Start/ finish : Saigon/ Phnom Penh
The Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam. It was formed by the depositing sediment of the Mekong River. One of the world’s well-known rivers, the Mekong originates from Tibet plateaus and snakes its way over 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles) through six Asian countries before spilling into the sea of Vietnam. The diversity of life on the rivers and banks is astounding. The Mekong teems with classical images of Vietnam: rice-paddies, waterbuffaloes, sampans, conical hats, ethnic worshipping temples, and countless smiling locals.
Our in-depth cycling and cruising journey offers opportunities to discover evergreen orchards and endless rice farms, riverine life and activities, and indigenous cultures and religions. Biking and boating are combined to make your experience unforgettable and delighting.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Saigon Welcomed by guide and escorted to the Park Hyatt Hotel. Freshen up and get ready for the dining experience and discovery of this sleepless city!
Day 2: Cu Chi tunnel ride : After breakfast we take the scenic boat ride up the Saigon River. We arrive at the famous Cu Chi war tunnel site and start the bike ride winding the countryside. Upon finishing the ride, we explore the underground passage and experience the war life of former Viet Cong. Enjoy lunch aboard our private boat or at the Deck on the return to Saigon.
Day 3: Saigon – My Tho We bid farewell Saigon and begin the in-depth exploration of the Mekong Delta. After 1 hour van drive or speedboat trip, we ride along the rice paddy and rustic village toward the Port of My Tho. After 2 hour biking, we enjoy lunch served with Mekong Detla specialties in a verdant garden. We, then, head to the port to board the Luxury Aqua Mekong for the 1st night cruise up the Mekong River
Day 4: Cai Be – Sa Dec :After breakfast, We climb aboard to paddle through Cai Be floating market, where more than 400 sampans gather every day, starting in earnest from 5 a.m.. Each boat has one bamboo stick on the front to display that vendor’s product, be it Vietnamese fish sauce, rice paper for dumplings, or colorful sweet confectionery. We hop on our bike and ride along the Mekong River bank to Sa Dec town to catch up the Aqua. Once in the town, we’ll visit and enjoy lunch at the former home of French writer Marguerite Duras, whose life story had inspired the making of L’Amant movie. In the afternoon we the Aqua shore excursion on Binh Thanh Islet to learn of the traditional mat and floor rug weaving craft before return to the vessel for dinner and the 2nd night cruise.
Day 5: Tam Nong Bird Sanctuary & Tan Chau :ride From the Aqua’s anchoring site, the skiffs bring you the Tam Nong Bird Sanctuary for the aqua exploration of the biodiversity. The 2 hour long boat trip at this park offers great views of the wetland, flora, birds, especially the red-headed crane (available Feb-March). After lunch at the park, we cycle through the park toward Tan Chau at the border of Vietnam and Cambodia. The scenic ride finishes at Tan Chau and we embark the Aqua for its 3rd night cruise
Day 6: Cruise to Phnom Penh Today the Aqua heads toward Phnom Penh. It is a great time to relax aboard the vessel and enjoy viewing the daily life from your cabin window. At noon the Aqua docks in Phnom Penh and you can its shore excursion, visiting the historical sites of Cambodia Capital City.
Day 7: Disembarkation After breakfast we disembark the Aqua Mekong and transfer to the airport for your flight departure.
