Travelling on the Aqua Mekong, you will experience a cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam on board one of the best river cruise ships in Asia.
Das preisgekrönte 5-Sterne-Schiff Aqua Mekong vereint modernes Design von David Hodkinson mit der Ästhetik Indochinas. Unter Verwendung nachhaltiger Naturmaterialien spiegeln die 20 klimatisierten Panorama-Suiten die Schönheit des Mekong-Deltas wider. Exklusivität wird hier großgeschrieben: Während Sternekoch David Thompson für die kulinarischen Highlights sorgt, entspannen Gäste im Spa oder am Pool auf dem Observation Deck.
Dank einer eigenen Flotte privater Barkassen ermöglicht Aqua Expeditions höchst individuelle Exkursionen zu kulturellen Schätzen in Kambodscha und Vietnam. Dabei steht der Umweltschutz stets im Fokus, um die bereisten Ökosysteme zu bewahren. Diese Philosophie der Nachhaltigkeit und des erstklassigen Komforts setzt sich auch in Peru fort, wo das Schwesterschiff „Aqua Negra“ Reisende tief in die faszinierende Wildnis des Amazonas führt.
030 / 69 80 21 92
gowin@select-luxury.travel
"When you think of 1:1, it sounds like a very even score. Whether it's in sports over cocktails or when it comes to forming couples, such as at dance balls. On board the designer ship "Aqua Mekong", this balanced ratio can also be felt everywhere and at all times. This ship is in a class of its own. Small but nice is the motto on board. A maximum of 40 passengers in 20 fully air-conditioned luxury viewing cabins are individually looked after here with a 1:1 ratio of guests to crew."
In the morning, we take a trip to the landing stage.
We will meet you at Phnom Penh's TS1 harbour for check-in to your 3-storey five-star accommodation on the Mekong River.
Welcome on board. Start by relaxing and getting cosy in your cabin, whose wall of windows offers an endlessly captivating panorama. Savour these private Mekong moments on your California King bed overlooking the Mekong, the terrace or the day deck. Later, celebrate the journey to the heart of this mighty river together with a Khmer Apsara performance, a local tradition immortalised on the temple walls of Angkor Wat.
In the silversmith village of Koh Chen, we watch the craftsmen making the magnificent silverware that was favoured by the Khmer kings. We continue to Udong, the royal capital from the 17th to 19th centuries, where we learn about a uniquely sophisticated Buddhist practice at the Vipassana Dhura Mandala, a meditation centre.
In the afternoon, we take a walk through Kampong Prasat and get to know the life of the locals and their surroundings on the riverbank at close quarters.
In the cooler hours, we set off into the lush countryside to visit traditional potters and palm sugar producers, astride mountain bikes or chauffeured in a shady tuk-tuk. We pedal through the rice fields and observe how to masterfully climb sky-high palm trees. We cross the mirror-smooth water and disembark between the lotus flowers to ride along the banks of the Tonle Sap in an oxcart. We pass painted wooden houses where the inhabitants retreat to the relative coolness of these improvised outdoor living rooms during the dry months.
On this river of time, we admire skilful Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous item that no Khmer lives without. If you wish, you can explore the riverside on two wheels, past Buddhist temples and thatched houses perched on spindly wooden poles, while white oxen wade off the bank. After lunch, we board our maritime aluminium skiffs and cruise to the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village that has hardly changed over time.
We show our passengers the Cambodian capital by motorised tuk-tuk. We pass the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses the world's largest collection of Khmer art. If you wish, you can visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the Killing Field or go shopping at the Russian Market.
Say "Good morning, Vietnam" as we cross the border and sail to Tan Chau, a lively border town where we take a local rickshaw, called xe loi, for a tour of the town or pedal 18 kilometres on peaceful Long Khanh Island.
In the afternoon, we will visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung, where we will walk through green plantations. We will be invited to a local's house to taste local fruits while listening to traditional folk songs performed by the villagers, followed by a unique unicorn dance. Those who want to explore the countryside on wheels can also go on a 17 kilometre bike ride.
Start the day in the mat-weaving village of Binh Thanh or opt for a visit to Sa Dec, where we stroll through the lively market and visit the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream to Cai Be, where our sampan zigzags past lonely fishermen on their long-tailed boats. Later, our boats moor at a wooden jetty. In Cai Be, we walk or cycle through the open courtyard houses with their high roofs, some of which are more than 100 years old and are inhabited by friendly locals who invite us to visit their homes.
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to the Aqua Mekong. On the way to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large Buddha statues as well as an impressive collection of bonsai trees.
Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather and other conditions.
For those who don't want to see the shore from on board, Aqua Expeditions also offers the sea. The "Aqua Blue" will embark on its maiden voyage in November. She was first called HMS Beagle and was a British research vessel. She was later owned by an aristocratic family before the high-calibre Dutch yacht designer Cor. D. Rover turned her into what she is now: the "Aqua Blue". A polished, 15-suite solitaire that will take you to three different destinations in Indonesia: Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands or Raja Ampat, even if you probably won't visit all 1,800 islands in the archipelago. You will be travelling for seven or twelve days - be one of the pioneers on this new cruise ship in a class of its own!
You will feel at home on board. Without a doubt, the suites are the most luxurious retreat you deserve after an eventful day on the Mekong. Look forward to a generous sense of space with ultimate comfort and style. Our 20 spacious designer suites overlooking the river - including two connecting suites - feature inviting hardwood interiors and high-quality furnishings and bed linen. Eight of the suites even have a balcony. Let your gaze wander over the Mekong panorama in the fully air-conditioned comfort of your river cruise suite and watch the idyllic world of Southeast Asia glide past you.
