Aqua Mekong River Cruise

Tuesday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

Morning

• Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• We celebrate our luxrury Mekong cruise, Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’.
• We cross the border and sail to Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we may take a local rickshaw called xe loi for a ride around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

Afternoon

• We will visit My An Hung, a typical Mekong Delta community, and wander through green plantations.
• We’ll be invited to a local’s home to taste local fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance.
• Biking is also an option for those who want to explore on wheels.
• Journey to the heart of this magnificent river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition commemorated on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.

Wednesday: Mekong River – Ka’om Samnor – Vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc – My An Hung – Vietnam

Morning

• Continue your journey on Aqua Mekong River Cruise, say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ as we cross the border and sail to Tan Chau.
• Take a local rickshaw called xe loi for a ride around this vibrant border town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

Afternoon

• We will visit My An Hung, a typical Mekong Delta community, and wander through green plantations.
• We’ll be invited to a local’s home to taste local fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance.
• Biking is also an option for those who want to explore on wheels.

Thursday: Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – Cai Be – Vietnam

• Start the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or visit Sa Dec, where we will explore the vibrant market and see the famous home of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.
• We continue downstream toward Cai Be, zigzagging on our sampan past a lone fisherman in long tail boats.
• Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier.
• Take a walk or bike ride through Cai Be’s high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently used by gracious locals who will welcome us to take in their property.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• Disembarkation. On the way to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the region’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temples.
• You’ll observe the diverse architectural style, three enormous Buddha statues, and an excellent collection of bonsai trees.

Tuesday: Phnome Penh – Cambodia

• Welcome our passengers with special sundowners such as the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai Basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Chhnang – Cambodia

Morning

• We visit Koh Chen, a silversmith town famous for its exceptional craftsmanship.
• Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, frequently chosen by Cambodia’s king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

Afternoon

• We continue learning about Khmer riverside life at Kampong Chhnang, often known as the ‘Port of Pottery’ due to archaeological findings dating back to the sixth century.
• Bicycle option is available.

Thursday: Mouth of the Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – Moat Khla – Cambodia

Morning

• Continue this luxury Mekong cruise by exploringSet off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of Asia’s largest freshwater basins and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for giant waterbirds such as spot-billed pelicans, milky storks, black-headed ibises, and the elusive masked finfoot.
• Disembarkation. The rural communities around Tonle Sap Lake,  classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
• In Chhnok Tru, we “slide” into an ice factory and learn from locals about life in a town where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police office float.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, which is only accessible by water, and participate in a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this remote settlement.

Friday: Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal – Siem Reap – Cambodia 

• Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of Asia’s largest freshwater basins and the last refuge in Southeast Asia for giant waterbirds such as spot-billed pelicans, milky storks, black-headed ibises, and the elusive masked finfoot.
• Disembarkation.

Tuesday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Prasat – Cambodia

Morning

• In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty.
• We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala, a meditation center.

Afternoon

• A walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Thursday: Tonle Sap River – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Cambodia  

• During the milder months, we ride mountain bikes or take a shaded tuk-tuk to see traditional potters and palm sugar producers in the breathtaking countryside. We ride into the rice paddies to watch wise masters climb the sky-piercing palms looming over us.
• Aqua Mekong River Cruise across the sparkling water and dismount among the lotuses for an ox-cart ride down the Tonle Sap riverbanks, passing lacquered wooden cottages where residents seek sanctuary in the relative cool of these outdoor temporary living rooms during the dry season.

Friday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia  

• We show passengers around the Cambodian capital by motorized tuk-tuk, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s greatest collection of Khmer art.
• You can choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Field or shop at the Russian Market.
• Disembark.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• We will pick you up at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong River Cruise.
• 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.

Saturday: Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – My An Hung

Morning

• Begin the day to Binh Thanh mat weaving village or visit Sa Dec, where we will explore the vibrant market and view the famous home of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.

Afternoon

• We visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations.
• We 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.

Sunday: Mekong River – Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong – Ka’om Samnor – Border

Morning

• 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 18 kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with chef.

Afternoon

• After lunch, relax by the pool, experience traditional Khmer massage, or learn how to cook Mekong-inspired foods before crossing the border.

Monday: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop

Morning

• On this river of time we 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and make our way to the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a rural settlement that has altered nothing in several generations.

Tuesday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide or choose to shop at the Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

Friday: Tonle SapLake – Siem Reap – Cambodia

• Gather at our Siem Reap meeting point then board our 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.

Saturday:  Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal – Moat Khla – Cambodia

Morning

• Set off by skiff into the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve. This is 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Sunday: Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – 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.
• We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’ so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.

Monday: Tonle Sap & Mekong River – Koh Chen – Koh Oknha Tey – Cambodia 

Morning

• We 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.

Afternoon

• We 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.

Tuesday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide or choose to shop at the Russian Market. Disembark in Phnom Penh.

Friday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We meet you at the Phnom Penh TS1 Port for check-in to your 3-story, five star Aqua Mekong River Cruise. Welcome aboard.
• We’ll leave you to 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.
• Together we 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.

