Mekong expedition into the heart of Indochina

Travel through Vietnam and Cambodia during the low water season on the boutique ship Aqua Mekong

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Lower Mekong Basin on a small boat

from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia)

From Phnom Penh (Cambodia) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

8 days (7 nights)

max. 40 passengers

Aqua Mekong

8-day river expedition on the boutique ship Aqua Mekong (max. 40 passengers) from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (including connecting flight to Siem Reap) or downstream from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City during the low water season with kayaking and cycling tours

+++ Up to 30% discount when booking a First Deck Suite +++ Limited offer +++

Large rivers have always been the cradles of important cultures—and the Mekong is a prime example of how vibrant communities can emerge.

This stylish expedition-style river cruise takes you deep into the heart of Indochina, revealing a fascinating cultural heritage that dates back more than 2,000 years. From the mighty Khmer Empire to the vibrant tradition of Theravada Buddhism to the modern cultures of Cambodia and Vietnam, you will experience a region steeped in history and spirituality.

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A boat expedition on the Mekong offers a unique opportunity to two countries in Southeast Asia in an authentic way to explore. Every day, experienced guides accompany you to Buddhist temples or floating villages, which you can discover by kayak. Or you can drive through idyllic rice fields on mountain bikes to impressive examples of Khmer art.

On board the Aqua Mekong, you will not only enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lower Mekong basin, but also a very personal and exclusive experience thanks to a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1. Stylishly furnished cabins offer you a comfortable home away from home.

Exclusive river expedition on the lower Mekong during the low water season

During the low water season, the Mekong reveals itself from a particularly accessible side: the river courses become narrower and the landscape opens up to reveal riverbanks and quiet tributaries that are otherwise covered by water. This time of year offers particularly deep insights into the daily life of the river dwellers and their traditional fishing methods. The chances of seeing wildlife are also particularly good, so keep your eyes peeled for peacefully grazing water buffalo and rare water birds. In addition, the low water season often brings a more relaxed atmosphere to the landing stages and markets, making encounters with locals more authentic and personal.

We offer this boat expedition on the Mekong between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh during the low water season, both upstream and downstream. On the Phnom Penh–Ho Chi Minh City route, you will follow largely the same daily program in reverse order, with only a few differences. Please note that the connecting flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is only included in the price of the upstream route.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Make an appointment

Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.

Entry requirements: Here you will find information onentering Cambodia. The current regulations for entering Vietnam are available from the U.S. Department of State here.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriation must be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cambodian capital Phnom Penh with Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Production of the famous Kroma scarves of the Khmer people in Koh Okhna Tay
Koh Chen, the silversmith village where even the Cambodian king has his pieces made
Visit traditional markets in Sa Dec and Chau Doc with local specialties
The remote village of Preah Prosop, where time seems to have stood still for centuries
Getting to know challenging Buddhist practicesat the Vipassana Dhura Center
Traditional Apsara dance performance
Up-close travel experience thanks to kayaking excursions and bike tours through villages and countryside

route

Routing upstream from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Route downstream from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

Routing downstream from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

itinerary

Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, or Siem Reap are not included in your tour price.

Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.

Note: We offer this trip on the Mekong in two directions. Below, we present the trip upstream from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh day by day. As the Aqua Mekong cannot pass Tonle Sap Lake during the low water season due to the low water level, a connecting flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is included in the price of the trip.

The boat trip downstream from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City is exactly the opposite, and the itinerary differs only slightly. We will be happy to send you the detailed itinerary for Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City on request. Please note that in this case, the trip only begins with the pick-up at Phnom Penh Airport.

The Aqua Mekong from above with a pool on the top deck

Day 1: From Ho Chi Minh City to embarkation in My Tho (Vietnam)

Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, from where you will be taken to the port of My Tho in a comfortable air-conditioned van.

The Aqua Mekong will be waiting for you at the pier. Step aboard your luxurious home for the next eight days and take your first opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers and the friendly crew.

