Kratie 5 Day Expedition Cruise - Visit Cambodia

Description

Embark on an all-new expedition to Kratie, one of the only places in the world to encounter the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Led by expert naturalists, enjoy wildlife encounters and exploration of Kratie’s charming riverbanks. Discover the Mekong’s centuries-old heritage through visits to Khmer villages, artisan communities, and iconic landmarks, with immersive walks, cycling, and skiff excursions along storied waterways.

Trip Name

Kratie 5 Day Expedition Cruise - Visit Cambodia

Days

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 Mekong River – Phnom Penh

Welcome aboard Aqua Mekong, and step into your floating sanctuary where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic river scenes. Unwind in the privacy of your design suite—whether from the comfort of your California King bed, private terrace, or daybed—as the Mekong quietly unveils its magic. Together, we celebrate the onward journey toward the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.

Day 2 - Day 2 Mekong River – Angkor Ban/Prek Dam Bok – Phnom Han Chey

The day begins at Angkor Ban, a Khmer village renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden houses. Explore a sustainable indigo weaving community and immerse yourself in local culture. For a more active experience, enjoy a scenic bike ride from Prek Dambok, passing by lush landscapes, traditional stilt houses, and vibrant river life. In the afternoon, ascend to Phnom Hanchey, a sacred hilltop symbolizing Mount Meru. Discover ancient temple ruins, panoramic Mekong views, and a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. Alternatively, guests may opt to cycle along the river and through the picturesque Cambodian countryside.

Day 3 - Day 3 Mekong River – Kampi River – Kratie/Koh Trong Island

Travel by skiff along the mighty Mekong to the Kampi River, a lush and biodiverse haven that serves as Southeast Asia’s exclusive habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin. Those seeking a more active excursion may cycle through the lush Cambodian landscapes before setting off by skiff to spot these extraordinary dolphins in their natural habitats. In the afternoon, explore Koh Trong Island by foot and tuk-tuk, visiting a community-led village to learn about the locals’ unique ways of life and their efforts to conserve biodiversity in the area. Stroll through fruit orchards famed for their sweet pomelos and admire traditional Khmer stilt houses, or cycle through Kratie town to visit a remarkable 200‑year‑old wooden structure of significant historical and cultural value.

Day 4 - Day 4 Mekong River – Kampong Cham – Peam Chikang/Koh Andet

In the cool hours of the morning, we set off by skiff to a charming riverside town known for its unique blend of Khmer and French architecture. Afterwards, we visit Nokor Bachey, a late 12th century Angkorian temple built during the height of the ancient Khmer civilization. We then explore the legendary twin hills of Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei, steeped in Khmer folklore and spiritual significance. There’ll be a chance to explore while riding mountain bikes or chauffeured by tuk-tuks. After lunch, we sail to Peam Chikang, renowned for its traditional Cambodian aluminum cooking pot craftsmanship. Alternatively, pedal through quaint Khmer and Cham villages, keeping an eye out for birds nesting among century old trees along the way.

Day 5 - Day 5 Phnom Penh

We introduce guests to the vibrant Cambodian capital by motorized tuktuk, with stops at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those interested, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide, the National Museum of Cambodia, the Sosoro Museum of Money and Economy, the serene Wat Phnom hill, or the bustling Russian Market. Guests wishing to continue their Cambodian journey to Siem Reap and the ancient lost city of Angkor Wat enjoy a complimentary flight extension, including a shared transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

Day 6 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Search for the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie, one of the few places on Earth where these remarkable river dolphins can still be seen.
Explore authentic Khmer villages, artisan workshops and riverside communities for a deeper insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage and daily life.
Discover the Mekong by skiff, bicycle and guided walks, visiting historic temples, islands and scenic river landscapes along the way.