Saturday: Tonle Sap Lake – Koh Chen – Kampong Prasat – Cambodia

Morning

• In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty.
• We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala, a meditation center.

Afternoon

• A walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Sunday: Tonle Sap Lake – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Cambodia

• In the cooler hours, we 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 we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us.
• 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 during these dry months residents take refuge in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Monday: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop – Cambodia

Morning

• On this river of time we 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Tuesday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide or choose to shop at the Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• We will pick you up at the Saigon meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong River Cruise.
• 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.

Saturday: Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – My An Hung – Vietnam

Morning

• Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.

Afternoon

• We visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations.
• We 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 17-kilometer biking option is also available.

Sunday: Mekong River – Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong – Ka’om Samnor Border 

Morning

• 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 18 kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with chef.

Afternoon

• After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while we cross the border.

Monday: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop – Cambodia

Morning

• On this river of time we 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Tuesday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia  

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
• Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Chhnang – Cambodia

Morning

• We 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.

Afternoon

• We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’ so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.
• Bike option is available.

Thursday: Mouth of the Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – Moat Khla – Cambodia

Morning

• Continue exploring the remote communities 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony.

Friday: Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toan – Siem Reap – Cambodia

• 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.
• Disembarkation.

Friday: Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap – Cambodia

• Gather at our Siem Reap meeting point then board our 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 luxury Mekong Cruise.
• 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.

Saturday: Tonle Sap Lake – Prek Toal – Moat Khla – Cambodia

Morning

• 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community.

Sunday: Tonle Sap Lake – Chhnok Tru – 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.
• We continue learning about Khmer riverside life in Kampong Chhnang, the ‘Port of Pottery’ so called because archaeological findings here date to the 6th century.

Monday: Tonle Sap & Mekong River – Koh Chen – Koh Oknha Tey – Cambodia

Morning

• We 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.

Afternoon

• We 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.

Tuesday:  Mekong River – Phmon Penh – Cambodia  

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
• Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Mekong River – Ka’om Samnor – Vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc – My An Hung – Vietnam

Morning

• Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town.
• We take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

Afternoon

• We visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations.
• We 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.

Thursday: Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – Cai Be – Mekong River – Vietnam

• Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.
• We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats.
• Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• Disembarkation.
• En route to Saigon, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• We will pick you up at the Ho Chi Minh meeting point and transfer you by air-conditioned coach to My Tho dock where we will welcome you aboard the Aqua Mekong River Cruise.
• 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.

Saturday: Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – My An Hung

Morning

• Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.

Afternoon

• We visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations.
• We 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.

Sunday: Mekong River – Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong – Ka’om Samnor Border

Morning

• 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 18 kilometers bike ride on Long Khanh Island or take a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with chef.

Afternoon

• After lunch, relax by the pool, try traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes while we cross the border.

Monday: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop

Morning

• On this river of time we 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Tuesday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
• Return to welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Tonle Sap River – Koh Chen – Kampong Prasat – Cambodia  

Morning

• In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty.
• We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala, a meditation center.

Afternoon

• A walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Thursday: Tonle Sap River – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Cambodia

• In the cooler hours, we 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 we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us.
• 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 during these dry months residents take refuge in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Friday: Phnom Penh – Cambodia

Customized exploration of Phnom Penh and disembarkation.

Friday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We meet you at the Phnom Penh TS1 Port for check-in to your 3-story, five star luxury Mekong cruise. Welcome aboard.
• We’ll leave you to 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.
• Together we 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.

Saturday: Mekong River – Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop – Cambodia

Morning

• On this river of time we 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.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we board our marine-grade aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village little changed over several lifetimes.

Sunday: Tonle Sap  River – Koh Chen – Kampong Prasat – Cambodia

Morning

• In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch artisans producing the magnificent silverware favored by Khmer royalty.
• We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17-19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely challenging Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala, a meditation center.

Afternoon

• A walking tour of Kampong Prasat offers a close up perspective on local lives and their riverside environment.

Monday: Tonle Sap River – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Cambodia

• In the cooler hours, we 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 we pedal to watch wizened masters scale sky-piercing palms towering over us.
• 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 during these dry months residents take refuge in the relative cool of these outdoor impromptu living rooms.

Tuesday: Mekong River – Phnom Penh – Cambodia

• We show off the Cambodian capital to our passengers 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, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or shopping at Russian Market.
• We bid farewell to 4-night guests who are disembarking in Phnom Penh.
• Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil.
• Together we 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.

Wednesday: Mekong River – Ka’om Samnor – Vinh Xuong Border Crossing – Chau Doc – My An Hung – Vietnam  

Morning

• Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh.

Afternoon

• We visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations.
• We 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.

Thursday: Mekong River – Binh Thanh/Sa Dec – Cai Be – Vietnam

• Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.
• We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats.
• Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property.

Friday: Mekong River – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam

• Disembarkation.
• En route to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees.