Photo of the spa on the new Mekong Princess courtesy of Haimark Ltd.

Haimark Ltd. will launch its new 24-guest spa-focused ship on the Mekong River on Sept. 17.

The new Mekong Princess will explore Vietnam and Cambodia on seven-night cruises with Southeast Asian spa therapists and fresh, healthy culinary options aboard.

The company says the ship’s Princess Spa offers the most extensive spa menu on the Mekong with a wide array of Southeast Asian-inspired treatments using all-natural products native to the area.

Every guest will receive a complimentary one-hour spa treatment of their choice during the sailing. Daily yoga, Tai Chi and meditation classes are offered in the fitness center or on the open-air deck.

The Princess Fitness Center will have state-of-the-art equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The 12 suites are in four categories, but all have French colonial décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, marble baths with rain shower, spa bath amenities, butler service, and flowers and fresh fruit upon arrival. 

The suites are a minimum of 234 square feet in size. The two largest and most luxurious are the Angkor Suites in the bow of the upper deck. These 496-square-foot suites offer private outdoor verandas, and spacious baths with marble tubs and separate rain showers. Exclusive Angkor Suite amenities include complimentary laundry, evening canapés and spa bath preparation.

The Indochine Dining Room captures the French Colonial spirit of the mansions that once lined Saigon’s streets, with tropical florals, warm woods, soft lighting and rich fabrics. The dining room serves Southeast Asian and Western fare for breakfast, lunch and a multi-course a la carte dinner with wine pairings. Extensive spa cuisine options have been crafted using fresh herbs and vegetables from the region.

Other public spaces include the air-conditioned Ramvong Lounge, the venue for local entertainment, and the library and Internet lounge.

The ship’s small size allows it to branch off onto Mekong tributaries, including the Bassac River, to explore remote outposts. Excursions include meeting the coconut candy-making families of Ben Tre, seeing the floating market of Can Tho, visiting the bird sanctuary near Thot Not, and experiencing the floating river village of Kampong Chhnang, which once was a coastal city on the ancient trade route between China and India. Guests will travel via sampans, horse carts, two-person boats and motorized Vietnamese vehicles.

Two- and three-night optional pre-and post-cruise extensions, with luxury hotel accommodations, guided excursions and more, offer additional experiences in Hanoi/Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. Rates start at $3,499 per person based on double occupancy. 

For details, click here.

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