Asia River Cruises
If you’re looking for a true cultural adventure, it has to be an Asian river cruise. Cruise the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, visit floating markets, discover riverside temples, tour local villages, and experience river life. You'll see Asia from a different perspective, tasting regional foods, and meeting communities along banks. You’ll return home with ever-lasting memories.
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Harold • traveled in January
Long Pham was a major influence in ensuring that our tour was enjoyable ,stress free and full of memorable experiences.He was hand if we needed help..The tour did what it said it would.We were on a private tour and the Hotels, drivers ,and guides were of the highest quality.how tour met our everyneed and we experienced the real Asia It was a 5star all the way.well Realistic asia
Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour - J
Judy • traveled in July
Overall guides were very good! Little confusion about tips to locals. We thought that’s what the $200 entry fee was for but it was a tax. So maybe clearer communication about tip expectation so travelers can be prepared.
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour - A
Awadesh • traveled in October
Mr chien Nguyen was our guide on the Mekong cruise on the indochine from hochi min city to cambodia, to luang starting on 2/10/23. Knowledgeable Fluent in English Friendly And concerned about our safety always. He was a 5* guide - the best in this trip
From the Mekong Delta to the Angkor Temples (port-to-port cruise) (16 destinations)
10 best river cruises through Asia
Compiled by
SteffAsia travel expert at TourRadar
- Wonders of Indochina and the Mekong
- Grand Tour of Indochina
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Northbound) 2026
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound) 2026
- GRAND TOUR 3 COUNTRIES : VIETNAM - CAMBODIA - LAOS (upstream)
- GRAND TOUR 3 COUNTRIES : VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA (downstream)
- Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour
- 16-Day Mekong Delta Discovery (Vietnam & Cambodia) – Private Tour
- Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
- Explore Vietnam & Cambodia: 17-Day Coaster Charm & Mekong Adventure
The luxurious Emerald Harmony sails from Ho Chi Minh City through the vibrant Mekong Delta. Guests visit Ben Tre's floating markets, Sa Dec's historic sites, and cross into Cambodia via river. The 7-night cruise offers luxury cabins, gourmet dining, and cultural performances.
Duration 16 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,260
2% Off- US$7,091You save $169
Luxury awaits on Asia's legendary rivers. Au Co reveals Halong Bay's secrets while Emerald Harmony charts the mighty Mekong's remote communities. Seven nights of river cruising include premium cabin accommodation and authentic cultural experiences.
Duration 24 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $9,380
2% Off- US$9,211You save $169
Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Northbound) 2026
Sail from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh on the all-suite Avalon Saigon, stopping at Ha Long Bay's limestone islands and Angkor Wat's famous towers. Walk through the Cu Chi Tunnels network and see the Royal Palace with Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, then catch water puppet shows in Hanoi.
Duration 19 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
2% Off- US$9,679+$785 upfront costs
Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound) 2026
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
This 19-day cruise sails the Mekong River aboard Avalon Saigon, taking you to UNESCO sites like Angkor Wat and the 200-face Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom, plus Ha Long Bay's 3,000 limestone karst islands. Ride a cyclo through Hanoi's Old Quarter and walk through the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Duration 19 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
2% Off- US$9,609+$890 upfront costs
This 17-day trip combines a 7-night cruise on the Mekong Navigator with cultural stops across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Walk through Ta Prohm's jungle ruins in Siem Reap, get a water blessing from monks at Wat Roka Kaong in Kampong Cham, and wander Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Duration 17 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Age Range Ages 30+ Operator ZenVacation From
2% Off- US$9,999
Duration 17 days Destinations Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Age Range Ages 30+ Operator ZenVacation From
2% Off- US$9,999
Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were comfortable, and the itinerary was well-paced, allowing for plenty of rest and exploration.”
Fages, traveled in August
Premium vessels like Bassac Cruise and La Pandora sail Asia's iconic waterways. Floating markets, riverside communities, and limestone caves unfold while guests enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet dining onboard.
Duration 15 days Destinations Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Hoi An, HanoiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From $2,355
32% Off- US$1,601+$650 local paymentsYou save $754
What our customers ask about Asia River Cruises
What are the main stops and attractions along Mekong River cruise routes?
The Mekong River cruise experience spans Vietnam and Cambodia with notable stops that showcase the region's rich heritage. Most routes include the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and vibrant floating markets in Cai Be. The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City offer historical perspective while stops at smaller riverside communities like Chau Doc Sa Dec and My Tho provide opportunities to connect with local life. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Angkor Wat was magnificent for its architecture while the floating villages and traditional life along the Mekong were spectacular experiences."
What types of shore excursions are typically included on Mekong River cruises?
Shore excursions on Mekong River cruises connect travelers with local culture and history. Activities range from exploring floating markets in the Delta to touring ancient temples at Angkor Wat visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and discovering craft villages like Koh Chen's silver workshops. The Emerald Harmony cruise includes visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and traditional Buddhist ceremonies at Oudong Monastery. One TourRadar traveler shared "The variety of excursions was excellent - from bustling cities to remote villages we got to experience the authentic daily life along the Mekong."
How many days should I plan for a Mekong River cruise?
Standard Mekong River cruises run between 8 and 15 days. AmaWaterways offers an 8-day "Charms of the Mekong" route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh while Emerald Cruises extends to 15 days with their "Wonders of Vietnam Cambodia & the Mekong" including land tours. The choice often depends on whether travelers want a focused river experience or additional city exploration. A TourRadar traveler reflected "Our 11-day CroisiEurope cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to explore both the river life and major cities without feeling rushed."
What size ships are used for Asian river cruises and how many passengers do they carry?
Mekong River vessels are built for intimate experiences and navigation of narrow waterways. The Emerald Harmony carries 84 passengers the RV Indochine II accommodates 62 guests and the AmaDara maintains a boutique atmosphere with under 100 passengers. A TourRadar traveler on CroisiEurope noted: "With only 60 passengers the atmosphere was intimate and we got to know our fellow travelers while still having plenty of personal space in public areas like the panorama lounge."
What kind of cuisine is served on Mekong River cruises?
Food offerings on Mekong River cruises balance local Asian flavors with familiar international options. Ships like the Emerald Harmony serve dishes made from local ingredients alongside western choices. Most packages include all meals with unlimited beverages during lunch and dinner. Special dining events feature welcome and farewell dinners themed nights and cooking demonstrations. The RV Indochine II's main deck restaurant serves refined cuisine with river views. A TourRadar traveler noted "The food was exceptional - we loved trying different Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes while having familiar options available too."