Cruising Vietnam and Cambodia

Cruising Vietnam and Cambodia

The Mekong River is one of the worlds, and certainly Indochina’s most amazing river. A source of food, tourism, and commerce,  the Mekong River offers visitors a very unique and authentic insight into the life of the local people of Vietnam and Cambodia, and one of the best ways is to cruise on the luxurious vessel, the Aqua Mekong. Boasting only 20 spacious, air-conditioned suites, all feature full-length windows that offer spectacular panoramas of the ever-changing Mekong scenery, combined with Vietnamese and Cambodian hospitality, this 12-Day Mekong Cruise itinerary will tick all the boxes.

Duration:
12 days
Places:
12 Places places
Meal:
11 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
Transport:
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Aqua Mekong luxury small ship
Airplane
Vespa
Push Bike
Remork
Ox-Cart ride
Duration:
12 days
Places:
12 Places places
Transport:
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Aqua Mekong luxury small ship
Airplane
Vespa
Push Bike
Remork
Ox-Cart ride
Meal:
11 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
Group Size:
Tour is on an individual basis
Dates:
01/01/2024 - 31/10/2024

Map

map (1)

Itinerary

On arrival at Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative who will provide a private vehicle transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transport

Private vehicle transfer

Meet your local, accredited english – speaking guide in your hotel foyer at approx 8.15 am and embark on a unique tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Ho Chi Minh City boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, this city is like a trip through time. Commence the tour with a visit to the French colonial area with to Archbishop’s Palace and its more than 200-year-old house of prayer. Continue through the ages and encounter a local who specialises in the period that covers the Vietnam War right until today. Visit Gia Long Palace, built in 1885 combining classical Baroque architectural elements with European and Oriental influences. Continue to a private home, famous for its role in the planning of the well-known Tet Offensive and return to the hotel. During the ride back, an optional visit to a restored opium factory is offered as well. Considering the importance of the opium trade in the first half of the last century, this is another interesting view of Ho Chi Minh City’s history and power struggles.

Next, stroll through the old central market before arriving at the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment.  Built-in 1886, see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to with new funky boutiques and coffee shops, and sit down in one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

Leave the compound and enjoy a look at the building on the other side, which used to be Banque de l’Indochine(Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the Indochinois east/west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for, after this last stop, head back to the hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure.

Included Activities

Tour of Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Depart early this morning at 8.30 am to avoid the crowds at Cu Chi Tunnels as you drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, watch the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam.

Enjoy a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with your accredited, local, english-speaking guide. Learn how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the French and American Wars, then crawl underground and enjoy a look at the tiny chambers and imagine what life was like for those who lived there. Hear incredible tales of perseverance – from the unusual foods the residents ate to survive, to the story of a baby being born in the tunnels. Once above ground, view other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits.

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole, then return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon to enjoy a few hours of leisure.

City nightlife and food safari tour by vintage Vespa

Meet your driver at 6.00 pm and delve into Vietnam’s nightlife and culinary culture with a fun Ho Chi Minh City Vespa tour. Climb aboard the back of this classic motorbike and zip off through the city’s buzzing streets and watch the city come to life as the sun sets and offices close down for the day. The first stop of the evening is at a rooftop bar, and enjoy the views of the streets below while enjoying some snacks and refreshments. Kick off the mobile aspect of the evening and visit a series of local restaurants and street stalls as our food-loving host explains each of the items on offer and purchase a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to sample. During the tour, sample a range of dishes from simple satays to more exotic, yet highly popular treats. Raise a glass and toast the night out alongside local diners. Later it’s time to relax at a hidden and quiet café and enjoy a musical performance, with a drink and ice cream before returning to the hotel.

Included Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels

Nighttime foodie tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Dinner

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Vespa

The Mekong Delta is truly a unique ecosystem with diverse communities, home to floating markets, fruitful orchards, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies. This region is well-known for its huge network of canals and channels which offer a great way to explore the quintessential life of its cuisine, lifestyle, and culture.

The majestic 20-suite Aqua  Mekong allows you to experience, first-hand, the colourful and varied cultures, religions and timeless traditions discovered along the Mekong. Traveling deep into its remote tributaries, our guests learn about the history and ecosystem of this vital Southeast Asian waterway.

