First rule of travel: do not fear the unknown.
Second rule: The unknown goes better with five-star amenities.
All good? Now you’re ready to explore the glorious, mysterious Mekong River, thanks to lavish tour operator Aqua Expeditions, taking reservations now.
Aqua, as you may recall, is the master of small-craft luxury river travel. This is their first jaunt down the Mekong, the longest river in Southeast Asia.
But this isn’t Willard hunting Kurtz. Instead, you’ll be aboard the matte-black Aqua Mekong — an opulent riverboat built from local sustainable materials.
On board: just 40 people, including Asia’s top-ranked chef, a sommelier, a few experienced river guides and some guy who mans the onboard spa.
During your journey between the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia, feel free to enjoy the pool, or just lounge in your 320-square-foot suite with private balcony, king-sized beds and high-speed wireless.
Take one of the aluminum launch boats — guides in tow — and explore the area: bamboo stilt villages, exotic wildlife (snakes, crocs, painted storks), ancient ruins, floating markets.
And even visit some remote Buddhist monasteries — you’ll be granted a private audience with saffron-robed monks.
It’s a jungle out there.
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