Aqua Mekong aerial view during sunset
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Aqua Mekong

A river expedition vessel with modern state-of-the-art design and the highest levels of luxury.

Overview

Built in 2014, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong charts a luxurious passage up and down the Mekong River between the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and the Kingdom of Cambodia. This state-of-the-art river expedition vessel comfortably accommodates up to 40 guests in 20 designer suites. Social areas include indoor and outdoor bars, relaxed-yet-refined lounging and dining areas, a plunge pool, outdoor movie theater, screening room, observation deck, fitness center, spa, and boutique.

Welcome Aboard

Your warm welcome from the crew is just a prelude to the outstanding service that you’ll receive throughout your Aqua Mekong Cruise. The one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio ensures that your every need will be attended to. The 40 crew members include a cruise director, a paramedic, and four professionally trained English-speaking guides who lead daily expeditions aboard four skiffs deep into the Mekong’s tributaries, and on foot among Khmer pottery villages, mountain monasteries, and the cultural treasures of Phnom Penh.

Divided equally between the first and second decks, each of the Aqua Mekong’s air-conditioned 320-sq-ft suites is created entirely of local materials with the sophistication and contemporary comforts of a five-star hotel. Each suite is furnished with a king-sized bed that can be converted into twins and has a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows allow you to gaze out over the ever-changing Mekong scenery from your pillow. Eight suites feature a balcony with a romantic table for two. Four sets of interconnecting suites (two sets on each deck) are ideal for families.

Life On Board

On-board dining is upscale and contemporary. Featuring an Asian-inspired menu created by Michelin-starred chef, David Thompson, who is one of Southeast Asia’s most acclaimed chefs, the cuisine endeavors to incorporate the day’s catch and the market’s freshest seasonal produce. The ship’s innovative cocktail menu echoes a similar locally-minded philosophy.

A private theater-style screening room and a library/games room will keep you well entertained during quiet times on board. Keep fit in the fully-equipped gym overlooking the river, shop for artisan-crafted souvenirs in the boutique, or be pampered in the spa. A health and safety officer is available if any health needs arise. Modern navigation technologies, the highest cruise ship standards, and an experienced river pilot and crew ensure that your journey on the water will be smooth and safe.

The air-conditioned top-level Observation Deck is designed to connect you with the constantly shifting landscape of floating Vietnamese villages, French colonial church spires, and gilded Buddhist stupas along this mighty river. Relax on the comfortable sun loungers, order a drink from the Rooftop Bar, and drop into the infinity plunge pool in the shaded Outdoor Lounge, which later transforms into a movie theater under the stars. Gravitate to the Indoor Lounge for lectures on ecology, culture, and wildlife.

Land & Water-Based Activities

In addition to visiting the sights, you can also look forward to daily cycling, kayaking, swimming, and guided meditation at sunrise. Ten bicycles are available if you wish to explore independently ashore.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends, a cruise on the Aqua Mekong will take you on a cultural odyssey to flooded emerald forests and bamboo stilt villages accessible only by boat, as well as landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality, and craftsmanship reside.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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4 Day - Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City (All Year - Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer "Apsara" performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Downstream Day One - Excursion On Speedboat
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 4

Ka'om Samnor, Vinh Xuong Border Crossing, Chau Doc, My An Hung & Viet Nam

AM: Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called "xe loi" for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

PM: In the afternoon, we visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance. Biking option is also available for those who wish to explore on wheels.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Downstream Day Two - Floating Village
Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 4

Binh Thanh/Sa Dec & Cai Be

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats.

PM: Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Downstream Day Three - School Visit
Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: Disembarkation. En route to Saigon, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Downstream Day Four - Excursion On Bike
Location
My Tho - Saigon
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

4 Day - Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (High Water - Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Welcome our passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - Day 1 - Traditional Blessing
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 4

Tonle Sap River, Koh Chen & Kampong Chhnang

AM: This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

PM: In the afternoon, we continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century. A biking option is available for guests who would like to explore the countryside.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - Day 2 - Excursion on Bike
Location
Tonle River
Day
2 / 4

Mouth of Tonle Sap Lake, Chhnok Tru & Moat Khla

AM: Continue exploring the remote communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float.

PM: After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - Day 3 - Kayaking on Mekong River
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot.

