Expedition Cruise: Phnom Penh > Ho Chi Minh City

Your journey begins as you step aboard the Aqua Mekong in Phnom Penh. We invite you to settle into your suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows immediately connect you to the riverscapes outside. Whether you choose to unwind on your daybed or explore the observation deck, the afternoon is dedicated to relaxation as we navigate toward the heart of the waterway. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner accompanied by a traditional Khmer Apsara performance—a graceful dance form immortalized on the ancient walls of Angkor Wat.

This morning offers a glimpse into true water-based living at Phat Sandai, a remote community where essential infrastructure—from schools to churches—floats on the river. You can learn about local biodiversity conservation efforts and, for a closer look, kayak through the aquatic tree canopy past floating homes. Following a cooking demonstration and lunch on board, we travel by skiff to Phnom Neang Kangrey. The afternoon allows for further customization: hike shaded forest trails, cycle through the countryside to the Phnom Touk Meas biodiversity area, or visit a local handicraft village by tuk-tuk.

We arrive at Koh Oknha Tey, an island renowned for its silk weaving. Here, we watch artisans dye and weave kroma, the essential Cambodian scarf. You may explore the riverbank by bicycle, passing stilt houses and white oxen, or relax on the skiffs. Later, we head to the tamarind-shaded village of Preah Prosop, a remote community that offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

We return to Phnom Penh for a guided exploration of the city by motorized tuk-tuk. Highlights include the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum’s incredible collection of Khmer art. Guests interested in modern history may choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the bustling Toul Tumpoung Market. In the evening, we welcome new guests joining for the Vietnam leg of the journey and celebrate with a second Apsara performance.

Crossing the border into Vietnam, we arrive in the vibrant town of Chau Doc. We tour the market by xe loi (local rickshaw) and visit the Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain for panoramic views. Active travelers can enjoy an 18-kilometer bike ride on Long Khanh Island. In the afternoon, we visit the village of My An Hung to walk through fruit plantations, enjoy traditional folk songs at a local home, and witness a unicorn dance. A further 17-kilometer cycling option is available for those wishing to see more of the countryside.

We start the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village, with options to cycle through markets and fish farms. Alternatively, visit Sa Dec to explore the market with our chef and see the historic house of Marguerite Duras' lover. After lunch and a cooking demonstration, we take a sampan to Tan Phong Island near Cai Be. Here, you can choose your mode of exploration: an 8-kilometer bicycle trail, a kayak through the canals, or a leisurely walk through the fruit gardens.

We disembark the Aqua Mekong at My Tho after breakfast. On our transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, we stop at the magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda. This site features a unique blend of architectural styles, three massive Buddha statues, and beautiful bonsai gardens, offering a final cultural highlight before we arrive in Saigon.