Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise: Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (8 Days)

Your adventure commences in Ho Chi Minh City, where guests will convene at the designated meeting point between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. A refreshing light lunch will be served before boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer vehicle for the approximately two-hour drive to the Mekong Delta.

Upon reaching Marina My Tho Port, you will embark on the opulent Aqua Mekong. As you settle into your elegant design suite, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the river. The journey begins as the Mekong's tranquil beauty unfolds, offering a peaceful start to your expedition. Dinner will be served onboard as you spend your first night cruising the delta.

The morning offers a choice of two distinct excursions. You may opt to visit Binh Thanh Mat-weaving Village, where local artisans demonstrate the intricate craft of creating beautiful mats using age-old techniques. Alternatively, explore the vibrant market in Sa Dec, a lively center where locals trade a diverse array of goods. While in Sa Dec, a visit to the historic house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, renowned for its romantic literary connections, is also available.

Returning to the ship, guests will enjoy a cooking demonstration, followed by a delicious lunch featuring fresh, regional flavors. In the afternoon, the journey continues to My An Hung, a traditional Mekong Delta village nestled amidst lush plantations. Here, you'll visit a local family home to sample tropical fruits and enjoy traditional folk music performances, culminating in a lively Unicorn dance. For those seeking more active exploration, a 17-kilometer biking excursion through the scenic countryside is available.

Today begins with a skiff journey along the Bassac Canal to Chau Doc, a bustling border town. A traditional xeloi rickshaw ride offers a lively introduction to the town and its vibrant market. Continue by van to Long Son Pagoda, perched atop Sam Mountain, where you can admire panoramic views and gain insights into ancient Mahayana Buddhist practices from resident monks. The return journey will pass through the energetic morning market, providing another glimpse into daily local life. An optional 18-kilometer cycling route on Long Khanh Island offers a scenic ride through verdant rice paddies and peaceful rural landscapes.

After lunch onboard, guests can unwind by the pool or indulge in a traditional Khmer massage as the cruise proceeds to cross the Vietnam–Cambodia border, marking a transition into a new cultural landscape.

As the cruise glides along the tranquil Mekong, you'll observe Khmer craftsmen skillfully dyeing and weaving Kroma, a traditional fabric deeply significant in Khmer culture. An optional bicycle excursion allows you to explore the riverbank, passing serene Buddhist temples and charming thatched houses on stilts, offering insights into local culture as you pedal along.

After lunch onboard, you'll embark on marine-grade aluminum skiffs to reach Preah Prosop, a secluded village shaded by tamarind trees. Here, you'll witness a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations, providing a rare and authentic glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

This morning, explore the vibrant Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, by motorized tuk-tuk. Visits include the magnificent Royal Palace, the majestic Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Khmer art. For those interested, the itinerary may also include a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or time to browse the bustling stalls of the Russian Market.

In the afternoon, we bid farewell to guests concluding their 4-night journey in Phnom Penh and extend a warm welcome to new passengers joining for the upcoming 3-night segment. To commemorate the ongoing river journey, guests are invited to enjoy signature sundowners, such as the Thai basil-infused Salted Watermelon Crush. The evening's festivities continue with a traditional Khmer Apsara performance, an ancient cultural art form famously depicted on the temples of Angkor Wat, providing a captivating insight into Cambodia's heritage.

Today begins with a visit to the small village of Koh Chen, where you'll have the privilege of observing skilled artisans meticulously crafting exquisite silverware, a tradition cherished by Khmer royalty for centuries. Following this, the journey continues to Udong, the revered royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Amidst the historical remnants of ancient temples and crumbling palaces, you'll delve into the profound teachings of Buddhism at the Vipassana Dhura.

In the afternoon, participate in a captivating walking tour of Kampong Prasat. Meandering along the verdant riverbanks, you will immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of the local communities, gaining valuable insights into their age-old traditions and deep connection with the natural environment.

In the cooler morning hours, a skiff will transport you to the traditional village of Andong Russei, where local potters and palm sugar producers continue ancient craftsmanship passed down through generations. This experience is complemented by optional exploration via mountain bike or tuk-tuk, leading through scenic rural landscapes and open countryside. Cycling routes will take you across rice paddies, where you might observe palm climbers scaling tall sugar palms.

After an onboard cooking demonstration and lunch, further opportunities arise to explore the countryside by bicycle, engage in traditional fishing, and visit the floating village of Kampong Tralach by skiff. The day culminates with kayaking along the Tonlé Sap waterways, followed by sunset sundowners served along the tranquil riverbank.

The final morning offers customized exploration of Phnom Penh before disembarkation. Guests can choose optional visits to the Sosoro Museum, the peaceful hilltop sanctuary of Wat Phnom, or the lively stalls of the Central Market, allowing for a final glimpse into the city's offerings.

Disembarkation from the Aqua Mekong will take place around 11:00 AM at Phnom Penh Passenger and Tourist Terminal TS1. For guests continuing their Cambodian journey to Siem Reap and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, a convenient flight extension is available, including a shared transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.