PM: Disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - Day 4 - Ox Cart
Location
Siem Reap
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

4 Day - Mekong Discovery: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Extension (Low Water - Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Welcome our passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Upstream Day One - Traditional Blessing
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 4

Tonle Sap River, Koh Chen & Kampong Prasat

AM: This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries. Continuing onwards to Udong, the royal capital from the 17th to 19th century, learn about the life of Buddhist monks and interact with them at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala meditation center.

PM: In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers an intimate look at local ways of life and their riverside habitat.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Upstream Day Two - Excursion on Bike
Location
Tonle River
Day
2 / 4

Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang & Kampong Tralach

AM: In the cooler hours, we head into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured by shaded tuk-tuk. Into the rice paddies we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us.

PM: Cruise across the glassy water and disembark among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride along the Tonle Sap riverbanks, past lacquered wooden houses where residents take refuge during these dry months in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Upstream Day Three - Kayaking
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. Disembark. Airplane transfers are provided if you would like to continue your Cambodian adventure to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Guests will be fully escorted by our guides in aprivate luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Siem Reap Extension: During low water season, cruise vessels are not able to travel up to the Tonle Sap Lake due to the water level. Airplane transfers via Cambodian Angkor Air are included in your cruise fare in order to continue your Cambodian adventure with us to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Requests for flight changes and/or upgrades are not available. Please kindly inform our Reservations team should you choose to remain in Phnom Penh after disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 4-Day Mekong Discovery Upstream Day Four - Ox Cart
Location
Siem Reap
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Extension (Low Water - Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: We meet you at the Phnom Penh TS1 Port for check-in to your 3-story, five-star Mekong abode. Welcome aboard. We’ll leave you to settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 5-day Mekong Explorer Downstream - Day 1 - Buffet
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 5

Tonle Sap River, Koh Chen & Kampong Prasat

AM: In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty. We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura, a meditation center.

PM: In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close-up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Aqua Mekong's 5-day Mekong Explorer Downstream - Day 2 - Tonle Sap Lake
Location
Tonle River
Day
2 / 5

Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang & Kampong Tralach

AM: Relax onboard.

PM: In the cooler hours, we head into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured by shaded tuk-tuk. Into the rice paddies we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us. Cruise across the glassy water and disembark among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride along the Tonle Sap riverbanks, past lacquered wooden houses where residents take refuge during these dry months in the relative cool of their outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Aqua Mekong's 5-day Mekong Explorer Downstream - Day 3 - Pottery Village Visit
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 5

Mekong River – Koh Okhna Tey – Preah Prosop

AM: On this river of time we admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous fabric no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

PM: After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Four - Excursion by Speedboat
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide or choose to shop at the Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh. Airplane transfers are provided if you would like to continue your Cambodian adventure to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Guests will be fully escorted by our guides in a private luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

*Siem Reap Extension

During low water season, cruise vessels are not able to travel up to the Tonle Sap Lake due to the water level. Airplane transfers via Cambodian Angkor Air are included in your cruise fare in order to continue your Cambodian adventure with us to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Requests for flight changes and/or upgrades are not available. Please kindly inform our Reservations team should you choose to remain in Phnom Penh after disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Five - Excursion on Local Vehicle
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

5 Day - Mekong Explorer: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (High Water - Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Gather at our Siem Reap meeting point then board our air-conditioned bus for the scenic 45-minute countryside ride to the dock on the Tonle Sap Lake for check-in to your 3-story, five star Mekong abode. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California king bed, terrace or daybed.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day One - Buffet
Location
Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
Day
1 / 5

Prek Toal & Moat Khla

AM: Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked fin-foot.

PM: After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Two - Tonle Sap Lake
Location
Tonle Sap Lake
Day
2 / 5

Chhnok Tru & Kampong Chhnang

AM: Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float.

PM: We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Three - Pottery Village Visit
Location
Tonle Sap Lake
Day
3 / 5

Koh Chen & Koh Oknha Tey

AM: This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

PM: In the afternoon, we set off for the Mekong's 'silk islands' where renowned weavers allow us to wander freely, admiring their intricate craftsmanship. Biking is optional for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Four - Excursion by Speedboat
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. Disembark in Phnom Penh.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Downstream Day Five - Excursion on Local Vehicle
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

5 Day - Mekong Explorer: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap Extension (Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: We will collect you at the Saigon meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama.

PM: Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California king bed, terrace or daybed.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Upstream Day One - Excursion On Bike
Location
Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho
Day
1 / 5

Binh Thanh/Sa Dec & My An Hung

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. 