Day 2: Binh Thanh/Sa Dec & My An Hung (Vietnam)

This morning begins in the charming weaving village of Binh Thanh. Those who feel like getting some exercise can cycle to local markets, through orchards, and past fish farms. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can accompany the chef to Sa Dec to explore the colorful market stalls and visit sights such as the "Lover House" and the Kien An Cung Temple.

In the afternoon, the journey takes you to the idyllic Mekong village of My An Hung. Stroll among lush plantations, taste fresh fruit straight from the tree, and listen to the sounds of traditional folk singers. The highlight of this excursion is the performance of the rare unicorn dance. Those who prefer to be active on land can instead embark on a 17-kilometer bike tour.

Cyclists surrounded by lush green rice fields

Day 3: Chau Doc, Vinh Xuong, and Ka’Om Samnor Border

In the nimble dinghies, you will follow the Bassac Canal to the bustling border town of Chau Doc. There, you will board a traditional rickshaw taxi, Ri Xe Loi, and drive through the streets and across the busy market. A van will then take you to Long Son Pagoda, where an impressive panorama opens up from the summit of Sam Mountain. Meanwhile, the monks who live there will give you an insight into their centuries-old Mahayana Buddhist traditions. On the way back, you will stroll through the lively morning market.

Those who want to make the day more active can choose the approximately 18-kilometer bike tour across Long Khanh Island, past rice fields and scenes of everyday life. After lunch, relax by the pool, enjoy a soothing Khmer massage, or take a cooking class featuring authentic dishes from the Mekong region —all while your ship crosses the border into Cambodia.

Day 4: Koh Okhna Tey & Preah Prosop (Cambodia)

In the morning, you will watch Khmer artisans at work as they carry out their traditional craft. With skilled hands, they dye and weave the kroma, a versatile cotton or silk cloth that has been indispensable in Cambodia for centuries. Whether used as a scarf, sunshade, baby sling, head covering, or even a hammock, the kroma is a symbol of national identity and a practical everyday companion. Its characteristic checkered patterns are brightly colored, with red and blue being particularly popular.

If you wish, you can then explore the riverside landscape by bike: past Buddhist temples and traditional stilt houses made of straw, while white oxen wade leisurely through the shallow water beside you.

After lunch, you will head out again in the dinghies. Your destination is the shady tamarind trees of Preah Prosop. There you will discover a secluded village whose daily life and traditions have remained virtually unchanged for generations.

A white ox in the middle of lush green countryside with marshes and palm trees

Asian palace with curved roof and flower beds in the foreground

Day 5: Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Discover Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital, in style with a motorized tuk-tuk. On your journey, you can expect cultural highlights such as the magnificent Royal Palace and the sparkling Silver Pagoda. Those who want to delve deeper into history can visit the Tuol Sleng Museum —once a notorious Khmer Rouge torture prison—or the National Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Khmer art. Alternatively, you can stroll through the colorful Russian Market and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the city.

Back on board, enjoy the sunset with a refreshing cocktail such as the "Salted Watermelon Crush" with Thai basil. The day ends on a high note with a performance by classical Apsara dancers. This graceful art form has also adorned the temple reliefs of Angkor Wat for centuries.

Day 6: Tonle Sap River, Koh Chen & Kampong Prasat (Cambodia)

In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, you can watch craftsmen making magnificent silverware, which has always been very popular with the royal family. Your journey then continues to Udong, which was the royal capital from the 17th to the 19th century. There, you will learn about particularly demanding Buddhist practices at the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center.

In the afternoon, take a walk through Kampong Prasat, which will give you a direct insight into the everyday life of the people and their way of life right on the riverbank.

Richly decorated facade of an Asian temple

Day 7: Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang & Kampong Tralach (Cambodia)

In the cool morning hours, you will take dinghies to the village of Andong Russei to visit traditional potters and palm sugar producers. You will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area by mountain bike or comfortably by tuk-tuk. The bike ride takes you through vast rice fields, where you can watch climbers working on the sky-high sugar palms.

