Trip Highlights

From August to November, water from the swelling Mekong lake increases its area of the Tonle Sap by up to six times. During this time, the majority of the areas surrounding Tonle Sap become wetlands that support a vast variety of wildlife, while the lakes many stilt villages appear to float on water as the water level rises by as much as 26 feet (8m)! It is also during the swell that the Tonle Sap lake and river reverses its flow — a natural phenomenon that must be seen to be believed.

Within the Tonle Sap, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a designated UNESCO biosphere that hosts a significant number of rare breeds. On board private skiffs from the Aqua Mekong, guests can expect to see species such as huge lesser and greater adjutant storks, the milky stork and the spot-billed pelican. Many of these birds make their enormous nests in trees that seem to grow straight out of the lake water.

Elsewhere on the Tonle Sap, witness the local life of people who depend on the water for their livelihood. Kompong Chhnang, one of the few “floating” villages where time seems to have stood still, welcomes Aqua Mekong guests who witness first-hand the making of palm sugar and learn how traditional Andong Russei pottery is made.

The reign of the glittering Khmer empire in Cambodia lasted from the 9th to 15th century. Around the 13th century, monks from Sri Lanka introduced Theravada Buddhism to this region. Many indigenous tribes have also lived and thrived off Mekong’s fertile plains for as far back as 2,000 years ago.

With Aqua Expeditions, travelers take advantage of our expert local guides and local connections to uncover intriguing cultural facets of the Mekong. A journey on the Aqua Mekong takes guests well beyond the region’s beautiful, golden-roofed temples and ancient relics to let guests experience an authentic, seldom-seen aspect of the Mekong way of life and practices that have endured for many centuries.

Cultural highlights in Cambodia:

• Watch the Khmer Apsara dance performance, a famous tradition that memorialized on the fabled Angkor Wat’s temple walls
• Witness artisans produce magnificent royal Khmer silverware in the silversmith village of Koh Chen, still used by Cambodia’s king as gifts for visiting dignitaries today
• Visit Mekong’s famed ‘Silk Island’, Koh Oknha Tey, to learn how artisans handcraft traditional krama silk scarf, from harvesting silk from silkworms to dyeing and weaving the silk on massive wooden looms
• Ride a traditional ox-cart along Tonle Sap’s picturesque river banks
• Receive a ceremonial blessing by a monk in the enigmatic floating village of Moat Khla

 

Cultural highlights in Vietnam:

• Take a local rickshaw through an atmospheric town
• Ride a traditional sampan fishing boat in a bustling waterway past fishermen on long tail boats
• Learn about the intricate art of traditional mat weaving at Binh Thanh village
• Head to the top of a sacred hill where monks reside

Guests can also do something more active in the morning, and something more relaxed in the afternoon, or vice versa. With groups no larger than 10, excursions are also more insightful and intimate for each guest. A fleet of ergonomically-designed, low-emission sheltered launch boats — the only privately-owned fleet of skiffs on the Mekong — takes guests to shore from the Aqua Mekong, ensuring efficiency, comfort and utmost safety.

Aside from riding in tuk-tuks, the undulating elevation of the Mekong countryside is perfect for cycling. On the Aqua Mekong, guided cycling excursions are available from Day 2 of the cruise to the penultimate day.Top-of-the-line, all-terrain Cannondale bicycles sail with the Aqua Mekong, able to tackle any terrain in comfort and safety. No two cycling excursions in an itinerary are the same, so guests get to experience a different slice of Mekong life and culture with every ride.

In Cambodia, guests aboard the Aqua Mekong also have the opportunity to kayak, with the ship carrying eight double-kayaks for excursions on the Mekong’s waterways. At Koh Oknha Tey, guests can paddle their way to local silk-weavers. Meanwhile, the Moat Khla floating village on the Tonle Sap lake and the Kampong Chhnang’s waterways offer the chance to “do as the Cambodians do”, engaging in daily life with just a boat and paddle!

No matter your travel style, the Aqua Mekong offers most flexible river cruise itineraries with activity options for every type of traveler.

A team of four professionally-trained guides lead guests on daily expeditions aboard our comfortable skiffs, navigating the Mekong and its tributaries. With an immense knowledge of the lay of the land, our guides are a friendly, reassuring presence and makes sure guest needs and concerns are addressed.

No matter where your Aqua Mekong itinerary takes you, our eloquent guides are happy to share their first-hand, insider knowledge of the Mekong River, Southeast Asian history, traditions and cultures. For our guests, this is the difference between assuming the role of just another tourist in this multifaceted region, and being an explorer returning home with unforgettable, enriching memories of a lifetime.

From the moment we meet our treasured guests, our distinctive brand of heartfelt, tailored personal service makes them feel at home on the Mekong river. On-board, guests savour a world-class menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson, which showcases the best of the region’s myriad flavours. Drinks are also the focus, with an indoor/outdoor bar and an exciting drinks menu designed by cocktail artisans Proof & Co.

When it’s time to rest and relax, enjoy Aqua Mekong’s many “big ship” amenities, such as a plunge pool (strategically poised at the bow of the vessel), expansive outdoor lounge area, and a gym that offers a panoramic vistas of the Mekong make spending time on board memorable and worthwhile. Or retreat to the spa, home theatre, or stylishly-appointed suites that offer twice the space compared to other Mekong river cruises. Feel free to lounge in plush daybeds and observe life on the Mekong through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Find out more about the Aqua Mekong river cruise ship here.