| Cruise Line |
Aqua Expeditions |
| Ship |
Aqua Mekong |
| Destination |
Asian Rivers |
| Nights |
7 |
| Departure Date |
29 Oct 2021 |
| Description |
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.
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| Sailing Dates |
- 17 Sep 2021
- 01 Oct 2021
- 29 Oct 2021
- 12 Nov 2021
- 16 Sep 2022
- 30 Sep 2022
- 28 Oct 2022
- 11 Nov 2022
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| Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
| Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|
| 1 |
29/10 |
Siem Reap, Cambodia |
Embark |
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| 2 |
30/10 |
River Cruising |
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| 3 |
31/10 |
Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia |
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| 4 |
01/11 |
Koh Chen, Cambodia |
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| 5 |
02/11 |
Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
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| 6 |
03/11 |
Chau Doc, Vietnam |
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| 7 |
04/11 |
Sa Dec, Vietnam |
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| 7 |
04/11 |
Cai Bei, Cambodia |
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| 8 |
05/11 |
My Tho, South Vietnam |
Disembark |
Transfer to Saigon |
| 8 |
05/11 |
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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