Aqua Mekong Cruise Vietnam & Cambodia with Koh Rong Beach Stay

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis that blends history, culture, and modern energy. Here you can explore the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and colonial landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral. You can enjoy bustling markets, flavourful street food, lively cafés, and rooftop bars. The city offers a dynamic mix of traditional temples, riverfront charm, and lively nightlife, creating an unforgettable urban adventure. The holiday covers your stay with daily breakfast.

It will be a 7-night cruise where you will be visiting different places. This is going to be an all-inclusive experience, which includes 3 meals every day, selected house wines and beer, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, twice-daily excursions with expert local guides, laundry, top-of-the-line biking and kayaking equipment, and unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi. Here is the day-to-day itinerary of the cruise.

Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be greeted and transferred to the Marina My Tho dock. There, you will embark on the luxurious Aqua Mekong. Get settled into your elegantly designed suite featuring expansive windows, a private terrace, and a California King bed, offering uninterrupted views of the serene river as the Mekong reveals its tranquil charm and timeless beauty.

The day begins with a visit to Binh Thanh, which is a charming village known for its traditional mat weaving. Here, you can enjoy a scenic bike ride through bustling local markets, lush fruit plantations, and lively fish farms, immersing yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Mekong life. For a slower pace, you may instead journey to Sa Dec to explore colourful markets alongside the onboard chef, visit the historic Lover House, and admire the architecture of Kien An Cung Pagoda.

Then you will come back on the ship and indulge in a hands-on cooking demonstration followed by a delightful lunch, highlighting the region’s rich culinary heritage. In the afternoon, the journey continues to My An Hung, a serene Mekong Delta village surrounded by greenery. You can take a stroll through fruit orchards, enjoy seasonal fruits at a local home, and experience traditional folk songs and the lively Unicorn dance. For adventure seekers, there is a 17-kilometre cycling route that offers an authentic countryside exploration.

The day starts with cruising by skiff along the scenic Bassac Canal. You will arrive at the lively border town of Chau Doc, where colourful markets and bustling streets invite exploration. A local xe loi rickshaw ride offers a charming glimpse into daily life and traditional commerce. Continuing by van, the journey ascends to Long Son Pagoda, which is perched on Sam Mountain, offering sweeping views of the countryside.

Here, you can engage with resident monks and learn about the ancient practices of Mahayana Buddhism. The return trip passes through a vibrant morning market, alive with sounds and scents of local trade. For the adventurous, there is an optional 18-kilometre cycling route across Long Khanh Island that reveals lush rice paddies and authentic village life, which you can take. Following a delicious lunch, you may unwind beside the pool or indulge in a soothing Khmer massage as the voyage gently continues across the border, blending relaxation with cultural discovery.

Along the gentle flow of time, we encounter skilled Khmer artisans transforming threads into vibrant kroma, the checkered cloth woven into the rhythm of daily life across Cambodia. Their hands move with generations of knowledge, each pattern telling a story of identity and tradition. From here, the riverbank beckons for exploration, perhaps by bicycle, as narrow paths wind past tranquil Buddhist temples and clusters of thatched homes balanced delicately on tall wooden stilts. White oxen, graceful and unhurried, wade through the shallows nearby, their reflections shimmering on the water’s surface.

After savouring a leisurely lunch amid this riverside serenity, our journey continues by skiff, sleek aluminium vessels that glide smoothly through calm waters. The river narrows, flanked by groves of tamarind trees whose scent drifts softly in the breeze. Soon, we reach Preah Prosop, a secluded riverside village untouched by time, where life flows to the quiet rhythm of the river and the heartbeat of tradition.

Today you will be visiting multiple attractions of the Cambodian Capital, Phnom Penh. You will be introduced to the lively atmosphere of Cambodia’s capital with an authentic tuk-tuk ride, offering an engaging glimpse into Phnom Penh’s culture and charm. The journey includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the dazzling Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of Khmer art.

Those seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s past may visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, while others can discover local life and handicrafts at the colourful Russian Market. As the four-night you may disembark, new guests are warmly welcomed aboard with inventive cocktails like the Salted Watermelon Crush infused with Thai basil.

The evening unfolds with a festive celebration marking the beginning of an unforgettable voyage along the Mekong River. The night’s highlight is a graceful Khmer Apsara dance performance, a centuries-old art form immortalised on the walls of Angkor Wat, capturing the beauty and spirit of Cambodia’s rich heritage.

Our journey today begins in Koh Chen, which is a village celebrated for its masterful silversmiths who craft intricate pieces once cherished by Khmer royalty. Watching these artisans at work offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s enduring artistic traditions, where skill and heritage merge beautifully. We then travel to Udong, the country’s royal capital between the 17th and 19th centuries, a site steeped in spiritual and historical significance. Here, we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre to gain insight into a distinct and demanding form of Buddhist mindfulness practised by devoted monks. In the afternoon, we set out on a leisurely walking exploration of Kampong Prasat, a charming riverside community that reveals everyday Cambodian life.

The stroll provides opportunities to meet locals, observe their routines, and appreciate the harmony between village life and the surrounding natural landscape. This day offers a rich blend of culture, history, and human connection along the banks of Cambodia’s serene waterways.

As the morning air stays cool, we set out on skiffs toward Andong Russei, which is a charming village known for its traditional pottery and palm sugar making. You can choose between cycling on mountain bikes or riding comfortably in tuk-tuks to explore rural life. The route winds through emerald rice paddies where locals climb tall palm trees to harvest sap high above the fields. A hands-on cooking demonstration introduces regional flavours, followed by a delicious lunch prepared from fresh local ingredients.

The afternoon unfolds with more opportunities to cycle through scenic countryside paths, try fishing alongside villagers, or glide across the tranquil waters toward Kampong Tralach’s fascinating floating village. As the sun begins to set, we paddle gently along the Tonle Sap, watching the water shimmer in golden light. The day concludes peacefully with refreshing sundowners on the riverbank, surrounded by the sounds and colours of Cambodia’s serene rural landscape.

Your cruise concludes in Phnom Penh with opportunities for a personalised exploration of the city’s cultural and historical highlights. Spend your final cruise day discovering sites that reflect Cambodia’s vibrant heritage and modern evolution. History enthusiasts may wish to explore the Sosoro Museum, offering fascinating insights into the nation’s economic story and development through currency. For a tranquil experience, visit Wat Phnom, the city’s iconic hilltop temple surrounded by lush greenery and local legend. Those drawn to local life can wander through the lively Central Market, a bustling hub filled with colourful goods, crafts, and authentic Cambodian flavours.

From the port, you will be received and assisted by one of our representatives to the hotel on Koh Rong Island in Cambodia. Koh Rong Island is Cambodia’s tropical paradise that offers pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush jungle trails. You can enjoy snorkelling, diving among vibrant coral reefs, kayaking, and exploring local fishing villages.

At night, witness glowing bioluminescent plankton and relax in beachfront resorts, experiencing the island’s tranquil charm and unspoiled natural beauty. Your stay with daily breakfast will be included in the holiday.