exclusive 5-day battlefield extension tour to explore the Australian battlefields of Vietnam, culminating in a moving commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day on 18 August at Long Tan, where we’ll mark the anniversary of Australia’s most famous battle of the Vietnam War.
$5,695*
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 – Monday, 9 August 2027 | Siem Reap to Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Meet your Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours Historian at the Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap at 8:00am for your transfer to the AmaMaya in Kampong Cham. The journey takes you through the Cambodian countryside, passing villages and rice paddies that have changed little over centuries.
Upon boarding the AmaMaya, settle into your luxurious stateroom before joining your Historian and fellow travellers for a welcome reception. This evening’s briefing will set the historical context for our journey, examining how the Mekong River served as both a lifeline and a battlefield throughout Southeast Asian history, from the ancient Khmer Empire through French colonisation to the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
Day 2 – Tuesday, 10 August 2027 | Angkor Ban – Oknhatey Village, Cambodia
This morning, explore Angkor Ban on a walking tour of one of the few villages in Cambodia that survived the Khmer Rouge regime intact. Here, traditional wooden houses on stilts have stood for generations, offering a glimpse into pre-war Cambodian life. Your Historian will explain how rural villages like this became battlegrounds in Cambodia’s civil war and the strategic importance of controlling the countryside. Later, sail to Oknhatey, known as “Silk Island,” where you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving. This ancient craft survived the Khmer Rouge years when intellectuals and artisans were targeted for elimination. Learn how these communities endured one of the 20th century’s darkest chapters and are now rebuilding their cultural heritage.
Day 3 – Wednesday, 11 August 2027 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Arrive in Cambodia’s capital for a day that confronts both royal grandeur and genocidal horror. Begin with a morning visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, symbols of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, or combine the palace visit with shopping at the Central Market. Your Historian will explain how Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge in April 1975 and the systematic emptying of the city that followed.
This afternoon’s visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a haunting testament to the Cambodian genocide. Your Historian will help contextualise how the Vietnam War’s spillover into Cambodia created conditions for Pol Pot’s rise to power and the resulting tragedy that claimed nearly two million lives.
Tonight, Khmer classical dancers perform in the Saigon Lounge, celebrating the cultural traditions that the Khmer Rouge tried to destroy.
Day 4 – Thursday, 12 August 2027 | Oudong – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Journey to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, for a Buddhist blessing ceremony at a hilltop monastery. Choose between a gentle walk around the monastery or an active hike to the summit for panoramic views. Your Historian will discuss Buddhism’s role in Southeast Asian resistance movements and how religious sites often served as sanctuaries during wartime.
This afternoon, explore Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk, seeing French colonial architecture alongside traditional Khmer buildings. Optional active travellers can add a walking tour to Wat Phnom. Your evening seminar will focus on the secret bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War and its role in destabilising the country.
Day 5 – Friday, 13 August 2027 | Border Crossing, Cambodia to Vietnam
Today we cruise from Cambodia into Vietnam, crossing one of Southeast Asia’s most significant borders. As we navigate the Mekong, your Historian will present a comprehensive seminar on the Vietnam War’s Mekong Delta campaigns, including the river warfare conducted by the “Brown Water Navy” and the strategic importance of controlling this vital waterway.
Learn about the Ho Chi Minh Trail’s southern terminals, how supplies moved through Cambodia into South Vietnam, and why controlling the border region proved impossible despite massive military efforts. We’ll also discuss the experiences of Australian forces who served in Vietnam, setting the stage for our later battlefield visits.
Day 6 – Saturday, 14 August 2027 | Tan Chau – Sa Dec, Vietnam
Choose between cultural morning excursions – a trishaw ride to silk and rattan workshops, a walking tour to Evergreen Island, or visiting Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary – or join our dedicated Upper Mekong Battlefields Tour.
Upper Mekong Battlefields Tour: Explore the Upper Delta’s crucial Vietnam War sites. Visit Ap Bac where, on 2 January 1963, a small Viet Cong force defeated a much larger South Vietnamese army unit despite massive firepower advantages, marking the first major victory for communist forces. The battle demonstrated that the Viet Cong could stand and fight conventionally when conditions favoured them. Continue to Tra Su Forest to understand how these wetlands provided sanctuary for guerrilla forces. Your Historian will explain how this region served as a vital Viet Cong stronghold throughout the war, with its maze of waterways and dense vegetation making conventional military operations nearly impossible.
