The Top 5 Reasons to Cruise the Mekong Between May and August
We’re constantly being asked “when is the ideal time to cruise the Mekong and visit Vietnam and Cambodia?” That’s a tough question since we know that the Mekong is a wonderful destination, all year round!
Many of our guests sometimes also assume that “the green season” in Southeast Asia (May to August) means that it rains all the time when, in fact, it only rains about 30 minutes each day and usually only in the afternoon. There are lots of great reasons to take one of our luxury river boat cruises on the Mekong in the Spring and Summer, but we’ve narrowed them down to our top five. So enjoy!
Reason #1: STAY COOL – BE COOL
We live in a tropical paradise on the Mekong in Cambodia and southern Vietnam with higher temperatures ranging from between 26°C (78°F) and 38°C (100°F). In May, the refreshing afternoon rains begin cooling us down all the way until October when we transition into the low water season. Many of our guests tell us that Southeast Asia downpours are actually quite magical to experience and they love exploring the lush green landscapes they create as they bike or tuk tuk through the countryside on our daily excursions.
We strategically time our afternoon excursions from the Aqua Mekong so that, cocktail in hand, our guests can enjoy the timeless beauty of rain falling on the river while remaining comfortably dry on our covered skiffs. Guests can also enjoy the sound of a refreshing downpour while soaking in the only shaded plunge pool on board the cruise ships sailing the Mekong. How cool is THAT?
Reason #2: THE MEKONG – ALL TO YOURSELF
The Aqua Mekong is the only luxury cruise on this legendary waterway that sets sail during May. What better way to guarantee that you can have this iconic river all to yourself than by coming on a May Mekong cruise!
Imagine watching the Mekong’s riverbanks transformed into luxuriant walls of tropical greenery from the exclusivity of our observation deck or the privacy of your on board suite… without another tourist in sight.
Our guests who travel with us in the off season get to meet new Khmer and Vietnamese friends as they explore local temples and villages on our morning and afternoon excursions – instead of having to mingle with other visiting tourists. And when we visit our favorite museums and cultural spots in Phnom Penh, Saigon and Siem Reap, we welcome the absence of crowds. What could be better?
Reason #3: LIVE THE DREAM – FRESH AND GREEN
At any time of year, the 300+ cultural treasures of Cambodia’s temple complex at Angkor Wat and the idyllic island landscapes of Ha Long Bay are two of Earth’s most astonishing places to visit. And traveling to these southeast Asian destinations during the exceptionally lush and green season on the Mekong May to August has even more advantages.
Spring rains wash away the dry dust of country roadways, leaving visitors to explore history, culture and religious traditions surrounded by the emerald hues of this equatorial paradise. Between May and August, you might even have Angkor Wat almost completely to yourself, while its historic aquifers and reservoirs swell with fresh rainwater just as their Angkor builders intended.
Back on board the Aqua Mekong, you can also fully indulge your palate, since the months of May to August provide us with the maximum variety of fresh tropical fruits for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yum!
Reason #4: LIFE IS A BEACH
For those “in the know”, the so-called rainy season is actually THE optimal time to explore Cambodia.
Tourists wise enough to take advantage of these quieter days can enjoy plenty of dry and bright daylight hours between May and August. After exploring the Mekong on our cruise, our guests often enjoy indulging themselves with beach-based activities like scuba diving and snorkeling or taking a sampan ride to the Cham Islands. The water’s warm so grab that towel, kick back and RELAX!
Reason #5: A SPECIAL TIME WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE
Finding quality time to spend with your family is more and more challenging but on an Aqua cruise, you’ll experience fun activities, delicious local specialties your kids will love, learning about different cultures and plenty of downtime to relax and just share a laugh. Have you checked out our Family Cruise Special, an exclusive offer for our May to August travelers?
And don’t miss our very special signature Chef and Founder hosted departures on the Aqua Mekong which sail on the 13th of May (with David Thompson) and the 26th of August (with Francesco Galli Zugaro) in 2016!
Have you traveled with us on the Mekong between May and August? If so, give us your own reason #6 for cruising the Mekong May to August – on Facebook!
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“What an amazing experience, mere words cannot describe how perfect this Mekong experience is and how seamless you make it for us. The service level is off the charts, the ship is magnificent and the added space is so impressive, the food, the shore excursions so very interesting and varied. It is a wow factor beyond words. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to experience this slice of heaven. I had the best birthday ever! I have to say your crew on that ship are outstanding, each one perfection. I loved talking to all of them as they all have such amazing stories and back grounds. My journey with you will be in my heart and soul forever, a true feast for the eyes wherever you look.” Susan B. – September 2015
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