River-view suites,
Private skiff excursions
Aqua Mekong
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Few cruisers changed what was possible on the Mekong quite like Aqua Mekong; the first genuine five-star vessel on the river.
It set a new benchmark: not just for onboard comfort, but for what an exclusive river cruise itinerary could look like. Consistently voted ‘the World’s Best River Cruise Line’ by Travel + Leisure.
The real distinction is in how the river journeys were built. The founder of Aqua Expeditions personally navigated the Delta, seeking out unmarked tributaries, quiet villages, and viewpoints that most travellers never reach. That groundwork shows. Where other cruises stick to the well-worn stretches, Aqua Mekong pushes deeper: into backwaters that feel largely untouched, unhurried and lived-in.
The ship itself is beautiful. But it’s the itinerary that stays with you.
With its small-group feel, exceptional cuisine, and access to remote areas, Aqua Mekong suits travellers who want a dash of luxury, while gaining a deeper perspective on life along the river.
The boat has all the bells and whistles you can imagine. On deck, there’s a welcoming plunge pool, daybeds, a bar, and canopied spots to watch the river drift past. Step inside to find a light-filled dining room and lounge, plus a spa, library, games room and cinema.
The food is another highlight. David Thompson — one of Asia’s most acclaimed chefs — oversees the menu, and the Asian fusion cooking is genuinely impressive.
The Rooms
Built in Saigon, the ship has a sleek, considered design — floor-to-ceiling windows run throughout, keeping the river always in view.
There are just 20 suites in total, some with balconies or large windows with daybeds beneath them, which are lovely spots for watching river life go by.
All suites are well-appointed: big comfortable beds, clean modern décor, and stylish bathrooms.
They work well for families too, with interconnecting suites available and the option to add an extra bed to any room.
What You’ll Find:
- A sunny observation deck with an inviting plunge pool, swish bar and daybeds
- Only 20 spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, some with balconies
- World-renowned chef-curated cuisine served in the elegant dining room or al fresco
Why You'll Love It:
- Explore quiet tributaries, floating villages and rural life with top-notch, expert guides
- Settle into your suite that feels spacious and lets in constant river views
- Leave with magical memories of exploring the Mekong by bike, kayak or private skiff
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries on the Mekong
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
In Our Travellers’ Words
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
Unforgettable Vietnam Memories
From the moment we landed in Vietnam to the second we left, we made magical family memories. We left some of our hearts in Vietnam. The people, the culture and the experiences ETG pulled together made our whole experience unforgettable. They took care of everything. Listened to what we like in a holiday, encouraged us to think broadly, and surpassed all expectations with their local relationships and ensured we were looked after.
Cultural Discovery from Vietnam to Cambodia
We had a fantastic experience from booking the trip to enjoying it when the time came. I was very excited for our children to learn about different cultures, foods and see how people live in different countries. Our trip ticked every box and more and would highly recommend traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia to anyone that loves to explore.