Later, cruise to Sa Dec as your Historian discusses the Mekong Delta campaigns and the challenges of riverine warfare.
Day 7 – Sunday, 15 August 2027 | Sa Dec – Cai Be, Vietnam
Begin your morning exploring Sa Dec, the town where French author Marguerite Duras spent her youth. Visit the colourful local market and the remarkable Cao Dai Temple, whose unique religion blends Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity and other faiths.
In the afternoon, choose between visiting traditional workshops in Cai Be producing rice paper and coconut candy (with optional walking tour to Kiet Old House), or join our dedicated Lower Mekong Battlefields Tour.
Lower Mekong Battlefields Tour: This battlefield excursion along Highway 1 explores the Lower Delta’s key battle sites. Visit Ben Tre, devastated by American firepower after the Tet Offensive when a US major infamously declared “it became necessary to destroy the town to save it.” Explore sites associated with Nguyen Thi Dinh, the female revolutionary leader who organised the Ben Tre uprising and commanded Viet Cong forces throughout the region. We will also see other key sites from the Vietnam War in this hotly-contested region.
Tonight’s farewell dinner celebrates your Mekong journey as we prepare for tomorrow’s arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 8 – Monday, 16 August 2027 | My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Disembark in My Tho and either:
- transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, to conclude your journey with arrival at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza or your preferred hotel, or
- join our 5-day land extension in My Tho to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, explore Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam War sites, and visit the Long Tan Cross to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on 18 August
Whether you conclude your journey after our river cruise, or continue with our land extension, you will carry with you a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s complex history from ancient civilisations through modern conflict, as seen through the lens of the mighty Mekong River.
- Cruise Inclusions
- Optional 5 Day Tour
- Pricing
Riches of the Mekong and the Vietnam War: Inclusions for our 8-day River Cruise
- Services of an expert Historian throughout the cruise
- Exclusive history seminars led by your expert Historian during the cruise
- Two days of comprehensive, exclusive battlefield touring led by your Historian exploring the Upper and Lower Mekong battlefields of the Vietnam War
- Complimentary access to Ama Waterways variety of cultural shore excursions throughout your cruise
- Luxury accommodation aboard Ama Waterways’ brand new AmaMaya in a stateroom of your choice. All staterooms include river views, individual climate control, an in-room safe, and choice of bed configuration
- Complimentary WiFi aboard AmaMaya and access to on-board amenities
- Welcome and Farewell Reception aboard AmaMaya
- Gourmet dining aboard AmaMaya for all main meals, with complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during lunch and dinner
- Packed lunches for battlefield touring days
- All tips and gratuities, port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees are included
Land Extension: Inclusions for our 5-day extension tour (optional)
- Services of an expert, English-speaking Local Guide throughout the tour
- All excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- 4 nights’ 4 to 5-star accommodation
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 2 dinners
- Special Farewell Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City
- All entrance fees as per the itinerary
5 Days | My Tho, Cu Chi Tunnels, Long Tan, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – 16-20 August 2027
Explore the Australian battlefields of South Vietnam, culminating in a moving commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day on 18 August at Long Tan, where we’ll mark the anniversary of Australia’s most famous battle of the Vietnam War. In the company of our expert Local Guide, you will follow in the footsteps of more than 50,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War, to uncover this vibrant country’s turbulent past and diverse, rich culture today.
Day 8 – Monday, 16 August 2027 | My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Your journey through the Australian battlefields of South Vietnam begins after disembarkation from AmaMaya. Your expert Local Guide will meet you at My Tho Port to begin your exploration at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
An immense network of connecting underground tunnels originally built by the Viet Minh resistance fighters during the French Indochina War in the 1940s, the tunnel system was expanded and utilised by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War – serving as living quarters, communication and supply routes, and housing hospitals, food and weapons caches.
