Signature Aviation Spring 2025

Opposite page, clockwise from top left Guests on a biking excursion; monks setting o ff to receive alms; Mekong River; monks at the fl oating village

Left Aqua Mekong Belowleft TonléSap fl oating village

opportunity for questions to better understand the ins andoutsof fl oating village life. These experiences de fi ne a trip like ours on the Aqua Mekong . Access to local communities, thanks to the ship’s expert guides, helps to o ff ernew perspectives. In the afternoon we say goodbye to Tonlé Sap and head down the Mekong; the vast lake transitions into a wide river — the hectic artery that connects southern Cambodia and Vietnam. continues to deliver impressive luxury experiences to a region where travel is far fr omapaddle down the river DAY4 Heading down the Mekong we edge closer to Cambodia’s metropolis of Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s capital is on the verge of total transformation, much like Dubai of the late ’90s. Skyscrapers dot the waterfront, many in a state of half-construction, and most funded by extensive Chinese investment. Before we arrive in Phnom Penh, we call in at a village that’s highly regarded for its silversmithing. Here, workers pass on traditional craftsmanship, working in shops akin to Aladdin’s cave, bursting with shiny trinkets that range from small silver souvenirs to large ornamental statement pieces. Next, we head to Oudong, once regarded as Cambodia’s capital. Today, visitors fl ock to Oudong Mountain, which is home to numerous impressive temples and stupas. The most impressive of these stupas sits atop the mountain and is well worth seeing, although the 500 steps that lead to the summit certainly make you work for the view, particularly in the humid Cambodian heat. The afternoon is spent either walking or taking the ship’s bicycles out for a ride. On most days, guests have the opportunity to ride the bikes, and they prove to be an excellent way to explore the Cambodian countryside. DAY5 Today is all about the Cambodian capital, with travelers given a lot of fl exibility regarding how they spend their time here. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda sit at the center of Phnom Penh and are unmissable; intricate gold roofs ensure the palace shines like a beacon to Cambodia’s architectural achievements. Entering its 11 th year on the Mekong, Aqua Expeditions

reserve and ensuring rules are followed by local fi shermen. This reserve is one of the last refuges for large water birds like the spot-billed pelican, milky stork and black-headed ibis. With the help of rangers — who spend several weeks at a time living in tree huts while they are on duty — we spot countless species. DAY3 Tonlé Sap is a truly unique part of the world. The vast shallow lake has an average depth of only around three feet and is dotted by numerous villages where the inhabitants spend much of their time on boats or in fl oating dwellings. Day three is spent exploring these incredible fl oating hamlets. In Phat Sandai, fl oating houses line each side of a canal. We meet with the individuals in charge of daily life in the village, including a gentleman who is e ff ectively the local mayor, and another in charge of security. This proves a superb

The evening is spent settling into the ship. A speedy ande ffi cient safety brie fi ng is followed by one of the numerous delicious meals we will enjoy over the course of the next week. DAY2 The fi rst true day of the trip begins early. Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, supports over three million people and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Part of the lake is designated as the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, so we take to the ski ff sbefore dawn to spy the birds while they are still half asleep. The drivers open up the throttle, and soon we are skipping along the water and heading into a mangrove. As the deep orange sun begins to rise out of the fl at water in the distance, it’s impossible not to picture scenes from countless movies. This image is enhanced when we are met by several men in full camou fl age — rangers tasked with protecting the