PM: In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers followed by a unique unicorn dance. A 17-kilometer Biking option is also available.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Upstream Day Two - Cocktail
Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 5

Chau Doc, Vinh Xuong & Ka'om Samnor Border

AM: Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to Chau Doc floating market then head off by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. Optional 18 kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with chef.

PM: After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while we cross the border.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Upstream Day Three - Buffet
Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 5

Koh Oknha Tey & Preah Prosop

AM: On this river of time we admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous item no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

PM: After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Upstream Day Four - Mekong River Drone View
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

Airplane transfers are provided if you would like to continue your Cambodian adventure to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Guests will be fully escorted by our guides in a private luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Siem Reap Extension: During low water season, cruise vessels are not able to travel up to the Tonle Sap Lake due to the water level. Airplane transfers via Cambodian Angkor Air are included in your cruise fare in order to continue your Cambodian adventure with us to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Requests for flight changes and/or upgrades are not available. Please kindly inform our Reservations team should you choose to remain in Phnom Penh after disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 5-Day Mekong Explorer Upstream Day Five - Kayaking
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City (Low Water - Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: We meet you at the Phnom Penh TS1 Port for check-in to your 3-story, five-star Mekong abode. Welcome aboard. We’ll leave you to settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 1 - Returning to Boat
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 8

Tonle Sap River, Koh Chen & Kampong Prasat

AM: In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty. We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura, a meditation center.

PM: In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close-up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 2 - Traditional Dance
Location
Tonle River
Day
2 / 8

Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang & Kampong Tralach

AM: Relax onboard.

PM: In the cooler hours, we head into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured by shaded tuk-tuk. Into the rice paddies, we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us. Cruise across the glassy water and disembark among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride along the Tonle Sap riverbanks, past lacquered wooden houses where residents take refuge during these dry months in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 3 - Boat Drone View
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 8

Koh Okhna Tey, Preah Prosop

AM: On this river of time we admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous fabric no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

PM: After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 4 - Phnom Penh
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 8

Phnom Penh

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

PM: Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 5 - Inside a Pagoda
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Ka’om Samnor-Vinh Xuong Border Crossing, Chau Doc & My An Hung

AM: Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18-kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

PM: In the afternoon, we visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance. A 17- kilometer biking option is also available for those who wish to explore the countryside on wheels.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream - Day 6 - Inside A Pagoda in Mekong Delta
Location
Mekong River
Day
6 / 8

Binh Thanh/ Sa Dec, Cai Be

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats.

PM: Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Seven - Phnom Penh
Location
Mekong River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: En route to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees. Disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day 8 - Phnom Penh National Library
Location
Ho Chi Minh City
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

8 Day - Mekong Expedition: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City (High Water - Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Gather at our Siem Reap meeting point then board our air-conditioned bus for the scenic 45-minute countryside ride to the dock on the Tonle Sap Lake for check-in to your 3-story, five star Mekong abode.

PM: Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California king bed, terrace or daybed.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day One - Returning to Boat
Location
Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
Day
1 / 8

Prek Toal & Moat Khla

AM: Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot.

PM: After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Two - Traditional Dance
Location
Tonle Sap Lake
Day
2 / 8

Chhnok Tru & Kampong Chhnang

AM: Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float.

PM: We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Three - Boat Drone View
Location
Tonle Sap Lake
Day
3 / 8

Koh Chen & Koh Oknha Tey

AM: This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

PM: In the afternoon, we set off for the Mekong's 'silk islands' where renowned weavers allow us to wander freely, admiring their intricate craftsmanship. Biking is optional for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Four - Phnom Penh
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 8

Phnom Penh, Royal Palace & National Museum

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

PM: Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Five - Inside a Pagoda
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Ka'om Samnor, Vinh Xuong Border Crossing & Chau Doc, My An Hung

AM: Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

PM: In the afternoon, we visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance. Biking option is also available for those who wish to explore on wheels.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Six - Inside A Pagoda in Mekong Delta
Location
Mekong River
Day
6 / 8

Binh Thanh/Sa Dec & Cai Be

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats.

PM: Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Seven - Phnom Penh
Location
Mekong River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: Disembarkation. En route to Saigon, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Downstream Day Eight - Phnom Penh National Library
Location
My Tho - Saigon
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

8 Day - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap Extension (Low Water - Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: We will collect you at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day One - Excursion on Bike
Location
Ho Chi Minh - My Tho
Day
1 / 8

Binh Thanh/ Sa Dec, My An Hung

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.