The extensive Cu Chi Tunnels system was uncovered in January 1966 by the Allies, with Australian unit 1RAR being instrumental in the discovery. Australian engineers from 3 Field Troop became the first “Tunnel Rats” to deliberately enter and search the tunnels, and Australians played a significant role in the search-and-destroy mission that led to the significant discovery and capture of documents, weapons, and supplies from the tunnels.
Touring the underground compounds will provide a better understanding of the history of the tunnels, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat.
After exploring the tunnels, we will enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to check-in to our centrally located hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 9 – Tuesday, 17 August 2027 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Today after breakfast we will meet our Local Guide to commence a city tour uncovering the key Vietnam War sites in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), soaking up the vibrant culture of this busy city today as we explore. Visiting the former Presidential Palace, we will receive a briefing on the Australian headquarters system and liaison with Vietnamese and American headquarters during the war. We will visit the War Remnants Museum, the Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as Father Tam’s Catholic Church where President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother hid themselves in 1963 before being taken away and executed. We will enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant and will finish our day at the renowned Ben Thanh Markets, one of Saigon’s most famous landmarks.
On return to our hotel, enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 10 – Wednesday, 18 August 2027 | Ho Chi Minh City – Long Tan – Vung Tau
Today after breakfast we will check-out of our hotel and meet our Local Guide to begin our pilgrimage to Long Tan to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – Australia’s most famous battle of the Vietnam War.
As we travel to the seaside resort town of Vung Tau and the former site of the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (1 ALSG), we will explore the former 1ATF base at Nui Dat where your expert Local Guide will give a brief on the role of the 1st Australian Task Force, how operations were conducted and how the base was developed and protected. The area is still a military reserve in parts and some areas may be restricted to visitors.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to the iconic Long Tan battle site to learn the story of this battle, view the rubber plantation where the battle took place which still stands, and pay our respects at the Long Tan Cross.
Late this afternoon we will arrive in Vung Tau to check-in to our hotel before coming together for a group dinner reflecting on today’s experience.
Day 11 – Thursday, 19 August 2027 | Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh City
This morning after breakfast we will check-out of our hotel before exploring the sights of Vung Tau, including Back Beach – the former site of an Australian logistics group and the Peter Badcoe Club. The area is now a public beach and houses a massive war memorial to honour its past. Walk up to the top of the VC Memorial and overlook the Badcoe area. We will also visit Front Beach areas, Bao Dai Summer House and the airport area. Many will remember it as the home of ‘Wallaby Airlines’ and our ‘hueys.’ We will also visit Long Hai hill (also called ‘Minh Dam secret zone’), the main base of Viet Minh and VC during the French and American wars. The many caves served as a natural shelter, medical care and head quarter for the troops. We will also visit the VC memorial to commemorate where more than 2,000 soldiers died during the war. After lunch near Long Hai, we will stop at Ap My An and learn about the battle of Bribie.
This afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh City, check-in to our hotel, and regroup for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 12 – Friday, 20 August 2027 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City
This morning our tour ends after breakfast. Your journey may be over, but the memories will last forever.
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Category
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Description
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Price Per Person
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L
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Luxury Suite – French Balcony & Outside Balcony 502 square feet |
$10,755
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S
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Suite – French Balcony & Outside Balcony 366 square feet |
$9,155
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A
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French Balcony & Outside Balcony 251 square feet |
$7,555
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B
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French Balcony & Outside Balcony 251 square feet |
$7,075
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C
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French Balcony & Outside Balcony 251 square feet |
$5,956
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Terms & Conditions
Pricing is correct as of 14.10.2025. Offer is subject to change or availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn without notice. Price is based on 9 August 2027 departure. All discounts mentioned are included in the price displayed. Itineraries are subject to change, and operation is subject to weather conditions, prevailing conditions, and local arrangements that may cause variation. Travel insurance is recommended; please ask us for a quote. Payment by credit card attracts a merchant fee. We act as an agent on behalf of the travel supplier/provider. Our Terms & Conditions are in addition to the Terms and Conditions of each Travel Supplier listed; the Travel supplier/provider determines the terms of cancellation and refunds, if any. Full terms and conditions are provided at the time of booking.