Mekong River - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Expedition Cruise - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City 8 Days

Prices From £8,389pp
July to April | 7 nights

Mekong Expedition Cruise - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City 8 Days

Aboard: Aqua Mekong

Journey aboard the luxurious Aqua Mekong from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, tracing the life-giving waters that connect Cambodia and Vietnam. This elegant river voyage reveals the Mekong’s timeless beauty, from floating villages and ancient temples to vibrant markets and tranquil sanctuaries.

Each day brings new discoveries with twice-daily excursions led by expert local guides, offering an authentic glimpse into riverside life. Explore Tonle Sap’s bird sanctuaries, experience Phnom Penh’s royal heritage, and cycle or kayak through the lush Mekong Delta. With its seamless blend of culture, nature, and comfort, this journey aboard the Aqua Mekong captures the true essence of Southeast Asia, offering a serene, spiritual, and endlessly captivating journey.

Various departures available. Reverse itineraries also available. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • A luxury cruise aboard the Aqua Mekong, journeying from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Twice-daily excursions led by expert local guides, offering authentic encounters with life along the Mekong
  • Explore the Prek Toal Bird Reserve and floating villages on the Tonle Sap, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Experience the cultural contrasts of Phnom Penh, from royal landmarks to moving historical sites
  • Cross into Vietnam to discover Chau Doc, Sa Dec, and Cai Be, each rich in colour, tradition, and local flavour
  • Cycle or kayak through tranquil delta islands, rice paddies, and winding canals for an intimate look at rural life
  • Visit ancient temples and pagodas, including the serene Vinh Trang Pagoda near My Tho
  • Savour exceptional cuisine, seamless comfort, and the ever-changing beauty of the Mekong River

What's Included

  • All meals while on board
  • Selected house wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
  • Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
  • Group transfers to/from vessel when travelling on recommended flights
  • Laundry
  • Top-of-the-line biking and kayaking equipment
  • Unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap - Embark
1Day

Tonle Sap Lake - Siem Reap - Embark

Your journey begins in Siem Reap, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers before setting off on a scenic 45-minute drive through the Cambodian countryside to the pier at Tonle Sap Lake. Here, you’ll board your luxurious vessel and settle into your elegant suite, a tranquil retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the unfolding beauty of the Mekong. As the ship begins its gentle passage across the water, take time to relax, whether reclining on your private terrace, unwinding on your daybed, or simply watching the golden light dance across the lake as your Mekong River adventure gently begins.

Tonle Sap Lake - Prek Toal - Moat Khla
2Day

Tonle Sap Lake - Prek Toal - Moat Khla

Today’s journey begins with an early-morning skiff excursion into the Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, a vast 22,000-hectare sanctuary on Tonle Sap Lake and one of Southeast Asia’s most important wetlands. Glide quietly through shimmering waterways and mangrove channels as you spot magnificent birdlife, from spot-billed pelicans and milky storks to black-headed ibises and the rare masked finfoot. After lunch back on board, continue to the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, where you’ll experience the tranquillity of local life and take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony, a moving moment of cultural connection in the heart of Cambodia’s lake country.

Tonle Sap Lake - Chhnok Tru - Kampong Chhnang
3Day

Tonle Sap Lake - Chhnok Tru - Kampong Chhnang

Today we continue exploring the wonders of Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve since 1997 and home to vibrant floating communities and rich biodiversity. In Phat Sandai, discover a remarkable village where schools, churches, and even the police station drift gently on the water, offering a glimpse into a way of life shaped entirely by the rhythms of the river. Paddle by kayak through quiet canals lined with floating houses and the leafy shade of aquatic trees for a truly immersive experience. Back on board, enjoy a Khmer cooking demonstration before sailing onward to Kampong Chhnang, the historic “Port of Pottery,” where centuries-old traditions still echo through this riverside town famed for its ancient craft heritage.

Mekong River - Koh Chen - Koh Oknha Tey
4Day

Mekong River - Koh Chen - Koh Oknha Tey

Today we sail from the Tonle Sap River toward the mighty Mekong, beginning with a visit to Koh Chen, a small riverside village celebrated for its exquisite silverwork, once prized by Khmer royalty. Continue on to Udong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the 17th to 19th centuries, where serene stupas rise over the plains and a visit to the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre offers insight into the country’s living Buddhist traditions. In the afternoon, journey to Koh Okhna Tey, or Silk Island, where master weavers welcome you to explore their workshops and admire the intricate process of silk production. For those seeking a little adventure, take to a bicycle and meander through the island’s peaceful villages and lush fields.

