Aqua Mekong Explorer Cruise 5 days: Ho Chi Minh - Phnom Penh

  • Destination: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - My Tho - Sa Dec - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
  • Cruise Ship: Aqua Mekong Cruise

Join an unforgettable 5-day river journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh aboard the luxurious Aqua Mekong. This itinerary combines scenic cruising through the Mekong Delta with authentic cultural encounters, local traditions, and soft adventure activities across Vietnam and Cambodia. Along the way, enjoy cycling through countryside villages, kayaking along peaceful waterways, visiting floating communities, and exploring vibrant riverside markets.

Cabin & Rates

Suite First Deck
Suite First Deck
  • Free cancellation
  • All board - meals included
Suite Second Deck
Suite Second Deck
  • Free cancellation
  • All board - meals included

Cruise Itineraries

Day 1Ho Chi Minh - My Tho Port - Vietnam

Afternoon

Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where guests gather at the designated meeting point between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM before boarding a shared air-conditioned transfer to the Mekong Delta.

A light lunch is served prior to departure, followed by an approximately 2-hour scenic drive to Marina My Tho Port for embarkation at around 3:30 PM.

Upon boarding the luxurious Aqua Mekong, step into a private floating sanctuary where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping river views. Relax in the comfort of your elegant design suite, complete with a cozy daybed, as the Mekong slowly unveils its timeless beauty.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Aqua Mekong Cruise

Day 2Mekong River - Binh Thanh/ Sa Dec - My An Hung

Morning

Begin the day at Binh Thanh Mat Weaving Village with a cycling excursion through local markets, fruit plantations, and fish farms for a closer look at daily life in the Mekong Delta.

Alternatively, explore Sa Dec alongside the onboard chef while visiting vibrant local markets, the historic The Lover House, and Kien An Cung.

After the morning excursion, return to the Aqua Mekong for a cooking demonstration and a delicious lunch onboard.

Afternoon

Later on, head to a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung, a peaceful Mekong Delta village surrounded by lush plantations.

A visit to a local family home offers the chance to sample tropical fruits while enjoying traditional folk music performances and a lively Unicorn dance by villagers.

Optional: For those seeking a more active experience, a 17-kilometer cycling route through the countryside is also available.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Aqua Mekong Cruise

Day 3Mekong River - Chau Doc - Vinh Xuong - Ka’Om Samnor Border

Morning

Board a skiff and sail through the scenic Bassac Canal to reach the vibrant border town of Chau Doc, where a traditional xe loi rickshaw ride offers a glimpse into the local market and riverside life.

Continue by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain, a spiritual site known for panoramic views and long-standing Mahayana Buddhist traditions practiced by resident monks. The journey returns through the bustling morning market.

Optional: If you prefer, you can opt for an 18-kilometer bike ride on Long Khanh Island to see paddy fields and get a snippet of local life.

Afternoon

After lunch onboard, spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoying a traditional Khmer massage while the Aqua Mekong crosses the Cambodia–Vietnam border.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Aqua Mekong Cruise

Day 4Mekong River - Koh Okhna Tey - Preah Prosop

Morning

Along this timeless stretch of the Mekong, discover skilled Khmer artisans preserving the traditional craft of dyeing and weaving kroma, the iconic scarf deeply woven into Cambodian daily life and culture.

An optional cycling excursion along the riverbank passes peaceful Buddhist temples, stilted thatch houses, and grazing white oxen, offering a glimpse into the tranquil rhythm of rural Cambodia.

Afternoon 

After lunch onboard, continue by skiff to the tamarind-shaded shores of Preah Prosop, a remote riverside village that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Aqua Mekong Cruise

Day 5Phnom Penh City Tour - Phnom Penh Port

Morning

Explore the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh by motorized tuk-tuk, passing lively boulevards and historic riverside landmarks.

The excursion includes visits to the magnificent Royal Palace, the glittering Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art and ancient artifacts.

For those interested in Cambodia’s modern history and local culture, the journey may continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the bustling Russian Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local handicrafts.

Disembark at around 11:30 AM at Phnom Penh Passenger and Tourist Terminal TS1 before continuing to your next destination.

