Following the success of Aqua Expeditions’ boutique river cruises in the Peruvian Amazon, Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder of Aqua Expeditions has announced that the company will launch its third luxury vessel in early 2014, on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Introducing a new standard of luxury and sophistication on the river, the new M/V Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of the Peruvian vessels; M/V Aqua and M/V Aria - small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious. 

The incredible attention to detail for which Aqua Expeditions is renowned will be reflected throughout; from the design and décor to the cuisine and service. 

The Aqua Mekong will have 20 outward-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows enabling guests to relax and watch Asia float by.

Each will be decorated in an authentic Asian style using locally sourced fabrics and materials and there will also be a generous sized spa and fitness centre, dining room, library, screening room and an observation deck with a swimming pool and lounge bar.

Construction will take place in Vietnam where the boat has been designed by renowned local architects Noor, based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Drawing inspiration from local cultures and traditions, designers David Hodkinson and LucLejeune have created an elegant floating boutique hotel that will be unlike any other in the destination.

Aqua Mekong will operate three, four and seven-night itineraries that will run from Siem Riep down river to My Tho, near Saigon, stopping in Phnom Penh along the way, and vice versa.

Modelling the water safari experience there will be daily river and shore excursions - which the Peruvian vessels have perfected.

Zugaro commented: “We are thrilled to be venturing into another exotic frontier and offering the experienced traveller an authentic and world-class way of exploring the Mekong.”