PM: In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique unicorn dance. A 17-kilometer biking option is also available.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Two - Excursion on Speedboat
Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 8

Chau Doc, Vinh Xuong & Ka’om Samnor Border

AM: Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to Chau Doc floating market then head off by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. Optional 18-kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with our chef.

PM: After lunch, relax by the pool, try a traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong-inspired dishes while we cross the border.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Three - Angkor Wat
Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 8

Koh Okhna Tey, Preah Prosop

AM: On this river of time we admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous fabric no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

PM: After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Four - Apsara Dance
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 8

Phnom Penh

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

PM: Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Five - Drone view
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Koh Chen, Kampong Prasat

AM: In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty. We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura, a meditation center.

PM: In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close-up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Six - Floating House
Location
Tonle River
Day
6 / 8

Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach

AM: Relax onboard.

PM: In the cooler hours, we head into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured by shaded tuk-tuk. Into the rice paddies, we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us. Cruise across the glassy water and disembark among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride along the Tonle Sap riverbanks, past lacquered wooden houses where residents take refuge during these dry months in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Seven - Lotus Field
Location
Tonle River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: Customized exploration of Phnom Penh and disembarkation.

PM: Airplane transfers are provided if you would like to continue your Cambodian adventure to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Guests will be fully escorted by our guides in a private luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Eight - Mekong River Drone View
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

8 Day - Mekong Expedition: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (High Water - Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: We will collect you at the Saigon meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong.

PM: Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California king bed, terrace or daybed.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day One - Excursion on Bike
Location
Ho Chi Minh - My Tho
Day
1 / 8

Binh Thanh/Sa Dec & My An Hung

AM: Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. 

PM: In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers followed by a unique unicorn dance. A 17-kilometer Biking option is also available.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Two - Excursion on Speedboat
Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 8

Chau Doc, Vinh Xuong & Ka'om Samnor Border

AM: Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to Chau Doc floating market then head off by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. Optional 18 kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with chef.

PM: After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while we cross the border.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Three - Angkor Wat
Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 8

Koh Oknha Tey & Preah Prosop

AM: On this river of time we admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous item no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

PM: After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Four - Apsara Dance
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 8

Phnom Penh, Royal Palace & National Museum

AM: We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

PM: Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Five - Drone view
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Koh Chen & Kampong Chhnang

AM: This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

PM: In the afternoon, we continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century. Bike option is available.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Six - Floating House
Location
Tonle River
Day
6 / 8

Chhnok Tru & Moat Khla

AM: Continue exploring the remote communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float.

PM: After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Seven - Lotus Field
Location
Tonle Sap Lake
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot. Disembarkation.

Aqua Mekong's 8-Day Mekong Expedition Upstream Day Eight - Mekong River Drone View
Location
Siem Reap
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Bar
Dinning Room
Gym
Lounge
Lounge
Outdoor Dining
Sun Deck Bar
Sun Deck
Outdoor Theater
Cinema
Spa
Boutique
Game Room
Lobby

Suites & Cabins

Aqua Mekong's Lower Deck Design Suite. Aqua Mekong's Lower Deck Design Suite. Aqua Mekong's Lower Deck Design Suite - Bathroom.
10 Cabins

Lower Deck Design Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
30 m² / 322 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

Guests can enjoy the grand view of the river from these suites featuring large panoramic windows. Some of the cabins on this deck are interconnected, making them ideal for groups of friends. The private bathrooms are stunning, with a walk-in shower and a rainforest showerhead.

Aqua Mekong's Upper Deck Design Suite. Aqua Mekong's Upper Deck Design Suite - Bathroom. Aqua Mekong's Upper Deck Design Suite.
10 Cabins

Upper Deck Design Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
30 m² / 322 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

These spacious and air conditioned rooms are designed for discerning guests. The private ensuite facilities come with a professional hairdryer, all organic natural hair and bath amenities, and a walk-in shower. Families and guests traveling in bigger groups can benefit from the 4 sets of interconnected cabins on this deck. Passengers may select a pair with one suite configured as a private living room, and the other a master bedroom.


Technical Information

Deck Plan

Aqua Mekong deck plan

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Excercise room
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Cinema
  • Medical staff
  • Spa
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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