Enjoy a sleep-in today and after enjoying breakfast, meet your driver around noon and enjoy the transfer by private vehicle to My Tho pier. Complete check-in procedures on the Aqua Mekong and as you settle into the floating retreat, enjoy the panoramic views of the Mekong River.

Included Activities

Enjoy the morning in Ho Chi Minh City.

Join Aqua Mekong Cruise

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Aqua Mekong

Commence the day at a Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec to view the vibrant market and the famous house of Marguerite Duras’ legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.  In the afternoon, visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung and stroll through verdant plantations. Proceed to a local’s home to taste local fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by villagers followed by a unique unicorn dance. A 17-kilometre biking option is also available on request from guests.

Included Activities

Binh Thanh mat weaving village

My An Hung Village

A 17-kilometre optional bikeride

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Transport

Aqua Mekong

Push bike

Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to Chau Doc floating market then travel by van to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Here you can speak to the local monks about their age-old Buddhist practices. Return via the bustling morning market. An optional 18 kilometres bike ride on Long Khanh Island or a rickshaw ride to visit Tan Chau Market with a chef is available on request.

 

After lunch, relax by the pool, try a traditional Khmer massage, or learn to cook Mekong- inspired dishes while crossing the border.

Included Activities

Chau Doc floating marke

Long Son Pagoda

Optional 18 kilometres bike ride on Long Khanh Island

Tan Chau Market

 

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Transport

Small skiff / Sampan

Push bike

Aqua Mekong

During this time on the river, admire Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous scarves that no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.

 

After lunch, board marine-grade aluminium skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, enjoying a remote village that has changed little over several generations.

 

Included Activities

Enjoy a bike ride along the river bank

Visit Preah Prosop

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Transport

Push bike

Small skiff / Sampan

Aqua Mekong

Disembark from the Aqua Mekong and be welcomed by a local, accredited English-speaking guide who will accompany you to the hotel for check-in.

 

Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its turbulent history and recent development, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glory days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

 

Today, explore the capital of Cambodia by tuk-tuk, paying visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.

Later, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide, a grim but important reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past, or choose to shop at the Russian Market, one of the best shopping venues in the city. (Note: All visitors to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh are required to wear modest clothing: no short pants or short skirts (knees must be covered) and no sleeveless shirts (shoulders must be covered). See-through clothing will also not be allowed. Visitors who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to visit the museum.)

Included Activities

Phnom Penh Day tour

Royal Palace

Silver Pagoda

National Museum of Cambodia

Tuol Sleng Museum

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

 

Transport

Tuk-tuk

Small bus

Aqua Mekong

This morning, meet your driver at the hotel who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Phnom Penh Domestic Airport for your short flight to Siem Reap.

On arrival at Siem Reap Airport on your Cambodia Angkor Air flight, you are welcomed by our local, accredited english-speaking guide who will provide the private vehicle transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, commence the half-day tour to one of the major highlights of Southeast Asia – the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolising  Mount Meru, home of the gods. The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to reside here after his death. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign.

Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labour. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolises the soul of the Khmer people.

Included Activities

Fly Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

 

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Cambodia Angkor Air flight

Private air-conditioned vehicle

This morning, enjoy an early start and delight in a sunrise breakfast at Angkor and then explore the temples by local remork (a Cambodian tuk tuk). Begin by escaping the crowds at the picturesque Srah Srang Baray, a “bath” built by the kings of Angkor as a public pool. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions, and the sparse remains of an island temple can be seen emerging from the middle of the lake at low water, during the dry season. Here, enjoy a beautiful champagne breakfast overlooking the lake on a luxurious cushion and table set up, providing an incredible and serene start to any Angkorian exploration.

As many visitors are still strolling around Angkor Wat after sunrise, this is the best time to experience Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, which is otherwise best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls. The temple is a perfect example of how nature has crept in and reclaimed its land after the fall of the Angkorian empire.

Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th-century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its murals depicting daily life at Angkor and the 52 towers with enigmatic faces of the Buddha looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.

