Aqua Mekong

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

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1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Mekong River.

   Aqua Mekong crew warmly welcomes you at our meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City where an 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.

2. Day 2: 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.

3. Day 3: Mekong River – Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong/ Ka’om Samnor 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 the van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain to meet Buddhist monks who've made this sacred hilltop their home.

   Optional: Hop on a rickshaw to visit Tan Chau Market with the cruise's chef or take a picturesque 11 mile (18km) bike ride on Long Khanh Islet.

   After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while you cross the Cambodia-Vietnam border.

4. Day 4: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prasob.

   Sail into the legendary land of the glittering former Khmer empire. At Koh Oknha Tei, 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 boat and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prasob, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes and home to a startlingly colourful Buddhist temple.

5. Day 5: 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.

6. Day 6: 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.

7. Day 7: Tonle Sap River – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach.

   As the sun rises on the lush countryside, 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 you. 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.

8. Day 8: 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. You will be fully escorted by your guide 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 to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Requests for flight changes and/or upgrades are not available. Please kindly inform us should you choose to remain in Phnom Penh after disembarkation.