Aqua Mekong
Ship Overview
Operated by: Aqua Expeditions
Taking guests on a journey into Vietnam and Cambodia, the 62 metre Aqua Mekong was designed by Saigon-based architects at Noor Design to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Local sustainable materials and artisanal touches of the Mekong’s multifaceted cultures round out these generous interior spaces designed to welcome guests in the utmost comfort between on and off shore excursions along this fascinating river, to flooded emerald forests and bamboo stilt villages accessible only by boat, among flocks of painted stork and spot billed pelicans in their last Southeast Asian refuge and to Chinese wing tipped pagoda temples and remote Buddhist monasteries.
Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and dining areas, and can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests plus crew. Modern navigation technologies and the highest cruise ship standards as well as an experienced river pilot and crew ensure smooth travel and safety on the water.
Key Facts
Second Deck Design Suite
SIZE:30m2 / 320sqftSLEEPS:2
All ten air conditioned Second Deck Design Suites on the Aqua Mekong are a spacious 30 square metres in size, four with balconies, and all created entirely of local materials with the relaxed sophistication and contemporary comforts of a five star resort. Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate complimentary high speed wireless internet. The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
First Deck Design Suite
SIZE:30m2 / 320sqftSLEEPS:2
All ten air conditioned First Deck Design Suites on the Aqua Mekong are a spacious 30 square metres in size, four with balconies, and all created entirely of local materials with the relaxed sophistication and contemporary comforts of a five star resort. Floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow guests to gaze upon the Mekong from the pillow top king size bed that can be converted upon request into two full twin beds. Those who wish to keep up on the world beyond these enthralling riverbanks will appreciate complimentary high speed wireless internet. The sleek bathroom features the latest eco-sensitive technology and an additional Mekong River facing picture window, plus dual sinks, a large walk in shower with rainforest showerhead and bench, professional hairdryer and natural bath amenities.
Only the cuisine of a Michelin-starred master like Consulting Chef David Thompson could match the stunning space created in Aqua Mekong's dining room by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river, letting in natural sunlight, palm fringed vistas and vibrant village life.
Designed to match and occasionally distract from the stunning surroundings, Thompson’s dishes incorporate the timeless flavours and ancient sustainable ingredients of the Mekong’s many cultures and fertile fields. Thompson built his reputation between Sydney, London and Bangkok on Southeast Asian recipes culled from historic sources, a delectable tradition he continues on board the Aqua Mekong, bringing together the finest recipes of Khmer and Vietnamese river cultures.
Subtly balancing this timeless scenery, the refined interior has been stylishly finished with contemporary Asian artefacts, fine china and crystal glassware. These design elements are matched here by attentive, personalised service from English speaking staff who quickly learn guest's names and tastes, from Vietnamese sweet coffee in the morning to the evening’s fine imported wines.
Choose to make dinner a date night, or dine family style among friends old and new. Thompson’s menus are ever changing, designed to incorporate the day’s catch and the market’s freshest produce, be it smoked fish, tapioca and vegetable dumplings, Vietnamese catfish minced with shallots, chilies and Thai basil, grilled river prawns with peanut relish. Then finish with something considerably more decadent, like a luscious Vietnamese artisanal chocolate fondant.
The Aqua Mekong is also the first cruise ship on Southeast Asia’s greatest river to offer a fitness centre, library, screening room and observation deck.
Measuring 62 metres in length, the matte-black hulled Aqua Mekong brings Indochine influenced aesthetic to the Aqua Mekong’s interiors, which are built entirely of local sustainable materials and incorporating natural fibres from the surrounding environment with artisanal touches of the Mekong’s multifaceted cultures. This understated elegance, realised in the most modern, natural materials continues in the ship’s social areas. In the sun lit dining room, fresh tropical flowers add a subtle pop of colour against the polished wood floors and natural woven fibres. Here as well, the Mekong influenced cuisine of Michelin-starred Executive Chef David Thompson of Bangkok’s Nam restaurant is served on fine china with sommelier selected wines in crystal glassware.
Upstairs on the Observation Deck, slide onto sleek contemporary interpretations of this region’s woven cane planters chairs, found in the air conditioned Indoor Lounge alongside plump couches finished in a cool grey so as not to distract from the engrossing panorama constantly streaming in through floor to high ceiling walls of windows. Tropical wind and fresh air on the Outdoor Lounge encourage unwinding on cushioned loungers or easing into the river-facing plunge pool. This shimmering oasis takes the edge off that equatorial swelter after an excursion shopping for ingredients with the chef in Cambodia’s wet markets, watching traditional silversmiths at work, or among snakes and crocodiles at a Vietnamese riverside farm.
Four auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines and with capacity for ten passengers depart from the Aqua Mekong two or three times per day on each expedition. Ten bicycles allow guests to go off on two wheels along the Mekong’s fascinating riverbanks.
Aqua Mekong Expeditions
Mekong River Explorer
From USD $6080.00 Per Person
DURATION:5 Days/ 4 Nights REGION:Asia SHIP:Aqua Mekong
CALL TODAY FOR PROMOTIONAL FARES | Over four nights cruise upriver from Ho Chi Minh City and the thriving Mekong Delta past floating villages, colonial vestiges and gilded pagodas to the Art Deco landmarks of Phnom Penh.