This journey promises a truly immersive experience and the opportunity to discover rich heritage and traditions along the Mekong River. Experience one of Asia's most epic and worthwhile cruises. Embrace the most authentic parts of Mekong culture and way of life while embracing the beautiful landscapes of the Mekong river basin in the comfort and luxury of the Aqua Mekong riverboat.
The Mekong has two distinct seasons. During the high season (mid-August to November), the river receives increased flows originating from the Tibetan highlands and China. The key difference is that, during the high water season, the Tonle Sap lake becomes accessible to river ships because the Tonle Sap river connecting the lake to the Mekong swells, and the Aqua Mekong can dock on the shores of the lake, just 45 minutes away from Siem Reap. The eight-month low water season (December through mid-August) sees a lower water level in the Mekong and reduced flows. Tonle Sap Lake is inaccessible to river ships during this period, which is why departures during this time end in Phnom Penh and include a 45-minute flight to Siem Reap.
Please note that high-low water seasons may vary unexpectedly from year to year, and river cruises may have to adjust their itineraries on short notice.
Arrive: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (or reverse)
Depart: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (or reverse)
Highlights
Cruise the Mekong River aboard a luxury river vessel
Enjoy optional guided cycling tours, kayaking excursions on Kampong Chhnang's waterways
Explore the World Heritage Site of Tonle Sap Lake during high-and low-water season—both offer unique perspectives on the landscape
Visit Mekong's famed ‘Silk Island' to learn how artisans handcraft traditional krama silk from harvesting silk from silkworms to dyeing and weaving the silk on massive wooden looms
Take a local rickshaw through an atmospheric town, ride a traditional sampan fishing boat in a bustling waterway past fishermen on long tail boats
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
(Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap Itinerary, Low Water Season, December to mid-August) From the Saigon meeting point, you will be transferred by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where you will be welcomed aboard the Aqua Mekong. 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.
Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where you will peruse the vibrant market. In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where you 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. A 10.5-mile biking option is also available.
Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to Chau Doc floating market, then head off by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Ask the monks about their age-old Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. Optional 11-mile bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with the boat's chef. After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage, or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while you cross the border.
On this river of time, you can admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous item no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels if you wish, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore. After lunch, board the marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head toward the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.
Explore the Cambodian capital by motorized tuk-tuk, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. For those who wish, you can visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market. Bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
Return to welcome your 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Celebrate the onward journey toward the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat.
In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty. Continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17th-19th centuries, where you will learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura, a meditation center. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close-up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.
In the cooler hours, head into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured by shaded tuk-tuk. Into the rice paddies you pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering above. Cruise across the glassy water and disembark among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride along the Tonle Sap riverbanks, past lacquered wooden houses where residents take refuge during these dry months in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.
Customized exploration of Phnom Penh and disembarkation. Airplane transfers are provided if you would like to continue your Cambodian adventure to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Guests will be fully escorted by guides in a private luxury car transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.
Day 1: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Day 2: Tonle Sap River / Koh Chen / Kampong Prasat Day 3: Tonle Sap River / Kampong Chhnang / Kampong Tralach Day 4: Mekong River /Koh Okhna Tey / Preah Prosop Day 5: Mekong River / Phnom Penh Day 6: Mekong River / Ka'om Samnor-Vinh Xuong Border Crossing / Chau / My An Hung, Vietnam Day 7:Mekong RIver / Binh Thanh / Sa Dec / Cai Be Day 8: Mekong River / Marina My Tho Port / Ho Chi Minh City
Please Note: This itinerary does not include transport from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $1,000 105 days prior to departure: Balance
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: $500 per person 91-120 days prior to departure: $1,000 per person 90 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
Accommodations aboard the Aqua
All meals included onboard the ship
Exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
Custom designed, ergonomic, private speed boats for 10 guests
Kayaking, biking and fishing excursions, limited to 10 guests per guide
All beverages (non-alcoholic, house wine and beer)
All shore excursions
Laundry service (no dry cleaning onboard)
Satellite internet with intermittent connection
Group Transfers
Not Included
International airfare
Visa and passport fees
Optional travel insurance
Any items of a personal nature (shopping onboard, bar expenses, spa services, etc.)
Private transfers
Optional gratuities for guide and crew
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Aqua Mekong
Days 1-7 (7 nights)
The 205-foot Aqua Mekong first set sail in 2014. Each of its 20 Design suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Mekong, large double closets, and spacious bathrooms with dual sinks and walk-in showers with rainforest shower heads. Four interconnected suites are available for families. With a maximum...
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Cruising days provide ample opportunities to relax on board, while shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs, and optional biking.
The tropical climate of Cambodia and Vietnam means temperatures are warm year-round, generally fluctuate between 78°F and 86°F. Unlike the usual summer or winter, the Mekong river has two distinct seasons: low-water and high-water, which refers to the water levels of the Mekong. The high-season runs from mid-August to November and receives increased flows originating from the Tibetan highlands and China. The low-season runs from December to mid-August. During high-season, water from the swelling Mekong lake increases its area of the Tonle Sap by up to six times and the majority of the areas surrounding Tonle Sap become wetlands that support a vast variety of wildlife. The lakes many stilt villages appear to float on water as the water level rises by as much as 26 feet! It is also during the swell that the Tonle Sap lake and river reverses its flow—a natural phenomenon that must be seen to be believed.
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.
