Discovery Cruise - From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
A brief and rewarding taste of Mekong’s agrarian heartlands Aboard the luxurious Aqua Mekong, this 3-night river cruise on the Mekong river offers plenty to see and explore for travelers with limited time. Our private fleet of ergonomic, sheltered launch boats put the pleasure and efficiency in exploring Mekong’s myriad waterways, making the most of your time in this beautiful region.
Highlights
• Start the day with a guided meditation on a sundeck overlooking the emerald greenery around the river,
• Travel in luxury amidst captivating landscapes along the Mekong river, from the Silver Pagoda and Art Deco of the Cambodian capital to the fascinating, modern Vietnam.
• Sail into the agrarian heartlands of the Khmer and Vietnamese people, little touched by the modern world, making indelible memories as you cycle and kayak far, far off the beaten path.
Our crew warmly welcomes you aboard the Aqua Mekong with our special refreshers, such as the salted watermelon crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate our journey towards the heart of the Mekong river with the Khmer Apsara dance performance, a famous centuries-old tradition that is memorialized on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.
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, 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 are still highly relevant and valuable today.
Discover vast wetlands, bird life and remote stilt communities around the Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designated in 1997. In Chhnok Tru, visit an intriguing ice factory and learn from locals what it is like to live in a town where its school, church, pagoda, police station and even the karaoke bar ‘float’ on water. After lunch, sail to the floating village of Moat Khla and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community accessible only by water.
Continue the exploration of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, setting off on Aqua Mekong’s ergonomic skiffs to the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, one of the last refuges in Southeast Asia for large waterbirds like the spot-billed pelicans, milky stork, black-headed ibis and the elusive masked finfoot. Disembark in the enigmatic city of Siem Reap, home of the Angkor Wat.
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
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Vessel Type: Luxury River Expedition
Length: 62.4 meters / 204 feet
Passenger Capacity: 40
Year Built: 2014
Aqua Mekong operates as a compact, high-spec river vessel built for controlled immersion into Cambodia and Vietnam’s culture, landscapes, and food traditions. Suites are large, climate-controlled, and fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass to keep the Mekong panorama in constant view. Social areas—pool, cinema, gym, spa—are scaled for quiet rather than crowd. Shore access is handled by a private tender fleet, allowing tightly run excursions into temples, markets, villages, and river life without dependence on public infrastructure.
The onboard culinary programme is engineered around regional produce and Mekong flavours, executed with Michelin-level discipline. Market visits, cooking demonstrations, and ingredient-driven menus keep the experience tied to place. Kayaks, bikes, guided hikes, and cultural visits round out the activity options, supported by a crew-to-guest ratio that enables controlled, small-group exploration.
Land Extensions
Inclusions
• Elegant design suite accommodations
• All onboard meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages and house wines, and beer
• Small-group excursions with expert guides
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Wet suits
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Onboard lectures and evening entertainment
• Laundry service
• Complimentary high-speed satellite internet
• Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (for Galapagos cruises only).
• Provide group transfers from/to the airport if you arrive and depart on our recommended flights
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Private transfers
• Spa costs
• Gratuities (Recommended USD20-30 per person per day for crew. Guide gratuities additional)
• Cocktails
• Optional boutique purchases
River Boat
Our Associates Include
