Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

January 8-29, 2019

Our tour logo designed by Joe.

Arrival at our beautiful Sofitel Hotel in Hanoi.

Rickshaw ride in Hanoi CLICK HERE to go on a city tour in Hanoi via Richshaw

What many consider the Eighth Natural Wonder, Ha Long Bay, with more than 2,000 small islands rising from its emerald green waters like a dragon's back. We embarked the ship in the afternoon and stayed onboard overnight. CLICK HERE to see Ha Long Bay

Onboard the ship, we had a lot of fun checking how fashionable we look with an iconic Vietnamese straw hat. We were surprised how light the hats are. The hats got their shape from the legend of the rain-shielding goddess who wore one to protect the Vietnamese farmers' rice.

Some of our gentlemen did a great job following the Chef's instructions making spring rolls.

Passing some floating villages, we went to a pearl farm to see how pearls are cultured in Ha Long Bay. Back on board, we enjoyed the cocktail hour. CLICK HERE to see more of Ha Long Bay

After disembarking the ship in Ha Long Bay, we drove to the Hanoi Airport and flew to Siem Reap in Cambodia. There, we checked in at the outstanding beautiful Sofitel Hotel. The service and the sumptuous breakfast buffet with custom made cappuccinos were extraordinary. CLICK HERE to see our beautiul Sofitel Hotel

Angkor Wat is a Buddhist temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Originally it was built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. CLICK HERE to join our visit of Ankor Wat

Visiting Angkor Wat

Like Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Banteay Srei is a Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva dating back to the 10th century. CLICK HERE to join our visit of Banteay Srei

Visit of Ta Prohm, known as the "Kingdom of Trees"

Finally, we reach the legendary Mekong River and arrive at our ship, the beautiful AmaDara. The ship can accommodate up to 124 guests. CLICK HERE to see some of the onboard entertainment

Phnom Pros - on top of one of the Twin Mountains.

Angkor Ban Village was our first stop along the Mekong River. The village still has many wooden houses. The splendid Khmer-style pagoda is dedicated to Buddha.

Visiting Angkor Ban Village. Most houses are built on stilts. CLICK HERE

Via Tuk Tuk on the way to a school for a visit.

We had a marvelous time visiting a school where we received a very warm welcome and the children greeted us with big smiles. The children are very proud of their school and eager to learn.

Silk Village of Oknhatey. Here we learned about the harvest of silk worms, how cocoons are formed, and how the silk threads are produced. CLICK HERE to join our visit of the silk village

Like most AmaWaterways ships, the AmaDara has a Chef's Table Restaurant.

Phnom Penh city tour via Tuk Tuk.

At the Central Market in Phnom Penh where customers can find almost everything.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. CLICK HERE to join our visit of the Royal Palace

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Playing Bingo at the Sun Deck. Like every night, we were treated to a very delicious dinner.

Our guests who traveled with AmaWaterways several times in the past were invited to a Cocktail Party.

Traveling on the Mekong often requires tendering when visiting smaller places along the river banks.

Xeo Quit in Vietnam is a forest with tall trees and vines and remains of Viet Cong bunkers.

Ready for another land tour.

Our Mekong River Cruise terminated in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). After checking in to our hotel, we went to the Noir & Blanc restaurant for dinner. In the "Noir" (Dark) part of the restaurant, guests dine in the dark to experience what it feels being blind. In the "Blanc" (White) part of the restaurant, guests are served by deaf waiters using sign language.

The owner (Germ Doornbos) and two of the deaf waiters. They are looking forward to welcome more deaf guests. Here is the restaurant's address: Lane 178/1800 Hai Ba Trung. Da Kao District 1 Ho Chi Minh City www.blancrestaurant.vn

After a 2-day stay in Ho Chi Minh, most guests in our group continued to Thailand. Our first stop was Bangkok. During the city tour, we visited the Grand Palace, the official residence of the King. CLICK HERE to join our visit of the Royal Palace

Visiting the Temple Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The famous railway market was a unique experience. As soon as a train approaches the market, the vendors frantically packing away their stalls from the tracks. CLICK HERE to see the train arriving

We stopped at a small business that sold everything that can be made from coconuts. Afterwards, we hopped into the speed boats to get to the floating market.

There are countless floating markets throughout Thailand but the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous. CLICK HERE

Fancy street lights embellish some of the roads in Thailand.

Visiting the Wildlife Rescue Center and Elephant Refuge we had the chance to shower the elephants and give them a good scrub. CLICK HERE to see how we showered the elephants. That was so much fun!

Volunteers provided individual stories about the elephants and explained the conservation issues that elephants face.

Wildlife Rescue Center and Elephant Refuge

Visit the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs. Afterwards, we embarked the long-tailed boats to get to our resort hotel located in the jungle.

At our beautiful hotel, the River Kwai Resotel. CLICK HERE

A few relaxing moments at the hotel at the river Kwai.

The next day, our first stop was the Hell Fire Pass and Memorial Museum. Later, lunch was served in a local restaurant.

Our last big adventure in Thailand was the train ride on the Death Railway Train. CLICK HERE

What our clients said after the tour:

I wanted u to know that I had a fabulous tour w you in VN n Cambodia. That was the best one!!! Regina

Kerstin-Mike and I, very simply, had a fabulous time. You are the consummate guide and we want you to know how special you made us feel. Everything you did for us, from making flight reservations, from fancy hotels and excursions, will long be remembered by us. Thanks for such a wonderful trip! Karyl and Mike

Wanted to thank you again for all you have done for me. Truly fond cherished memories! Pamela

I want to thank you for great Asia trip for me and our group. We all enjoyed very much. You all did a fantastic job for three weeks. Faye

We enjoyed travelling with your wonderful group. Guy & Chong

Many thanks for all of your work. Jo-Anne

Thank You note from Alice and Mitch

Thank You note from Bev

Thank You note from Pamela

Appreciation gift from Jo-Anne

Contact Kerstin's Deaf Travel to book your next cruise or land tour by sending an e-mail to kerstin@kerstinstravel.com