Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise 8 days: Phnom Penh/ Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh

Afternoon

Upon your arrival at the Phnom Penh Passenger and Tourist Terminal TS1 around 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM, you're warmly welcomed aboard the Aqua Mekong in Phnom Penh and settle into your elegant floating sanctuary.

Relax in the privacy of your spacious design suite, complete with a cozy daybed as the journey begins along one of Asia’s most legendary waterways.

In the evening, celebrate the start of the voyage with a traditional Khmer Apsara performance, a graceful cultural art form immortalized on the temple walls of Angkor Wat, while cruising deeper into the heart of the Mekong.

Morning

Begin the day in Koh Chen, a renowned silversmith village celebrated for its generations-old craftsmanship. Here, skilled artisans create intricate silverware traditionally favored by Khmer royalty, offering insight into one of Cambodia’s most respected artistic traditions.

The journey continues to Udong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the 17th to 19th centuries, where a visit to the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center introduces a uniquely disciplined Buddhist meditation practice rooted in spiritual devotion and mindfulness.

Afternoon

Enjoy a walking tour through Kampong Prasat, providing a closer look at daily riverside life, local communities, and the peaceful surroundings along the Tonlé Sap River.

Morning

During the cooler morning hours, travel by skiff to the traditional village of Andong Russei, where local potters and palm sugar producers continue centuries-old craftsmanship. The excursion offers opportunities to explore the countryside by mountain bike or tuk-tuk, passing rice paddies and towering sugar palms while observing local climbers harvesting palm sap high above the fields.

Back onboard, enjoy a live cooking demonstration followed by lunch featuring regional flavors and fresh local ingredients.

Afternoon

The afternoon continues with optional countryside cycling, traditional fishing activities, and skiff excursions through the floating village of Kampong Tralach.

As the day winds down, kayak along the peaceful waterways of the Tonlé Sap before enjoying sunset sundowners served beside the riverbank.

Morning

Today’s journey offers a closer look into Cambodia’s rich riverside traditions and rural landscapes along the Mekong River. Observe skilled Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the iconic traditional scarf deeply woven into everyday Cambodian culture and heritage.

An optional cycling excursion along the riverbank passes peaceful Buddhist temples, stilted thatch houses, and white oxen grazing near the shoreline, revealing the tranquil rhythm of countryside life.

Afternoon

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

Morning

Discover the vibrant energy and cultural heritage of Phnom Penh by motorized tuk-tuk, with visits to the magnificent Royal Palace, the elegant Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.

Optional excursions may include the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Sosoro Museum, the peaceful hilltop sanctuary of Wat Phnom, or the lively atmosphere of the Russian Market.

Afternoon

As we bid farewell to 4-night guests disembarking in Phnom Penh, we welcome 3-night passengers onboard with signature sundowners such as the Salted Watermelon Crush infused with Thai basil.

The evening continues with a traditional Khmer Apsara performance, an ancient cultural dance immortalized on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.

Morning

Wake up to a border crossing into Vietnam as the Aqua Mekong sails toward the vibrant riverside town of Chau Doc. Here, we can explore the town by traditional xe loi rickshaw, weaving through lively streets and bustling local markets that reflect the unique character of this border region.

Continue by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain, where panoramic views stretch across the Mekong landscape and resident monks share insights into long-standing Mahayana Buddhist traditions.

Optional: For those seeking a more active adventure, pedal through the serene landscapes of Long Khanh Island, covering a distance of 18 kilometers.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit My An Hung, a traditional Mekong Delta village surrounded by lush plantations and tranquil rural scenery.

A visit to a local family home includes tropical fruit tasting, traditional folk music performances, and a lively Unicorn dance presented by villagers.

Optional: For those seeking a more active adventure, an optional 17-kilometer cycling excursion through the countryside is also available.

Morning

The morning offers two immersive Mekong Delta experiences. One option is a visit to Binh Thanh Mat Weaving Village, where cycling routes pass through local markets, fruit plantations, and traditional fish farms, offering a glimpse into daily riverside life.

Alternatively, explore the lively town of Sa Dec alongside the onboard chef, wandering through vibrant local markets and visiting the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, famously linked to Marguerite Duras’ literary story, as well as Kien An Cung, an ornate Chinese-style temple known for its intricate architecture.

Back onboard, enjoy a live cooking demonstration followed by a delicious lunch inspired by regional Mekong flavors.

Afternoon

Continue cruising toward Cai Be before boarding a traditional sampan to Tan Phong Island. Visit local fruit gardens and sample fresh tropical fruits.

Here, you may choose your preferred way to explore the island, from an easy 8-kilometer cycling trail around the island to kayaking through narrow canals, or simply enjoying a relaxing walk through the local community for a closer glimpse into everyday Mekong Delta life.

Morning

After a hearty breakfast onboard, bid farewell to the Aqua Mekong with disembarkation around 8:00 AM at My Tho Port.

En route to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the region’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temples. The pagoda is renowned for its harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and European architectural influences, along with its impressive bonsai gardens and three large Buddha statues set within peaceful surroundings.