Off-season river cruises offer major savings

I love travelling in south-east Asia in what used to be called "wet season' and is now known as "green season". 

There are fewer tourists, prices are lower and the afternoon storms can be wonderfully refreshing.

 

Now boutique luxury cruise line Aqua Expeditions has announced an off-season offer aboard award-winning Aqua Mekong expedition river cruises on the Mekong in 2019 and 2020, taking travellers on a grand journey of Cambodia and Vietnam on one of the world’s legendary waterways. 

The offer features a 30% discount on regular rates for chosen departures from May 3 to August 13, 2019, and May 1 to August 6, 2020. 

Prices start from $US2,268 for a three-night Discovery Cruise, $US3,024 for a four-night Explorer Cruise and $US5,292 for a seven-night Expedition Cruise. All rates are per person twin-share and all-inclusive.

During the "green season", Cambodia’s and Vietnam’s abundant rice fields turn a rich green colour. 

This occurs when sunshine and blue skies are accompanied by sporadic but intense 30-minute showers that nourish and cool off the land. 

Cycling and kayaking activities that are part of Aqua Mekong’s varied itineraries are not affected.

The cruises feature culinary creations by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson (below), who uses local produce to create dishes exclusive to Aqua Mekong, such as lamb curry with Khmer spices, pepper, cumin and cassia, and chicken salad with Asian pennywort and green mango.

 

“The new menu is designed to suit the flow of the journey along the Mekong river,” said Thompson.

Bookings for Aqua Mekong cruises are available through travel agents or Aqua Expeditions Australia on 1300 124 204 or www.aquaxpeditions.com