Deep in the heart of Cambodia, where the Mekong narrows through forested banks and stilt‑house villages rise along the shore, a new chapter in river cruise travel is beginning. Aqua Expeditions is extending the reach of its award‑winning Aqua Mekong with the launch of Kratie expeditions in 2026, opening access to one of Cambodia’s most remote and biodiverse stretches of the Mekong for luxury expedition cruising. It’s a rare invitation into a part of the river most travelers never get to see, and one of the more exciting itinerary launches in the region this year.

A New Route for the Ultimate Cambodia River Cruise

Offered as four‑ and seven‑night itineraries, the new voyages venture further upstream than most Mekong cruises, exploring Kratie province — where forested riverbanks, traditional villages, and diverse ecosystems shape the landscape. It’s a stretch of the Mekong that most river cruise itineraries never reach, offering a rare look at a Cambodia beyond the usual routes. For guests who have already experienced the Mekong Delta or Vietnam’s stretch of the river, Kratie offers a genuinely new chapter to explore.

Meeting the Irrawaddy Dolphin in Kratie

A highlight of the expedition is the opportunity to encounter the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, one of the Mekong’s most remarkable inhabitants. Found in only a handful of locations across Southeast Asia, the protected waters of the Kampi River near Kratie remain one of the last places where these rare freshwater dolphins can still be observed in the wild on expert‑led skiff excursions. For guests, it’s a rare and quietly extraordinary moment out on the water, one that few travelers ever get the chance to witness.

Cultural Discovery Along Cambodia’s Rural Heartlands

Beyond wildlife, the itineraries reveal Cambodia’s rural heartlands through intimate shore excursions. Guests cycle through the orchards and stilt‑house villages of Koh Trong Island, visit artisan communities preserving traditional crafts such as indigo weaving and aluminum cooking pot‑making, and explore Khmer landmarks including the 12th‑century Angkorian temple of Nokor Bachey and the legendary twin hills of Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei. Each stop offers an intimate, unscripted look at daily life along the river, far removed from Cambodia’s more traveled temple circuits.

Signature Aqua Mekong Luxury

Guests experience Aqua’s signature luxury small‑ship style, where immersive exploration — from skiff safaris and cycling to kayaking and guided walks — is paired with the boutique comfort of Aqua Mekong’s elegant river‑facing design suites, personalized service, and world‑class cuisine. Onboard, the ship’s design suites open directly onto the river, so the scenery never really stops, even between excursions.

An Exclusive Expedition with Scientist Andrés Ruzo

For travelers who want to go even deeper, Aqua’s Explorers Club Exclusives adds a rare layer of discovery to the Mekong: an expert‑led Vietnam and Cambodia Expedition aboard the Aqua Mekong, sailing April 16 to 23, 2027, alongside scientist Andrés Ruzo. These specialty departures pair Aqua’s signature itinerary with rare access and firsthand insight from leading scientists, filmmakers, and conservationists, adding an extra layer of discovery to an already remarkable voyage.

Launching with an inaugural sailing on August 14, 2026, with departures available through 2027 and 2028, this new Cambodia river cruise offers an exclusive and authentic way to explore the Mekong — pairing rare wildlife encounters with meaningful cultural discovery in a region still largely untouched by conventional river cruising. For travelers seeking something further off the beaten path, this new expedition delivers it in spades. Ready to be among the first to explore Kratie aboard the Aqua Mekong? Connect with your Coastline Travel advisor to start planning your journey.