Spend this afternoon at leisure for personal shopping at the markets, or simply return to the hotel to relax. You may consider the optional tours available below:

Option 1: Quad-Bike Adventure

Ride a quad bike designed for off-road terrain for an unforgettable experience through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The guided tour will ride through local villages for a chance to learn about the way of life in rural Cambodia and meet and chat with wonderful and friendly people. The highlight of the tour is watching the sunset in the rice fields.

Option 2: Angkor National Museum

The modern museum showcases artefacts from the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire by use of multimedia technology to portray this interesting historical period. Experience Angkor at its best on a guided visit to the Museum.

 

Option: After Dark Foodie Tour by Remork

This evening, enjoy a luxurious Khmer dining and drinking experience. Visit four amazing and intimate eateries and bars and get to taste some of the most amazing and unique cuisines that Cambodia has to offer.

Included Activities

Sunrise breakfast at Angko

Srah Srang Baray

Ta Prohm

Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple

 

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Remork

Quad Bike – Optional

 

This morning, enjoy an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in Ta Brak Village. Meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures, and like most villages in Asia, Ta Brak is busiest in the morning hours.

Enjoy an ox cart ride, a traditional countryside method of transporting people and goods. The 30-minute journey passes through the village on the way to the local market, where you can explore the colourful displays of vegetables, herbs and other locally grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come every morning to buy the fresh ingredients.

Continue on foot through the village, providing ample opportunities to stop and chat with locals and observe their activities. Depending on the time of year, they may be planting rice, weaving thatch coverings for their roofs, harvesting vegetables, or other similar tasks. For a truly immersive experience, feel free to pitch in and lend a hand to the locals in these activities!

Before leaving the village, partake in a special Buddhist tradition, when Local monks will impart wishes of good luck and success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

From there, travel by private vehicle to the countryside of Siem Reap Province. First stop to visit the Golden Silk Pheach Farm, a local NGO that helps to revive the ancient Khmer know-how in silk activities and provides job opportunities to more than 100 local staff. The farm area, mulberry trees and weaving ateliers can be seen as part of the guided tour. Golden Silk products are ecologically produced from the yellow silkworm which is unique to Cambodia. Some of the silk products are months, or even years, in the making and each one is unique. This is one for the connoisseurs of high-quality craftwork.

Continue to see the ‘gem’ of the Angkor area, the beautiful Banteay Srei, which is best viewed in the warm afternoon light. The so-called ‘Citadel of the Women’ remains the best-preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.

On this last evening in Cambodia, enjoy dinner at the incredible Embassy Restaurant, an exclusive fine dining experience unparalleled in Siem Reap and headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok, known as the ‘Kimsan Twins’. Their experience has taken them to different continents and under the mentoring of Michelin starred chefs they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can be experienced in Siem Reap. With a constantly changing menu based around seasonality, savour the skilfully prepared masterpieces from multiple course set menus, paired with a selection of fine wines.

Included Activities

Ta Brak Villag

Golden Silk Pheach Farm

Banteay Srei

 

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Dinner

Transport

Ox-cart

Private air-conditioned vehicle

 

If time allows, spend the morning exploring Siem Reap’s colourful markets with the chance to shop for souvenirs or simply observe the vibrant local scenes as people go about their everyday lives.

Visit the workshop of Eric Raisina, located a few minutes drive out of town. After growing up in Madagascar and studying in Paris, Eric moved to Cambodia in the late 90’s where he was struck by the startling similarities with Madagascar and inspired to help revive the up-market handicraft sector. He has devoted himself to developing new Cambodian silk weaving and dyeing techniques. Eric’s signature products have become a much sought-after fabric in Parisian fashion houses. Tour his workshop and view the new designs being created by his skilled team.

Just around the corner is another artist studio, Theam’s House. Lim Muy Theam is a Cambodian artist and designer who draws inspiration from both Khmer and contemporary international design. For more than 10 years Theam has trained a team of artisan apprentices who work either at the studio or in their home villages. Explore the art studio and observe various works being created such as lacquerware, painting and fine sculptures.

After this visit, you can choose to be transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight, or to another hotel for your extended stay.

Included Activities

Siem Reap’s colourful markets

Siem Reap departure.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle

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