November 17, 2018

Adventure on Cambodia’s Mekong River

Asia Cultural Small Ship Cruising Traveler Stories

The mighty Mekong covers more than 3,000 miles as it passes through six countries in Asia—from China to Vietnam—and provides the livelihood for almost 60 million people. Known as “Tonle Than” (Great Waters) in Cambodia, the Mekong takes on new life in these parts, where it flows in one direction in the wet season and the opposite direction in the dry season. One of our cruise specialists traveled to Cambodia to journey aboard the amazing Aqua Mekong is it cruised from Phnom Penh up towards Tonle Sap. Stunning temple complexes, wonderful river and biking excursions, and deliciously fresh cuisine on board made this trip an unforgettable experience.

I went in search of a new perspective of life on the Mekong in Cambodia and this cultural journey, Mekong Expedition Cruise, took me off the beaten path and far from the lines, crowds, and buses of city life.

A large riverboat with multiple decks sails on the wide, muddy Mekong River in Cambodia under a partly cloudy sky, offering an unforgettable adventure.

After a long morning zipping through the busy streets of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, we reached our home for the week, the stunning Aqua Mekong. The ship has 20 deluxe cabins, each with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river, spacious bathrooms with dual sinks, and walk-in showers with rainforest shower heads. Because the guest to staff ratio is one to one, our experience was incredible and the attention to detail was fantastic.

Outdoor lounge area with wooden deck, black sun loungers, and shaded daybeds. Overlooks the serene Mekong River with trees in the background under a sunny sky, offering a hint of adventure in Cambodia's natural beauty.

With 40 guests and 40 crew it felt more like a boutique hotel than a boat. The top deck was one of my favorite places to relax as the Aqua Mekong cruised along the river. The boat also has its own plunge pool and gym, so the options on board seemed endless.

A monk in orange robes and a man in white sit on the floor of a temple in Cambodia, engaged in activities involving food offerings and wrapped items. A pink cloth covers a table in the background, adding to the serene atmosphere of this spiritual adventure near the Mekong River.

We were visiting Cambodia during “Pchum Ben” (Ancestor’s Day), a 15-day religious festival that celebrates past relatives going back seven generations. One of our biking excursions led us to a beautiful temple where we gave offerings and participated in a ceremony. It was beautiful to be able to share this experience with the locals.

A boat is docked by the shore of the Mekong River with trees and houses in the background under a blue sky with white clouds, inviting an adventure through Cambodia's scenic landscapes.

Life on a boat adds a whole new level of adventure, even from our cabins. Every morning we were greeted by gorgeous views and the rhythms of the river—fishing boats whizzing by, rolling clouds, and temples dotting the landscape. You could never get these views looking out the same hotel window.

A child stands in the doorway of an ancient stone structure with two palm trees in the background, set in a grassy area. This Cambodian adventure features intricate carvings and weathered stone blocks, evoking tales from lands near the Mekong River.

Towns and villages along the Mekong offer so many unexpected surprises. One afternoon we hopped in a tuk tuk and zipped around Kampong Cham until we reached the ancient Angkor temple of Wat Nokor Bachey. It is actually a temple within a temple and is built using black sandstone rather than red sandstone typically used in other temples.

A group of children and adults are seated and standing around a wooden table inside a rustic, open-air building. They are posing for a group photo and appear to be in a communal space along the Mekong River, capturing the spirit of adventure in Cambodia.

One morning, we visited a local English school where we read with the students, answered their many questions, and learned about the organization that supports schools throughout the region.

A small, aged brick shrine overgrown with grass houses a statue of a Buddha in a green robe standing on a pedestal, reminiscent of serene scenes by the Mekong River. Adjacent structures and a flagpole are visible in the background.

Cambodia’s mix of ancient temples and modern pagodas is the backdrop to everyday life. The temples of Angkor cover nearly 150 square miles and it was always a delightful surprise to see how many there were interspersed with the rest of the current city.

Three adults with bicycles and wearing helmets stand on a road surrounded by lush greenery in Cambodia, while a young boy in a red shirt looks on. One adult appears to be pointing at something off-camera, perhaps an exciting spot along the Mekong River—perfect for their next adventure.

Besides cruising on the river, the favored way to explore the area is by bike. During one of our biking excursions through Khmer villages, we stopped for a quick snack and chat with locals.

A room featuring wooden furniture, a floor lamp, two cushioned chairs with pillows, and decorative bowls on a small table. The room evokes the spirit of an adventure along the Mekong River and leads into another space visible through an open doorway.

But it’s always nice to come back to the Aqua Mekong—the perfect place to recharge between excursions.

View of the Mekong River and green hills from a window with a balcony, featuring two chairs and a small round table in the foreground. This scenic snapshot perfectly captures the essence of adventure in Cambodia.

Of course, the passing views from our room made it difficult to leave.

A man wearing a white shirt and cap, with a camera strap around his neck, is seated under a canopy in a vehicle, looking to his left. It appears he's capturing moments of an adventure along the Mekong River in Cambodia. In the background, people and vehicles are visible on the road.

On this small boat we had the opportunity to get to know the excellent crew—most are locals that grew up along the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia with stories and insights to share. Here is one of our guides during our journey who illuminated this history and culture of the area.

Two people wearing life jackets sit in a tandem kayak on the calm waters of the Mekong River, facing the camera and smiling, ready for their Cambodian adventure.

Our kayaking excursion was an unexpected surprise. Aqua Mekong has their own kayaks on board and offer fun river excursions. We enjoyed some light afternoon rain while we were kayaking, and made our way back to the boat in time to enjoy the sunset.

Children on a colorful wooden boat, some sitting and some standing, embark on an adventure along the muddy Mekong River with the small huts of Cambodia in the background.

On our last afternoon we hopped in the skiff for one last biking excursion before heading back to Phnom Penh. The people’s hospitality welcomed us wherever we were, and their smiles have stayed in my heart long after I returned.

From the moment I walked onboard the Aqua Mekong I knew it was going to be an experience like no other. From the enriching shore excursions and thought provoking afternoon lectures to the incredible cuisine and attention to detail, the crew exceeded my expectations. This was a truly memorable experience.

—Text and photos by WT Expedition Cruise specialist Denise Santos, Mekong Expedition Cruise.

Adventure on Cambodia’s Mekong River

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