Luxury expedition cruise operator Aqua Expeditions has revealed a series of expanded Mekong River itineraries aboard Aqua Mekong, placing the spotlight on lesser-explored regions of one of Southeast Asia’s most storied waterways.
Between July and August 2026, the company will introduce four- and seven-night Kratie itineraries exploring the Upper Mekong region of Cambodia. The new route takes guests to the Kampi River, a vital habitat for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, and to Koh Trong Island, where daily life continues among fruit orchards, rice fields and traditional stilt houses.
Cultural highlights along the journey include visits to the 12th-century Angkorian temple Nokor Bachey in Kampong Cham, alongside guided cycling and hiking excursions. Guests will ascend Phnom Hanchey, a sacred hilltop known for its panoramic views across the Mekong floodplain, adding an active dimension to the immersive itinerary.
In 2027, Aqua Mekong will further expand its offering with the launch of three-, four- and seven-night Phat Sandai itineraries, operating between December and February. These sailings will focus on the Tonlé Sap region, one of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically significant freshwater systems.
Guests will explore the Phat Sandai floating village by kayak, visit a community-led fishery conservation project supported by FACT, and hike Phnom Neang Kangrey, locally known as the “Sleeping Lady”. The programme also includes cycling through the biodiverse landscapes of the Phnom Touk Meas area, offering close-up encounters with the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Adding a specialist dimension to the new programmes, Aqua Expeditions has partnered with The Explorers Club to offer a one-off, expert-led expedition in April 2027. The sailing will run from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh under the guidance of geothermal scientist and conservationist Andrés Ruzo, founder of the Boiling River Project. An Explorers Club EC50 Fellow and TED speaker, Ruzo will share insights into the intersections of geoscience, culture and conservation along the Mekong.
According to the cruise line, the expanded itineraries are designed to deepen opportunities for cultural discovery and nature-based exploration while maintaining the intimate, expedition-style approach that defines Aqua Mekong. All new routes can be booked as three- or four-night sailings or combined into a seven-night journey, with full-week bookings eligible for a 5% saving.
Seasonal promotions are also available, including Early Bird Savings of up to 30% on select suites and a Solo Traveller Special that waives the single supplement on selected departures, reinforcing Aqua Expeditions’ push to broaden access to its enhanced Mekong programmes.