Travelers wishing to extend their Cambodia journey to Siem Reap and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat can enjoy a flight extension, including a shared transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes:

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

Our Customers Say

9.8

Excellent

9 reviews

Write your review
10.0Excellent17/09/2025

Sean Mc K

Ireland

A wonderful cruise

The Aqua Mekong is a personalized small vessel with 20 accommodations for a maximum of 40 people, ranking among the greatest cruises in the world. During our 4-night, 5-day trip, we visited several off-the-beaten-path destinations. During the journey from Vietnam to Cambodia, activities include cycling and kayaking through real villages, as well as visits to marketplaces where locals sell and buy food. By any stretch of the imagination, this trip satisfies some of the finest standards, including inventive food. Enjoy every minute of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

9.8Excellent05/02/2025

Christopher J

United Kingdom

This ship was fantastic—we loved it

My first cruise, and what an amazing experience we had. The boat is ideal for this particular river. The suites exceeded my highest expectations. I could finally unpack!! The designers obviously knew what they were doing. A large and comfortable king-sized bed. There were drawers and shelves everywhere, making it easy to unpack, find your belongings, and repack. The bathroom was extremely luxurious. A massive shower for a boat, larger than some hotels we have stayed at. Water pressure is high, and the water is nice and hot. Rooms were cleaned three times a day! I loved this room; we had a balcony but could not use it because of the high heat and humidity, as well as the bugs at night. So, if I were to do it again, I would skip the balcony. Not a big deal.
The ship manager was like a well-oiled machine; she did an excellent job and resolved any problems that arose. Congratulations to her.
The crew, half Vietnamese and half Cambodian, was extremely pleasant, helpful, and courteous, and they genuinely wanted us to be happy and satisfied. We were!!!
This is the way to travel with their guides, who I believe are among the best I have ever encountered. They are very informative; they want to teach you about their countries; half were Cambodian and half Vietnamese. There is a distinct difference between the two nationalities, which is evident in their personalities and how they convey information. We thoroughly enjoyed the guides.
So, from the ship manager to the crew, guides, and boat design, everything exceeded my expectations.

9.7Excellent11/09/2024

Ms. Celine

United Kingdom

Aqua Mekong cruise was fantastic

Aqua Expeditions' Mekong Delta voyage (Vietnam and Cambodia) is both pricey and exceptional. Delivers on its promises. The guides are exceptionally well-versed in history, nature, politics, geography, and other topics. The entire crew is incredibly helpful and friendly.
The South East Asian food was really fantastic, and the chef was quite friendly. He led us on a tour of a Mekong Delta village food market, where he purchased fresh vegetables and fruits for that night's meal, explaining what he was purchasing and how he planned to prepare them.
We planned the 8-day upriver cruise (from Saigon to Siem Reap) and were glad we did because Cambodia is considerably less populous and more untouched than the Vietnam section of the delta, so the trip only grew better. It concluded in Siem Reap (only a few minutes from Angkor Wat), which is a highlight in itself. The trips can only be conducted during the few months when the water is high enough to reach Siem Reap. Early October appears to be the safest and best period. Remember that the weather is quite hot and humid, so dress lightly. When visiting temples, you must cover your shoulders and wear shorts that reach your knees.
If you just want to take a three or four-day trip, we recommend the four-day section from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Because of the afternoon sun, the staterooms on the east side of the boat are likely to be nicer than those on the west. We got to the west side, and by early afternoon, the sun was too bright and hot to sit on our balcony. Our sole issue of the trip was that smoking was permitted in the swimming pool area.

9.8Excellent28/07/2024

Michael P

Canada

Rosie, Nakey, and the Crew!

One word describes your stunning fantastic boat and incredible service: wow!! You have made this one of the nicest travel weeks ever! You are all extremely courteous and thoughtful, and nothing is too much bother. Life is all about people, and yours are the best! This week will be remembered for the rest of our lives! Thanks for all the services from Bestprice Travel and Aqua Cruise!

9.8Excellent15/05/2024

Jason M

Australia

Jhuliana, Nakey, and the Crew!

One word describes your beautiful amazing boat and incredible service: Awesome!! You have made this week one of the most memorable travel experiences ever! You are all so nice and thoughtful, and nothing is too much trouble. Life is all about people, and your people are the best!! We will never forget this week; it will live on in our memories forever! Thank you so much!!!!!!

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