Expedition Cruise: Siem Reap > Ho Chi Minh City

Gather at our designated meeting point in Siem Reap before boarding an air-conditioned van for a scenic 45-minute drive through the countryside to the Tonle Sap Lake dock, where your voyage aboard Aqua Mekong begins. Step into your floating sanctuary, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic riverscapes. Unwind in the privacy of your design suite—whether from the comfort of your California King bed, private terrace, or daybed—as the Mekong quietly unveils its magic.​

Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. We visit Phat Sandai, a remote village where schools, churches, and even the police station float along the riverbank. Learn about the locals' unique way of life and efforts to conserve biodiversity in the area. For a truly immersive experience, kayak past floating houses and cool off in the shaded canopy of aquatic trees. After a cooking demonstration onboard in the afternoon, we continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.​

This morning, we visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship favored by Khmer royalty. We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura, a meditation center. In the afternoon, we set off for the Mekong's ‘Silk Island' where renowned weavers allow us to wander freely, admiring their intricate craftsmanship. Biking is optional for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.​

We introduce guests to the vibrant Cambodian capital by motorized tuktuk, with stops at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those interested, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide or explore the bustling stalls of the Russian Market. We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.​Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of the mighty Mekong River with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.​

Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau. Here, we’ll visit the vibrant border town of Chau Doc to take the local rickshaw, called xe loi, for a trip around the town and market. We head off by van to Long Son Pagoda for a panoramic view atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Mahayana Buddhist practices before returning via the bustling morning market. Optional 18-kilometer bike ride on Long Khanh Island to see paddy fields and get a snippet of local life.​In the afternoon, we visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance. A 17-kilometer biking option is also available for those who wish to explore the countryside on wheels.​

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village to bike through local markets, fruit plantations, and fish farms. Guests can also take it slow and opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant markets with our chef, along with a visit to the Lover House and Kien An Cung. Afterwards, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by a scrumptious lunch onboard.​We continue downstream for Cai Be, and board a local sampan to Tan Phong Island, where we’ll visit a fruit garden, savoring local fruits along the way. Here, guests can pick their mode of adventure from a short 8-kilometer trail around the island, to a kayak through a small canal, or a relaxing walk through the community for a closer look at local life.

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Aqua Mekong. En route to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees.