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Aqua Mekong has an excellent bar for enjoying quiet libations as well as a cocktail lounge. There are intimate corners for after dinner catch ups, as well as late night games like backgammon or cards. It’s worth noting that there is no evening entertainment on Aqua Mekong.
Nightlife ratings
| Live venues | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bar(s) | (4.0) |
| Night club | (0.0) |
| Lounge(s) | (4.0) |
| Live shows | (0.0) |
| Electronic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Movies | (0.0) |
| TV channels | (0.0) |
| Internet | (4.0) |
Observation Lounge & Bar
The Observation Lounge & Bar on Aqua Mekong is perched high on the top deck. It has panoramic views across the river, so it’s hardly surprsing the bar is a focal point of Aqua Mekong’s nightlife.
The lounge is filled with luxuriously overstuffed sofas; oriental objet d’art is thoughtfully placed here and there; table lamps set a warm glow; and the bar serves enticing cocktails.
Indeed, the rotating selection of house cocktails adopt a so-called ‘village-to-table’ ethos. They reflect the tastes, tones and cultures found along the Mekong River. Each handcrafted cocktail features artisan spirits, as well as regional produce and local spices sourced (whenever possible) from village markets.
I enjoyed the Longtail with Sipsmith Gin, Ginger Beer, Fresh-pressed Lime and Homemade Kaffir Lime, Ginger & Lemongrass Syrup. The Mekong Margarita also proved popular, with Artenom 1414 Tequila, Fresh Lime & Pineapple Juice, Fresh Mint and a homemade syrup of Kampot Pepper, Star Anise & Vanilla.
There is also a wide selection of top-shelf spirits including Vodka, Gin, Brandy, Whiskey, Mancino and Amaro, to name just a few.
Editor’s tip: Aqua Mekong’s cocktails and sprits are not part of the cruise fare. Handcrafted Cocktails are priced at USD14 while spirits are priced from USD9-20 (excluding 10% VAT).
A small selection of alcoholic beverages are complimentary. When I sailed on Aqua Mekong there were two white wines (both from Australia) and two red wines (both from France). There was also a Charles de Fère Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne. For those who prefer beer the local Angkor Lager was free of charge as well.
Aqua Mekong cocktail lounge
The cocktail lounge on Aqua Mekong is an ornate and intimate venue. Its location next to the Dining Room makes it a wonderful spot for pre-dinner libations with fellow guests.
Beautifully decorated with hand-made lacquered wall panelling, the cocktail lounge boasts a hideaway bar. The staff delight in opening it out from the wall to reveal glittering glassware. Sadly though, the cocktail lounge remained dry and unused on my voyage.
The author sailed as a guest of Aqua Expeditions.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
