7-nights itinerary: Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise
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.
Aqua Mekong’s 7-night itineraries depart from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and, depending on the month of the year, from Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Day 1 – Friday
Vietnam
Mekong River – Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Mekong River
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 onboard your five-star home on the legendary Mekong.
Day 2 – Saturday
Vietnam
Mekong River – 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 – Sunday
Vietnam
Mekong River – Chau Doc – Ka’om Samnor-Vinh Xuong Border Crossing
As the sun rises, travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to the Chau Doc floating market for 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 – Monday
Cambodia
Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop
Sail into the legendary land of the glittering former Khmer empire. At Koh Oknha Tey, watch how Khmer artisans dye and weave krama, a silk scarf loved by locals and a treasured cultural asset that dates back from the Angkor period. Then, cycle the idyllic riverbank past Buddhist temples and traditional thatched and stilted homes and see farmers with white Brahman oxen working the rice fields. After lunch, board Aqua Mekong’s private fleet of launch boats and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes and home to a startlingly colourful Buddhist temple.
Day 5 – Tuesday
Cambodia
Mekong River – Phnom Penh
See the best of the Cambodian capital on 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 6 – Wednesday
Cambodia
Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Prasat
In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, witness artisans produce magnificent royal Khmer silverware. 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. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers an intimate look at local ways of life and their riverside habitat.
Day 7 – Thursday
Cambodia
Tonle Sap River – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach
As the sun rises on the lush countryside, we head to the residence of traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, whose age-old techniques are still valuable today. On a bicycle or chauffeured tuk-tuk, head into the rice paddies to watch wizened masters scale sky-high palm trees to harvest their fruit. 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 impromptu outdoor living rooms.
Day 8 – Friday
Cambodia
Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
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 our guides in a luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.
SIEM REAP FLIGHT 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.
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.