20 suites on 2 decks
Basic equipment for all suites: King-size bed (can also be converted into 2 single beds), floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, air conditioning, bathroom with washbasin and walk-in rain shower, natural toiletries, safe, iPod docking station, chic design and ambience. Deck 1+2: 10 suites each, 30 m², 4 with balcony, 6 with panoramic window without balcony
Combine the breathtaking scenery of the Mekong with stunning cuisine in the sophisticated dining room, stylishly decorated with contemporary Asian artefacts, fine porcelain and crystal glassware. This is also the stage on which Michelin-starred chef David Thompson's outstanding on-board menu shines. Our dedicated and attentive English-speaking crew are quick to take the names of all guests and their preferences, offering a five-star dining experience from start to finish.
Service & Cuisine
Experience first-class wine and dinner with an exclusive menu from one of Southeast Asia's most renowned chefs. Aqua Expeditions has the honour of working with award-winning chef and restaurateur David Thompson to bring you the best possible culinary experience on board the Aqua Mekong. The Australian-born chef is world-renowned for his expertise in Southeast Asia, which has earned him a Michelin star at his former Nahm restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.
As consultant chef for Aqua Mekong, Chef David Thompson creates exclusive dishes for Aqua Mekong, orchestrating seasonal menus that showcase the full repertoire of flavours from Vietnam and Cambodia in sophisticated style. To this end, Chef Thompson uses seasonal produce and the freshest ingredients from the Mekong and the region. His creations include, for example, lamb curry with Khmer spices and Vietnamese sugarcane prawns, most of which are served in a sharing style that is in keeping with the traditions of the region.
For vegans, vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions, Chef Thompson has created the perfect dining experience on board the Aqua Mekong, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Recently, Chef Thompson's has won the White Guide Global Gastronomy Award 2018 and the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award Asia 2016. This is a testament to his exceptional cooking style and cuisine that captures the essence of traditional flavours while being authentic to the fertile Mekong environment.
As guests on board the Aqua Mekong, you will discover the region's cuisine beyond your plate. Apart from onboard cooking demonstrations, you can follow the chefs to the bustling local markets and shop for the best produce, from freshly caught Mekong catfish to freshly harvested Asian vegetables, for the day's meals. Coconut, lemongrass, coriander and turmeric are just some of the familiar flavours our guests can expect from Chef Thompson's inventive yet authentic seasonal menus.
Wellness & Spa
Indulge in therapeutic relaxation with a body massage at the onboard spa, where privacy and tranquillity take centre stage. Let the expert therapists work wonders to rejuvenate your mind and soul or simply relax your muscles after a day on the Mekong. Both single and couple spa suites are available.
Look forward to your next cruise ship workout in a fitness centre with large windows and a view of the Mekong. The fitness centre is fully equipped with the most important machines and weights.
On-board activities
Time out in the pool? Of course. Let the cool, soothing water of the whirlpool help you escape the tropical heat after a shore excursion on the Aqua Expedition. The pool at the bow of the Aqua Mekong is well protected from the weather by a canopy and also allows you to enjoy the majestic panoramic view of the Mekong.
With a depth of 3.5 x 5.17 metres and a depth of 1 metre, this sheltered plunge pool is spacious and inviting at any time of day.
Or enhance your river cruise on the Mekong with the extensive selection of classic films about this exotic region, such as The Scent of Green Papaya, The Quiet American and Good Morning Vietnam. The cruise director will be happy to organise a private screening for up to ten guests in the private screening room or on the observation deck.
In the Private Screening Room, you can also meet with other guests for private lectures, videos and documentaries to learn about the fascinating cultures on their Mekong journey.
For those who don't want to see the shore from on board, Aqua Expeditions also offers the sea. The "Aqua Blue" will embark on its maiden voyage in November. She was first called HMS Beagle and was a British research vessel. She was later owned by an aristocratic family before the high-calibre Dutch yacht designer Cor. D. Rover turned her into what she is now: the "Aqua Blue". A polished, 15-suite solitaire that will take you to three different destinations in Indonesia: Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands or Raja Ampat, even if you probably won't visit all 1,800 islands in the archipelago. You will be travelling for seven or twelve days - be one of the pioneers on this new cruise ship in a class of its own!
German nationals do not require a visa to enter Vietnam until 30 June 2018 as long as their stay does not exceed 15 days.
There are no vaccination requirements for direct entry from Germany. The Federal Foreign Office recommends that the standard vaccinations according to the current vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute for children and adults ( http://www.rki.de ) when travelling and complete them if necessary.
The tropical climate in Vietnam and Cambodia is characterised by warm temperatures and high humidity all year round. There can be noticeable climatic differences between the north and south thanks to Vietnam's longitude. The north has a tropical alternating climate, while the south has two seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). A combination of northern and southern climates can be felt in the centre of both countries. The best time to visit the region is from the end of November to the beginning of May. Rain cannot be ruled out all year round.
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Important note:
This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in our holidays. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call us directly at + 49 30 69 80 21 90.
Please fill in all fields marked with an * carefully. Many thanks in advance!
030 / 69 80 21 92
gowin@select-luxury.travel
"When you think of 1:1, it sounds like a very even score. Whether it's in sports over cocktails or when it comes to forming couples, such as at dance balls. On board the designer ship "Aqua Mekong", this balanced ratio can also be felt everywhere and at all times. This ship is in a class of its own. Small but nice is the motto on board. A maximum of 40 passengers in 20 fully air-conditioned luxury viewing cabins are individually looked after here with a 1:1 ratio of guests to crew."
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