New 4-Night Aqua Mekong 2015 Cruise Itinerary: Discover Southeast Asian Treasures
New for 2015, discover Southeast Asia on our new 3-day, 4-day and 7-day Aqua Mekong itineraries including many adventurous excursions on-shore.
Here, for example, are the highlights of our updated 4-Night Aqua Mekong Cruise Itinerary:
Our popular four-night, up river itinerary on the Aqua Mekong takes guests from the waters of My Tho in Vietnam, to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, with a host of adventures in the region on route. We start by “going native”, gliding through the Cai Be floating market, where more than 400 sampans gather each day, to sell everything from Vietnamese fish sauce and rice paper for wrapping dumplings, to colorful sweet confectionery.
Begin your afternoon excursion by jumping aboard a skiff to Binh Thanh Island, where the villagers weave mats and baskets from Mekong river reeds and water hyacinths. At the village’s temple, guests interact with village elders to learn about their life before, during and after the Vietnam war.
The next day dawns with a new on-shore journey as you disembark from the Aqua Mekong and head for Tam Nong – South Vietnam’s largest bird sanctuary (7,300 hectares). This protected national park is home to 233 waterfowl species and accounts for one quarter of the country’s bird population. Spot rare white-winged wild ducks, painted storks, spot-billed pelicans and sarus cranes – the largest among the crane species – in the lush cajeput forest.
The third day of our 4-day itinerary sees our arrival into Cambodia, and a visit to Koh Oknha Tey – a beautiful island on the Mekong. Explore by Tuk Tuk, where the renowned weavers invite guests to wander freely among their looms, admiring their skills as they work. Guests can also explore deeper into the island by bicycle on our Aqua Expeditions bikes.
In the afternoon, cruise further north towards the remote Cambodian village of Preah Prosop, almost untouched by the outside world…
On the final morning sail into Phnom Penh, and draw our Mekong adventure to a close with a full tour of the sights and sounds of the city. Buddhist temples, French colonial villas and the Royal Palace provide a photogenic backdrop to the bustle of international business and contemporary commerce.
