MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Originating from Hinduism, the word "Apsara" means "water nymph" or "fairies". A legend tells of a story where such otherworldly beings descended from the heavens to charm royalty and deities with their graceful dances. Over time, the dance evolved to be more Khmer-styled, rather than Hindu-inspired, detailed in the sculptures in Angkor Wat. Knowledge of this ancient dance eventually faded from memory, until Queen Sisowath took on the passion project of reviving the lost art.

Often referenced to as "Cambodian Ballet", it takes many years of training and strengthening to become adept at this dance. Consisting of 1500 hand gestures, each movement carries a meaning to tell an elaborate story of the Cambodian people.

A visit to Tonle Sap in the Mekong Delta is only available to travelers during the high-water season of mid-August to November, when the lake is accessible by river boat. It’s home to 170 floating villages which consist of a collection of stilted overwater huts that hover over the water. Guests on Aqua Mekong were introduced to local villagers and their unique way of life in a region where schools, churches, pagodas, and even the karaoke bar and police station all float.

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap nourished a population of more than one million at the height of the Khmer empire in the 12th century. At present, it continues to provide abundance as one of the most productive fishing lakes in the world, supporting over three million people and providing over 75 percent of Cambodia’s annual inland fish catch.

No garment is as distinctively Cambodian as the krama. A garment made of cotton or silk, the krama is worn by men, women and children in every social class across the country, with designs from the unassuming to the painstakingly elaborate.
 

This fascinating fashion item is one of the finest displays of the artistic gifts of the Khmer people (along with silversmithing), and travelers can discover the making of the krama as part of a Mekong river cruise. It also showcases the creativity of the Cambodian people to its fullest, judging by the thousands of ways the garment is deployed in their everyday lives. See if you can spot it being used as a hammock for small children on your next trip to this country.

Explore the silversmith villages of Koh Chen — located just 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh, and recognized by the big Buddha statue on its river banks — known for their fine craftsmanship. The intricate craft of silversmithing has been preserved by the local artisans for over 50 years. Keep an eye out for their famous silver bowls, regularly chosen by Cambodia’s king as gifts for visiting dignitaries.

Visit the floating village of Moat Khla, accessible only by water, and attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony in this isolated community. It's a sacred ritual for cleansing and good luck that dates back to ancient times. Those who wish to be blessed can expect the reading of sacred mantras by the priest, incense burning, offers to deities, and a little (or a lot!) sprinkle of water.
 

Explore the cities through tuk-tuk rides – a local form of three-wheeled transport, which offer one of the most convenient ways of getting around.

The village of Binh Thanh is the home of the intricate art of mat-weaving using natural materials, a skill passed down over the centuries. Thanks to improved materials and techniques over the years, the weavers of this town can create artisanal mats not found anywhere else.

No trip to the Mekong would be complete without wandering through hundreds of awe-inspiring temples, including the preserved temples in the lost city of Angkor Wat. The largest religious structure in the world, this is the heart and soul of Cambodia, showcasing over a thousand Hindu and Buddhist temples, ranging from intricate Apsaras, hand carved into the sandstone walls, to serene and smiling stone faces of Buddha and still-intact temples wrapped in thick tree roots.

Temperatures

Temperatures in Cambodia and Vietnam generally fluctuate between 26°C (78°F) and 32°C (86°F).

In the warmest month of March, this figure may climb as high as 38°C (100°F). Sailing is an ideal way to discover this region as the Mekong’s waters flow from the icy Tibetan Plateau and the cool Laotian highlands, which takes the edge off the equatorial swelter and offers a comfortable experience.

The Aqua Mekong brings temperatures down further with state-of-the-art central cooling and an award-winning design that maximizes ventilation. Grab an icy cocktail and take a dip in the plunge pool at the ship’s bow any time of day.

Rainfall

Rainfall in the lower Mekong basin peaks during August to October each year. Even during the wettest times of the year, rain comes in the form of brief showers typically lasting 30 minutes to an hour, thanks to Mekong’s inland position and savannah-like climate. Itineraries and excursions are usually unaffected by these brief showers, which help cool off the tropical countryside. Gray skies tend to disappear towards the evening, setting the stage for Mekong’s iconic multicolour sunsets.

With a monsoon lasting five to six months starting May, the already-beautiful Mekong countryside turns into endless fields of vibrant green during these months. 

The high water season in Cambodia and Vietnam lasts from Mid-August to November. This refers to the time when the Mekong’s water levels rise courtesy of increased flows from the Tibetan highlands and China.

During the high water season, the Tonle Sap lake becomes accessible to river cruise ships. Guests who travel on the Aqua Mekong during this period can visit floating villages and the Prek Toal Bird Reserve. Ships can also dock on the shores of the lake, just 45-minutes away from Siem Reap.

Naturally, the high-water season coincides with the monsoon, with August to October being the wettest times of the year. The countryside shows off its richest colors during these months as the hills and rice paddies come to life. 

This is also a great time of the year to sample the local produce such as mangoes and dragon fruits which are sold at floating markets.

The eight-month low water season from December through to mid-August sees a lower water level in the Mekong and reduced flows. This period offers an opportunity to see a quieter side of local life on the Tonle Sap. 

From December to February, the Mekong experiences some of its coolest weather with minimal rainfall. It’s an ideal time to enjoy a wide range of activities including biking, kayaking, and on-shore cultural excursions. 

February onwards, the temperatures begin to climb, however the humidity remains low, making it an ideal time for those who want a taste of the tropical warmth. These months see fewer tourists, allowing the opportunity to discover popular attractions free of crowds, in addition to Aqua Expeditions’ signature off-the-beaten-path excursions.   

Complimentary flight extension to Siem Reap

During the low water season, Aqua Expeditions offers a complimentary flight extension to Siem Reap as it is not possible to sail the entire way.

This brings us to an important point: Why do other river cruise lines still claim to sail to and from Siem Reap during this period? That’s because the itineraries that do so require guests to endure an unpleasant six-hour road journey from a distant port on the Mekong to Siem Reap.

Aqua Mekong, on the other hand, docks at Phnom Penh and allows guests to take a quick 45-minute flight from the capital to Siem Reap instead.