from$ 8654 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Aqua Mekong
Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
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 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 a memorable first night onboard your five-star home on the legendary Mekong.
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.
As the sun rises, travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to the Chau Doc floating market for a 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.
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 colorful Buddhist temple.
See the best of the Cambodian capital on a 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. 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.
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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