Mekong River - Phnom Penh
5Day

Mekong River - Phnom Penh

Today we arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and historic capital, where old-world charm meets modern energy. Set out by motorised tuk-tuk to explore the city’s highlights, including the opulent Royal Palace, the gleaming Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. Those who wish may visit the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or browse the colourful stalls of the lively Russian Market. In the afternoon, we bid farewell to guests disembarking here, before welcoming new travellers with handcrafted sundowners. As evening falls, enjoy a graceful Khmer Apsara dance performance, an ancient art form immortalised in the carvings of Angkor Wat, marking the beginning of our onward journey along the mighty Mekong.

Border Crossing - Chau Doc - My An Hung
6Day

Border Crossing - Chau Doc - My An Hung

We now cross the border into Vietnam, gliding along the Mekong as the landscape shifts from Cambodia’s floodplains to the emerald rice fields of the Mekong Delta. In the lively border town of Chau Doc, travel like a local by xe loi (motorised rickshaw) through bustling markets before heading to Long Son Pagoda for sweeping views from the summit of Sam Mountain. Learn from resident monks about their Mahayana Buddhist traditions, then return via the colourful morning market or, for the more active, set out on an optional 18-kilometre bike ride through Long Khanh Island’s serene paddy fields. In the afternoon, visit My An Hung, a welcoming riverside village surrounded by lush plantations. Here, enjoy tropical fruits in a local home as villagers perform traditional folk songs and a lively Unicorn dance, or choose to explore the countryside on a gentle 17-kilometre cycling route, immersing yourself in the rhythm of delta life.

Binh Thanh/ Sa Dec - Cai Be - Mekong River
7Day

Binh Thanh/ Sa Dec - Cai Be - Mekong River

Today’s adventure begins at Binh Thanh, a riverside village famed for its traditional mat weaving. Join the locals on a gentle bike ride through bustling markets, fruit plantations, and fish farms, or choose a more relaxed pace with a visit to Sa Dec, a charming delta town rich in history and romance. Accompanied by our chef, wander through the lively markets before visiting the Lover House and Kien An Cung Temple, elegant remnants of Sa Dec’s colonial past. Back on board, enjoy a cooking demonstration and a delicious lunch as we sail toward Cai Be. Later, board a local sampan to Tan Phong Island, where tropical fruit gardens and quiet canals await. Whether you prefer an 8-kilometre cycle, a peaceful kayak paddle, or a leisurely stroll through the village, each offers a chance to experience the gentle rhythm of life along the Mekong.

Mekong River - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh
8Day

Mekong River - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh

After a final breakfast on board, it’s time to bid farewell to the Aqua Mekong as your journey along this legendary river draws to a close. Disembark at My Tho and travel onward toward Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling and energetic southern hub. Along the way, pause to visit the magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the region’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temples. Here, admire its unique blend of architectural styles, serene gardens filled with bonsai trees, and the three grand Buddha statues that watch peacefully over this tranquil sanctuary. Your visit here offers a fitting reflection of your voyage down the Mekong.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Aqua Mekong
Luxury vessel

Aqua Mekong

Glide along the timeless waters of the Mekong River aboard the Aqua Mekong, a boutique luxury vessel that redefines river cruising in Cambodia and Vietnam. Designed by the acclaimed Noor Design studio, this elegant ship combines sleek modern architecture with subtle Asian influences, creating an atmosphere of effortless sophistication. With only 20 spacious, river-facing suites, each offering full-length windows or balconies, and refined interiors, guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the Mekong in complete comfort and style.

Every voyage aboard the Aqua Mekong is an immersion into the rich culture and cuisine of Southeast Asia. Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson curates exquisite dishes inspired by the region’s vibrant flavours, while Proof & Co’s expertly crafted cocktail menu complements each experience. Between gourmet dining, personalised excursions on private tender boats, and serene onboard spaces including an outdoor plunge pool and indoor spa, this award-winning river cruise delivers an intimate, world-class journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Mekong River adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Start your adventure here

From first ideas to final itinerary, we'll guide you every step of the way. Tell us where you'd love to go and a specialist will be in touch.

We take your privacy seriously. See our privacy policy for how we handle your data

Call Us
0161 568 2004
From outside UK:+44 1625 58 11 43

Lines are open from 9am -5.30pm Monday - Friday