Join the Aqua Mekong on an eight-day Mekong River river cruise. Take in all the mysteries and wonders that have been unearthed between the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and amid the varied cultures. Along the trip, learn about Mekong life's complete history and meet Khmer farmers, Buddhist monks, and entrepreneurial locals in Vietnam's multicolored wet marketplaces. Spend significantly more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong and along the Tonle Sap River.
Highlights
Visit Prek Toal Core, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia
Sail into Chhnok Tru, a true floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
See Cambodia's capital by motorized tuk-tuk & visit the Royal Palace
Meet and interact with locals while listening to traditional folk songs
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Gather at the Siem Reap meeting point then board the air-conditioned bus for the scenic 45-minute countryside ride to the dock on the Tonle Sap Lake for check-in to your 3-story, five star Mekong abode. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your California king bed, terrace or daybed.
Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Asia and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot. After lunch, visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.
Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake | Chhnok Tru | Kampong Chhnang
Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, you “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals what it’s like to live in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float. Then continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the 'Port of Pottery' so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.
Day 4: Tonle Sap and Mekong River | Koh Chen | Koh Oknha Tey
This morning, visit Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its fine craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia's king as gifts for visiting dignitaries. In the afternoon, set off for the Mekong's 'silk islands' 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.
Explore the Cambodian capital from a motorized tuk-tuk, visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. For those who wish, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shop at Russian Market. Bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
Return to welcome the 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together, celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.
Day 6: Mekong River | Ka’om Samnor-Vinh Xuong Border Crossing | Chau Doc | My An Hung, Vietnam
Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while you cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where you take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. You 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. Biking option is also available for those who wish to explore on wheels.
Day 7: Binh Thanh/Sa Dec | Tan Phong | Mekong River
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 you will peruse the vibrant markets with our chef, along with a visit to the Lover House and Kien An Cung.
Continue downstream for Tan Phong Island where you’ll board a local sampan to 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.
Day 8: Mekong River | My Tho | Ho Chi Minh | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to Aqua Mekong. En route to Ho Chi Minh, you 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,2902-3 travelers
First Deck Mekong Suite
Averaging 322 sq. ft. 10 luxurious suites, 4 with balcony and 6 without balcony. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, California King beds convertible into two twin beds, air conditioned, and en-suite sleek bathrooms.
Second Deck Mekong Suite
Averaging 322 sq. ft. 10 luxurious suites, 4 with balcony and 6 without balcony. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, California King beds convertible into two twin beds, air conditioned, and en-suite sleek bathrooms.
Notes
Single Supplement: 25% in addition to the double rate as posted.
Child Policy: 7 year age minimum on all departures, children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount.
Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount
Third person being a child under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed pays US $500 per night
Initial deposit is $1000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.
charles
4 hours ago
Jess was great. Our plans changed and we had to make some adjustments and she was super helpful. Finding us a cost-effective alternative to our original trip plan.
Glenn
5 hours ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.