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Aqua Expeditions was launched in 2007 by founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, to fulfill his dream of bringing unparalleled travel experiences, in the utmost comfort, to modern-day adventurers cruising the world’s greatest rivers.
Beginning with the Peruvian section of the Amazon River, one of the world’s last great unexplored regions, Galli Zugaro commissioned the custom design of the Aqua Amazon, the first cruiseship to set sail on this stretch of the Amazon.
Increased demand for Aqua Expeditions uniquely intimate, life enriching river safari led to the launch of a second custom designed vessel, the Aria Amazon in 2011, with 16 suites designed by Puig with a similar five-star boutique hotel sophistication, and cruising the same captivating stretch of the Peruvian Amazon amidst equally thoughtful comforts and fascinating wildlife. With hand-crafted Amazon River itineraries from and to the remote Amazonian city of Iquitos, the Aria Amazon carries travelers to the source of the Amazon and the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Expert professional naturalist guides lead guests in small groups by skiff up Amazon River tributaries to first-hand encounters with Amazon wildlife from pink dolphins and piranha, to capuchin monkeys and three toed sloth hiding in the rainforest canopy, and hoatzin, toucans and macaws gliding seemingly effortlessly across the cloudless, cerulean sky.
Success on one of the world’s great rivers encouraged Galli Zugaro to set off across the continents in search of the next once-in-a-lifetime luxury river experience for Aqua Expeditions. On the Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam, he found that elusive journey, one that would capture imaginations as profoundly as did the Peruvian Amazon. In October 2014, Aqua Expeditions launched a third luxury vessel, the 20-suite Aqua Mekong on the historic Mekong River between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Floor to ceiling picture windows aboard Aqua Mekong allow guests to enjoy captivating panoramas of emerald flooded forests, colonial churches and stilt villages in the privacy of their suite. Guided shore excursions include enlightening visits to remote Buddhist temples and onto Cambodia’s vast Tonle Sap Lake before continuing on to Angkor Wat.
Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top California king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds.
More captivating views await on the plush, roomy daybed placed by the window wall along with a romantic table for two. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate the flat screen television and complementary high speed wireless internet.
The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top California king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds.
More captivating views await on the plush, roomy daybed placed by the window wall along with a romantic table for two. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate the flat screen television and complementary high speed wireless internet.
The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top California king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds.
More captivating views await on the plush, roomy daybed placed by the balcony along with a romantic outside table for two. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate the flat screen television and complementary high speed wireless internet.
The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top California king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds.
More captivating views await on the plush, roomy daybed placed by the balcony along with a romantic outside table for two. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate the flat screen television and complementary high speed wireless internet.
The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
Four sets of two interconnecting suites are suitable for families, two sets on each deck. For ultimate luxury, passengers may book interconnecting suites, with one suite configured as a private living room, the other a bedroom, and his-and-hers baths. The result is your own private, 640-square-foot apartment on the Mekong.
Taking guests on a journey into Aqua Expeditions next frontier, Vietnam and Cambodia, the 62.4 meter (205 feet) Aqua Mekong was designed by Saigon based British architect David Hodkinson of Noor Design to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Local sustainable materials and artisanal touches of the Mekong’s multifaceted cultures round out these generous interior spaces designed to welcome guests in the utmost comforts between on and off shore excursions along this fascinating river, to flooded emerald forests and bamboo stilt villages accessible only by boat, among flocks of painted stork and spot billed pelicans in their last Southeast Asian refuge and to Chinese wing tipped pagoda temples and remote Buddhist monasteries.
Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and dining areas, and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as our experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 62.4 metres
- Tonnage: 700 tons
- Maiden Voyage: 2014
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 40
- Crew Nationality: Peruvian
- Officer Nationality: Peruvian
- Dining Staff Nationality: Peruvian
- Ship Registration: Cambodia
Ship Facilities
- Indoor and Outdoor Bars
- Indoor dining room and outdoor private dining
- Private screening room with theater-style seating
- Private library/games room
- Outside shaded lounge with single and double day beds
- Antique shop and boutique
- Lobby lounge
- Observation deck with outdoor sunbeds
- Top deck exercise room overlooking the river
- Infirmary with onboard medical staff
- Outdoor plunge pool with private cabanas
- Two spa treatment rooms, each with two massage beds
- Outdoor cinema under the stars
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep '22 | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
Embark | |
| 17 Sep '22 | River Cruising |
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| 18 Sep '22 | Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia |
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| 19 Sep '22 | Koh Chen, Cambodia |
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| 20 Sep '22 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
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| 21 Sep '22 | Chau Doc, Vietnam |
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| 22 Sep '22 | Sa Dec, Vietnam |
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| 22 Sep '22 | Cai Bei, Cambodia |
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| 23 Sep '22 | My Tho, South Vietnam |
Disembark | Transfer to Saigon |
| 23 Sep '22 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
7 Night Cruise sailing from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh aboard Aqua Mekong.
High Water From September to November
Day 1 Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Our crew warmly welcomes you at our meeting point at our Siem Reap meeting point where our air-conditioned coach will take you on a picturesque 45-minute countryside ride to the Aqua Mekong, which is docked on the Tonle Sap lake. for check-in to your 3-story, five star Mekong abode. Settle into your floating luxury retreat and a memorable first night on board your five-star home on the legendary Mekong.
Day 2 Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal (Cambodia) – Moat Khla (Cambodia)
Hop on our launch boats and discover vast wetlands, birdlife and remote stilt communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designated in 1997. Spot large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot within the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the last refuges in Southeast Asia located on the Tonle Sap Lake. After lunch, sail to the floating village of Moat Khla and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community accessible only by water.
Day 3 Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru (Cambodia) – Kampong Chhnang (Cambodia)
Explore remote villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, we “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. In the afternoon, continue experiencing Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang. In this serene village, meet traditional potters and palm-sugar producers and watch them practices age-old craftsmanship and techniques dating back to the 6th century that is still highly relevant and valuable today.
Day 4 Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River – Koh Chen (Cambodia) – Koh Oknha Tey (Cambodia)
Awake to the beauty of rural Cambodia and sail by skiff to the silversmith village of Koh Chen for a first-hand encounter with artisans producing magnificent royal Khmer silverware. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia’s king as gifts for visiting dignitaries. In the afternoon, we set off for the Koh Oknha Tey, Mekong’s ‘Silk Island’ where Khmer artisans showcase the dyeing and weaving of krama, a silk scarf loved by locals and a treasured cultural asset that dates back from the Angkor period. A biking option is available for those who wish to explore deeper into the island.
Day 5 Mekong River – Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Experience the vibrancy of the Cambodian capital on a motorized tuk-tuk and tour the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Guests may also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or shopping at Russian Market before disembarkation.
Day 6 Mekong River – Ka’om Samnor-Vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc (Vietnam) – My An Hung (Vietnam)
Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town. Take the local rickshaw (xe loi) for a trip around town, or pedal 18 kilometers on a top-of-the-line mountain bike on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, stroll through the verdant plantations in the Mekong Delta village of My An Hung, visiting a local’s home to savor local fruits, listen to traditional folk song performances by villagers and participate in a unique unicorn dance. A biking option is also available for those who wish to explore the idyllic countryside on wheels.
Day 7 Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec (Vietnam) – Cai Be (Vietnam)
Begin the day learning about traditional mat weaving at Binh Thanh village or visit Sa Dec’s vibrant market and the beautifully-preserved home of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream for Cai Be, sailing in a traditional sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats. Later in Cai Be, walk or cycle among high-roofed open courtyard houses that date back more than 100 years, before arriving at one such house invited by a gracious local resident.
Day 8 Mekong River – My Tho (Vietnam) – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Enroute to My Tho port for disembarkation, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. Admire the temple’s eclectic architectural style and see three large Buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees. See the best of the Cambodian capital on motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Based on your preferences, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or shop at the Russian Market before disembarking the Aqua Mekong.