Explore the Mighty Mekong
Stretching from the South China Sea to the Tibetan Plateau is the primary artery of Southeast Asia: The Mekong River. Spanning 6 countries and over 2,700 miles, this winding corridor passes through bustling villages, expansive tranquil lakes and narrow deltas veiled in verdant palms. As most of these remote destinations are accessible only by water, the best way to discover the Mekong’s hidden treasures is by river cruise. See floating markets bursting with exotic fruits and local produce, watch artisans dye and weave textiles on the riverbanks, and glide past charming stilted houses seemingly untouched by time.
Sailing between Vietnam and Cambodia, the luxury Aqua Mekong is an incredible 5-star floating hotel masterfully designed by Saigon-based architects at Noor Design. With private decks, indoor daybeds, and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, staterooms are personal luxury enclaves to witness the vibrant culture right outside your window.
Get Closer to the Culture
The 7-night journey is nothing short of spectacular. Meet the hard-working Khmer farmers, see iconic wing-tipped pagodas and shimmering Buddhist temples, and explore magical rice paddies by bicycle. Along the way, guides will educate you on some of the culture’s most fascinating native species. You’ll encounter everything from eclectic floating markets filled with vendors selling their wares to panoramic views of vast, open water.
With complete guest comfort in mind, Mekong River cruises on the Aqua Mekong are specifically designed around the seasonal weather. During the high-water season (June to October), the route travels from the UNESCO-designated Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, up the river by Siem Reap. Low-water season (November to May) allows for a range of exploring opportunities, heading inland across verdant, semiaquatic rice paddy fields and visiting the teeming, stilted villages along the shore. No matter the time of year, sights abound along the winding Mekong River.
Explore remote villages with guided walking tours, where area experts will show you the highlights while entrancing you with intricate knowledge of the captivating history. Observe skilled artisans practicing their trades, such as the silversmiths of Koh Chen or the Khmer artisans weaving kroma–Cambodian garments–and dyeing them in an array of mesmerizing colors. Visit awe-inducing spiritual sites like Vipassana Dhura Mandala, then explore Phnom Penh aboard a motorized tuk-tuk.
Revel in Personalized Luxury
The Aqua Mekong offers passengers the opportunity for an intimate sailing experience with a one-to-one ratio of attentive staff known for providing personalized service custom-tailored to each guest’s tastes. Hosting only 40 passengers, the Aqua Mekong is a spacious abode of lavish common and social areas. Relax on deck during the day in a comfortable shaded daybed, unwind in a private cabana by the top-deck plunge pool, watch a movie beneath the stars in the outdoor cinema, or work out in the gym with optimal views of the water. Treat yourself to a revitalizing experience in either of the two spa treatment rooms with services like traditional Khmer massage, learn to cook Mekong inspired dishes in the kitchen, or discover unique treasures in the ship's boutique.
Calling upon historic Southeast Asian recipes, world-renowned chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant Namh, David Thompson crafts a range of enticing dishes utilizing fresh local ingredients. You’ll delight in an array of comforts for a fulfilling cruising experience, dining on exquisite dishes devised to reflect the flavors of Mekong’s many tastes.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re ready to experience the Aqua Mekong or if you would like to learn about this Mekong River cruise, reach out to one of our many talented luxury cruise specialists–like Kiersten Likkel–for more information!
