Aqua Mekong: Cruise the Mekong in Style

Day 1     Tuesday  Phnom Penh

This evening you will be welcomed aboard with 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.

Day 2    Wednesday  Tonle Sap River / Koh Chen / Kampong Prasat

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 Mandala, a meditation center. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Day 3    Thursday  Tonle Sap River / Kampong Chhnang / Kampong Tralach

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 during these dry months residents take refuge in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Day 4    Friday  Phnom Pen

See the best of the Cambodian capital on a motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Based on your preferences, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or shop at the Russian Market before disembarking the Aqua Mekong. 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 guides in a luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Day 1   Phnom Pen

Head to the pier to board your floating home, the Aqua Mekong. After checking-in, enjoy a sundowner such as the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil and toast to the onward journey towards the heart of the mighty Mekong. A special Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat, will set the tone for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2    Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong  Chhnang

This morning, 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. In the afternoon, 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 bike option is also available.

Day 3    Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – Moat Khla

Continue exploring the remote communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, “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. After lunch, visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony.

Day 4    Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal – Siem Reap

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. Bid a fond farewell to the Mekong and your floating home as you disembark and continue your journey onwards to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Wat.

Day 1   Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be

After checking into your luxurious floating “home” for the next several days, enjoy a lunch buffet as the vessel heads upstream. Become acquainted with the amenities on the ship, and enjoy an afternoon tea in the open-air bar. While you savour your delightful dinner, the ship reaches Cai Be. This historic town was established in the 19th century by Vietnam’s last ruling family, the Nguyen dynasty.

Day 2   Cai Be – Sa Dec – Tan Chau

We arrive at Cai Be, a charming market town which is famous for its Catholic French church and the manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The once enormous floating market of Cai Be gets smaller year by year since trading on the water is continually shifting towards modern markets. By local boat, we sail along the green canal network and watch the farmers working in the fields. In the afternoon, the vessel reaches the area of Sa Dec and arrives at one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong, Binh Thanh Island. Wander through the village and meet local artisans.

Day 3   Tan Chau – Border crossing – Phnom Penh

Once on shore, we see Tan Chau’s vibrant town-life as we hop on “xelois”, which are local vehicles still used as a taxi in this area. To see what Tan Chau is famous for, we board local boats and head to a floating fish farm. Back on board our “home”, we sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodian countryside towards Phnom Penh.

The whole afternoon is at your own disposal.

Day 4    Phnom Pen

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city once named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home before disembarking the ship. 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 guides in a luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Day 1     Friday  Siem Reap / Tonle Sap Lake

Gather at the Siem Reap meeting point then board an 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.

Day 2     Saturday  Tonle Sap Lake / Prek Toal / Moat Khla

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

Day 3     Sunday  Tonle Sap Lake / Chhnok Tru / Kampong Chhnang

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. 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.

Day 4     Monday  Tonle Sap And Mekong River / Koh Chen / Koh Oknha Tey

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. 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.

Day 5     Tuesday    Phnom Penh

Today you will be welcomed to the Cambodian capital and explore the city by motorized tuk-tuk. Visit 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. Disembark in Phnom Penh.

Day 1     Friday   Ho Chi Minh / Marina My Tho Port

You will be met at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transferred to your air-conditioned coach that will take you to My Tho dock where you will be welcomed you aboard the Aqua Mekong. 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.

Day 2     Saturday  Binh Thanh OR Sa Dec / My An Hung

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. 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.

Day 3     Sunday  Chau Doc / Vinh Xuong / Ka’om Samnor Border

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

Day 4     Monday  Koh Oknha Tey / Preah Prosop

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. 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.

Day 5     Tuesday    Phnom Penh

See the best of the Cambodian capital on a motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Based on your preferences, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or shop at the Russian Market before disembarking the Aqua Mekong. 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 guides in a luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Day 1     Friday    Ho Chi Minh / Marina My Tho Port

You will be met at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transferred to your air-conditioned coach that will take you to My Tho dock where you will be welcomed you aboard the Aqua Mekong. 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.

Day 2     Saturday    Binh Thanh OR Sa Dec / My An Hung

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. 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.

Day 3     Sunday    Chau Doc / Vinh Xuong / Ka’om Samnor Border

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

Day 4     Monday    Koh Oknha Tey / Preah Prosop

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. 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.

Day 5     Tuesday    Phnom Penh

See the best of the Cambodian capital on a motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Based on your preferences, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or shop at the Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

Return to welcome the 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.

Day 6     Wednesday  Koh Chen / Kampong Prasat

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 Mandala, a meditation center. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Day 7     Thursday  Kampong Chhnang / Kampong Tralach

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 during these dry months residents take refuge in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Day 8     Friday  Mekong River / Phnom Penh 

Customized exploration of Phnom Penh and disembarkation. 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 guides in a luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Day 1    Siem Reap
Gather at the Siem Reap meeting point then board an air-conditioned bus for a 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 a welcome dinner on board.

Day 2    Preak Toal – Moat Khla
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. After lunch, visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Day 3     Chhnok Tru – Kampong Chhnang

Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, “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. Continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’ so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.

Day 4     Koh Chen – Koh Oknha Tey

This morning, 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. In the afternoon, set off for the Mekong’s ‘silk islands’ where renowned weavers allow you to wander freely, admiring their intricate craftsmanship.

Biking is optional for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.

Day 5    Phnom Penh 

Explore the Cambodian capital by motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. You can choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field. Enjoy a sundowner such as the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil and toast to the onward journey towards the heart of the mighty Mekong with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Day 6    Ka’om Samnor-vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc – My An Hung

Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while crossing the border and sailing towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where you take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town. Or, choose to pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where you will walk through verdant plantations. You are 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 biking option is also available for those who wish to explore on wheels.

Day 7    Binh Thanh/Sa Sec – Cai Be

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec. In Sa Dec, you can peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. Continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in the sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats. Later, the 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 you to glimpse their property.

A special farewell dinner is on tap for tonight.

Day 8    My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Mekong. En route to Ho Chi Minh, 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. Upon arrival in the city, transfer to your hotel.

Day 1  Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho

Meet the ship crew at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transfer by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where you will be welcomed aboard the Aqua Mekong. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Dinner is on board the ship tonight.

Day 2  Binh Thanh/Sa Sec – My An Hung

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where you can peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. Visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where you will walk through verdant plantations. You 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. Return to the boat for dinner.

Day 3     Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong – Ka’Om Samnor Border

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. Lunch onboard. Relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while the ship crosses the border.

Day 4     Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop

Onshore, admire the skill of Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous item no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, cycling past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore. After lunch, board the marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village where little has changed over several lifetimes.

Day 5    Phnom Penh 

Explore the Cambodian capital by motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. You can choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field. Enjoy a sundowner such as the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil and toast to the onward journey towards the heart of the mighty Mekong with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.

Day 6  Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Chhnang

This morning, 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. In the afternoon, 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 bike option is also available.

Day 7      Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – Moat Khla

Continue exploring the remote communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, “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. After lunch, visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony.

Day 8    Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal – Siem Reap

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. 

Bid a fond farewell to the Mekong and your floating home as you disembark and continue your journey onwards to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Wat.