After lunch, you will have another opportunity to cycle through the rural surroundings, go fishing, or discover the floating village of Kampong Tralach by dinghy. Later, you can round off the day with a kayak tour on the Tonle Sap and a sundowner on the riverbank.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

In the morning, you will have time to explore Phnom Penh on your own. Afterwards, you will return to the Aqua Mekong for disembarkation. The final farewell to your fellow travelers and guides on this trip will take place after the joint transfer to Phnom Penh Airport.

If you would like to extend your trip through Southeast Asia from Phnom Penh or visit Angkor Wat near Siem Reap in particular, please contact us at any time to discuss extension options!

A red house in Asian style with curved roofs

PLEASE NOTE: The daily programs described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements. The expedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

Information

Included services:

Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
All meals throughout the trip on board the ship
Select premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic beverages
2 daily excursions with local guides
Group transfers to/from the ship when traveling with recommended flights
Cannondale rental bikes
Kayaking equipment
laundry service
Unlimited access to SpaceX's high-speed internet via Starlink satellites

Not included in the price:

Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
Passport and visa fees
Arrival and departure taxes
private transfer
SPA treatments
Meals ashore
Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
Tips for service personnel on board and guides (guidelines available on request)

Important:

Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
Onboard currency: Payment in US dollars or with Visa, American Express, and MasterCard is possible.
Medical care: Trained paramedic on board; trained personnel for minor injuries such as abrasions, puncture wounds, or sprains; a defibrillator is available on board and is carried on excursions.

Your ship during the voyage

Your ship: The Aqua Mekong

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Expedition ship on a wide river in the evening light

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Your boutique expedition ship Aqua Mekong

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap Phnom Penh Palace 1 Aqua Expeditions

At the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap_Vinh Tranh Pagoda M Tho_balate dorin_AdobeStock_316710809

Vinh Tranh Pagoda in My Tho | © Balate Dorin

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap Village Aqua Expeditions

Everyday scene in rural Cambodia

Statue of a reclining Buddha behind a doorway

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Temples in Cambodia

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Buddhist monks in a Cambodian temple

Colorful market stalls on a street in Southeast Asia

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap Market Vietnam Aqua Expeditions

A visit to the market as an experience for all the senses

Cyclist in the middle of a parched landscape with a few palm trees

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Bike tour through the countryside

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap Tuk Tuk Aqua Expeditions

Ride in a tuk-tuk

A man is sitting on a stool in a doorway playing the guitar.

Mekong River Expedition Ho Chi Minh City Siem Reap Village Vietnam Aqua Expeditions

Everyday scene in a Vietnamese village

Several rickshaws drive one after the other through an Asian city.

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rickshaw tour

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Encounter while kayaking

A gray dinghy in front of simple huts on a riverbank

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Excursion with the dinghy

Green riverbank with palm trees reflected in the water

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Lush green riverbank landscape

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Traditional Apsara dance performance

mekong-river-expedition-ho-chi-minh-siem-reap_cooking-demonstration_aqua-expeditions

Cooking demonstration on board

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Mekong expedition into the heart of Indochina

Lower Mekong Basin on a small boat

from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia)

From Phnom Penh (Cambodia) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

8 days (7 nights)

max. 40 passengers

Aqua Mekong

Continue reading

Exclusive river expedition on the lower Mekong during the low water season

Stephanie Gräf

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

Good to know

HIGHLIGHTS

route

itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Request your trip here!

August 7, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (8 days/7 nights)

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December 11, 2026 – December 18, 2026 (8 days/7 nights)

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December 18, 2026 – December 25, 2026 (8 days/7 nights)

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December 25, 2026 – January 1, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

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January 1, 2027 – January 8, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

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January 29, 2027 – February 5, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

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February 19, 2027 – February 26, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

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February 26, 2027 – March 5, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)

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