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Aqua Mekong
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Overview
Go deeper into the mesmerising culture and life the Mekong river Every activity onboard the five-star Aqua Mekong brings a fresh perspective of culture and life in Cambodia and Vietnam, so the 4-night itinerary is an ideal addition to any existing travel itinerary of the region. Included are twice-daily excursions (walk, bike, kayak or ride a tuk-tuk) and expert-guided visits to Mekong River’s dynamic riverside markets, villages, and holy sites.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Our crew warmly welcomes you at our meeting point at our Siem Reap meeting point where our air-conditioned coach will take you on a picturesque 45-minute countryside ride to the Aqua Mekong, which is docked on the Tonle Sap lake. for check-in to your 3-story, five star Mekong abode. Settle into your floating luxury retreat and memorable first night on board your five-star home on the legendary Mekong.
Hop on our launch boats and discover vast wetlands, birdlife and remote stilt communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designated in 1997. Spot large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot within the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the last refuges in Southeast Asia located on the Tonle Sap Lake. After lunch, sail to the floating village of Moat Khla and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community accessible only by water.
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. In the afternoon, continue experiencing Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang. In this serene village, meet traditional potters and palm-sugar producers and watch them practices age-old craftsmanship and techniques dating back to the 6th century that is still highly relevant and valuable today.
Awake to the beauty of rural Cambodia and sail by skiff to the silversmith village of Koh Chen for a first-hand encounter with artisans producing magnificent royal Khmer silverware. 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 Koh Oknha Tey, Mekong’s ‘Silk Island’ where Khmer artisans showcase the dyeing and weaving of krama, a silk scarf loved by locals and a treasured cultural asset that dates back from the Angkor period. A biking option is available for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.
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.
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions_
Aqua Mekong
Vessel Type: Luxury River Expedition Length: 62.4 meters / 204 feet Passenger Capacity: 40 Year Built: 2014 Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and dining areas and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as our experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water. The Aqua Mekong has 20 air conditioned Design Suites, each one a generous 30 square meters (320 square feet), eight with balconies and all created entirely of local materials with the relaxed sophistication and contemporary comforts of a five star resort. Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top California king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds. More captivating views await on the plush, roomy daybed placed by the window wall or for our eight balcony accommodations, outside along with a romantic table for two. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate the flat screen television and complementary high speed wireless internet. Sunlit indoors and out, the top level Observation Deck aboard the Aqua Mekong has been designed to seamlessly connect guests with the constantly shifting landscape of floating Vietnamese villages, French colonial church spires and gilded Buddhist stupas along this mighty river, always in the utmost comfort. Whether one chooses to relax in the air conditioned Indoor Lounge, go horizontal under the sun outside at the ship’s Outdoor Lounge area or cool off with a plunge in the shimmering pool at the bow side, the Observation Deck ensures that the river always remains in full view. Guests gravitate to the Indoor Lounge in the mornings for cà phê đá, Vietnamese coffee poured over ice with sweet condensed milk, between excursions to swap travelers tales and for daily lectures from the expert local guides.
Highlights
• Discover Cambodia’s timeless pastoral serenity or traveling back in time as we sail upriver from Ho Chi Minh and the thriving Mekong Delta past floating villages, colonial vestiges and gilded pagodas to the Art Deco landmarks of Phnom Penh. • Enjoy twice-daily excursions on bike, kayak and guided visits to Mekong River's dynamic riverside markets. • Explore the otherwise inaccessible locations on our custom designed, ergonomic and private speedboats, each sitting up to 10 guests.
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