Overview

Joining our full 7-night Mekong Expedition Cruise allows us to share with you all the mysteries and wonders we have discovered between the Mekong River, Tonle Sap Lake and among the diverse cultures thriving in our midst. During the period from December to August, our program includes much more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong and along the Tonle Sap River, a more rural and scenic area of Cambodia, untouched by tourists. You will have plenty of opportunities to explore, from daily biking options (10 – 15km), kayaking, to relaxing excursions on shaded tuk-tuk and experience the authentic life of people around the river. Passengers who travel with us from August to November experience the full history of Mekong life, meeting Khmer farmers, Buddhist monks and our entrepreneurial friends in Vietnam’s wet markets along the way. Travel leisurely back in time across this legendary landscape and visit the Tonle Sap Lake, a spectacular freshwater lake that that is inhabited by more than three million people living around its bank.

Day 1 :

Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap

Gather at our Siem Reap meeting point then board our 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 unveiling an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California King bed, terrace or daybed.

Day 2 :

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 :

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 :

Tonle Sap And Mekong River – Koh Chen – Koh Okhna 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 :

Mekong River – Phnom Penh

We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers by motorized tuk-tuk, 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 and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh. Return to welcome our 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 :

Mekong River – Ka’om Samnor-vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc – My An Hung

Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18-kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, we 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 for those who wish to explore the countryside on wheels.

Day 7 :

Binh Thanh/sa Dec - Cai Be

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market. We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats. Later, our 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 us to glimpse their property.

Day 8 :

Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Aqua Mekong. En route to Ho Chi Minh, we 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.