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Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise – Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise – Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

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Description

Embark on a cultural odyssey of a lifetime on a luxury Mekong river cruise This classic Mekong river cruise itinerary places you in the footsteps of the legendary King Jayavarman VII, who sailed the Mekong in the late 12th century to build the grand Khmer empire. Aboard the luxury Aqua Mekong, the whole narrative of the region’s mysteries and wonders unravel before your eyes. Follow our expert English-speaking guides and discover magnificent carved temples, lush landscapes and rural villages where culture and craft flourishes — leaving no stone unturned.

Trip Name
Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise - Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury River Expedition Length: 62.4 meters / 204 feet Passenger Capacity: 40 Year Built: 2014 Aqua Mekong operates as a compact, high-spec river vessel built for controlled immersion into Cambodia and Vietnam’s culture, landscapes, and food traditions. Suites are large, climate-controlled, and fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass to keep the Mekong panorama in constant view. Social areas—pool, cinema, gym, spa—are scaled for quiet rather than crowd. Shore access is handled by a private tender fleet, allowing tightly run excursions into temples, markets, villages, and river life without dependence on public infrastructure. The onboard culinary programme is engineered around regional produce and Mekong flavours, executed with Michelin-level discipline. Market visits, cooking demonstrations, and ingredient-driven menus keep the experience tied to place. Kayaks, bikes, guided hikes, and cultural visits round out the activity options, supported by a crew-to-guest ratio that enables controlled, small-group exploration.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 VIETNAM My Tho - Ho Chi Minh
Our crew warmly welcomes you at our meeting point at Ho Chi Minh City where our air-conditioned coach will transfer you to the Aqua Mekong at My Tho harbor. Settle into your floating luxury retreat and memorable first night on board your five-star home on the legendary Mekong.
Day 2 - Day 2 VIETNAM Binh Thanh/Sa Dec - My An Hung
Begin the day learning about traditional mat weaving at Binh Thanh village or visit Sa Dec’s vibrant market and the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. In the afternoon, stroll through the verdant plantations in the Mekong Delta village of My An Hung, visiting a local’s home to savor local fruits, listen to traditional folk song performances by villagers, and participate in a unique unicorn dance. A 10.5-mile (17km) biking option is also available for those who wish to explore the idyllic countryside on wheels.
Day 3 - Day 3 VIETNAM Chau Doc - Vinh Xuong – Ka’om Samnor Border
As the sun rises, travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to the Chau Doc floating market for a real eye-opener, then hop on our van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain to meet Buddhist monks who’ve made this sacred hilltop their home. Take a picturesque 11 mile (18km) bike ride on Long Khanh Island or hop on a rickshaw to visit Tan Chau Market with our chef. After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while we cross the Cambodia-Vietnam border.
Day 4 - Day 4 CAMBODIA Koh Oknha Tey - Preah Prosop
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.
Day 5 - Day 5 CAMBODIA 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. Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Day 6 - Day 6 CAMBODIA Tonle Sap River - Koh Chen - Kampong Chhnang
Awake to the beauty of rural Cambodia and sail by skiff to the silversmith village of Koh Chen for a first-hand encounter with artisans producing magnificent royal Khmer silverware. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia’s king as gifts for visiting dignitaries. In the afternoon, continue experiencing Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang. In this serene village, meet traditional potters and palm-sugar producers and watch them practices age-old craftsmanship and techniques dating back to the 6th century that is still highly relevant and valuable today.
Day 7 - Day 7 CAMBODIA Tonle Sap Lake - Chhnok Tru - Moat Khla
Discover vast wetlands, birdlife and remote stilt communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designated in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, visit an intriguing ice factory and learn from locals what it is like to live in a town where its school, church, pagoda, police station and even the karaoke bar ‘float’ on water. After lunch, sail to the floating village of Moat Khla and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community accessible only by water.
Day 8 - Day 8 CAMBODIA Tonle Sap Lake - Prek Toal - Siem Reap
Continue the exploration of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, setting off on Aqua Mekong’s ergonomic skiffs to the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the last refuges in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot. Disembark in the enigmatic city of Siem Reap, home of the Angkor Wat.
Day 9 - Please Note:
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Discover tipped pagoda temples and remote Buddhist monasteries
    • Meet Buddhist monks and learn about beliefs which have anchored religions and societies along the Mekong
    • Visit Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO site
    • Fly through Mekong waters by skiff with helpful insights about local sights and wildlife from our guides
    • Venture out into local Mekong River villages to discover everyday life unfolding before you
    • Spot billed pelicans in their last Southeast Asian refuge

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