Arrive at Saigon in early morning and board an air-conditioned bus for a scenic 1.5-hour countryside ride to the pier in My Tho. Settle into your elegantly appointed, river facing suite as the vessel begins to cruise. Ascend to the Observation Deck if you wish to take in the view of the bustling waterways of My Tho.

Paddle through Cai Be floating market by sampan, and explore this area on foot or by bicycle to see the daily life of Mekong Delta dwellers.

Cruise ship:
Aqua Mekong boat

Join a walking tour around Sa Dec and see its French colonial architecture. Roam around the fresh produce and exotic spices on sale at the local market and visit the colonial house once occupied by French writer Marguerite Duras.

After lunch on board, cruise by skiffs to a riverine island called Gieng Islet. Walk or cycle around this peaceful religious enclave on the Mekong Delta. Visit Cu Lao Gieng Church, built in 1875 with materials imported from France, and the Convent of the Providence Order and Catholic Church.

Cruise ship
Aqua Mekong boat

Journey by sampan into the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, floating deep into the acacia flooded forest under dense tree canopy. The 845 hectare preserve is a colony for 70 bird species, as well as bats, snakes and endangered turtles.

Return to the boat and sail onward to the village of Chau Doc, which sits along the Hâu River, a tributary of the Mekong. Head to the shore by skiff then by road to the Sam Mountain, the highest point in the Mekong Delta with vast countryside views to Cambodia. See dozens of pagodas that dot the mountainside, some even set in caves. You have the unique privilege to sit with the venerable Mahayana Buddhist monks at Long Son Tu Temple for a private audience. Head back down at the foot of Sam Mountain and visit the Temple of Lady Xu, one of the major religious sites of the Mekong Delta. Join our chef if you wish to explore an authentic Vietnamese wet market here.

Cruise ship:
Aqua Mekong boat

Board the skiff and head towards the shore for a visit to the intricately carved Prek Bongkong Pagoda with its upturned naga wingtips and angels appearing to hold up the pitched Khmer roof. See one of the ‘silk islands’ where local weavers live and work. Witness the entire weaving process here and shop for final shimmering Khmer silk accessories if you wish.

Continue sailing towards the Vinh Xuong border for crossing into Cambodia.

Cruise ship;
Aqua Mekong boat

Cruise into Phnom Penh and disembark here. Tour the city by tuk-tuk, taking in important sites such as the Royal Palace that is still home to the reigning monarch and its Silver Pagoda, as well as the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.

Transfer to the airport for departure, or to your hotel if you wish to extend your stay.

Note:
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.