River Cruise Tours & Trips in South East Asia
Imagine floating the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and maybe Luang Prabang. You’ll explore waterways passing floating markets, Khmer temples, French colonial towns, and stilted villages. The Mekong runs from southern Vietnam's delta through Cambodia into Laos where riverside life, Buddhist monasteries line shores throughout mainland Southeast Asia.
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Jane • traveled in August, 2025
Traveling with Viet Long Travel on the Mekong River Cruise was unforgettable. Mr. Minh helped us with all the arrangements before we arrived, answering every question patiently and making sure we felt confident about the journey. The boat was spacious, clean, and very comfortable. Cruising down the Mekong was like stepping into a different world – quiet, scenic, and full of surprises. We loved stopping at small villages along the way and seeing everyday life along the riverbanks. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and we always felt safe and cared for. Arriving in Luang Prabang by river was magical. A trip of a lifetime!
Lifetime Mekong River Cruise Tour From Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Huay Xai, Pakbeng - 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) - D
David • traveled in April, 2025
A great time! Informed guides, an incredibly friendly & supportive staff, luxurious accomodations & a wonderful itinerary. You'll see a side of Vietnam & Cambodian many travellers don't. Lotus Cruises is great.
7-night Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Navigator
10 best River Cruise South East Asia tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth East Asia travel expert at TourRadar
- Wonders of Indochina and the Mekong
- Ultimate Voyage: South East Asia's Singapore to Darwin
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Southbound) 2026
- GRAND TOUR 3 COUNTRIES : VIETNAM - CAMBODIA - LAOS (upstream)
- Lifetime Mekong River Cruise Tour From Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Huay Xai, Pakbeng
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Southbound) 2027
- Upstream Mekong River Cruise Tour From Vietnam To Cambodia In 12 Days - Private Tour
- 6-Day Budget Adventure: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc Island
- From the Mekong Delta to the Temples of Angkor & Hanoi and Halong Bay (port-to-port cruise) (including Cai Be)
- 7-night Mekong Downstream Cambodia Vietnam on Mekong Navigator
The Emerald Harmony sails through Southeast Asia, from Vietnam to Cambodia. The route winds through Mekong Delta's floating markets, Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, and traditional village life. Guests enjoy luxury river accommodation, cultural performances, and authentic regional cuisine.
Duration 16 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,260
5% Off- US$6,921You save $339
Duration 32 days Destinations Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $37,022
20% Off- US$29,741You save $7,282
The all-suite Avalon Saigon sails the Mekong River, taking you to UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat and the red sandstone Banteay Srei temple in Cambodia. You'll tour Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, walk through Angkor Ban village, and take an ox-cart ride in Kampong Tralach before crossing into Vietnam to see floating homes in Chau Doc.
Duration 16 days Destinations Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- US$8,709+$525 upfront costs
Sail from My Tho to Kampong Cham on the Mekong Navigator, stopping at Sa Dec's market and the old temple of Wat Roka Kaong. You'll walk through Luang Prabang's historic center, hike to the top of Kuang Si Waterfalls, and see Angkor Wat along with Bayon Temple's 54 smiling towers.
Duration 17 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Age Range Ages 30+ Operator ZenVacation From
20% Off- US$9,999
Lifetime Mekong River Cruise Tour From Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Huay Xai, Pakbeng
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Traveling from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang through the peaceful Mekong River was mesmerizing. A must-do!”
KevinIan, traveled in July
Duration 6 days Destinations Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Pak Ou, Luang Prabang, Kouangxi Water Fall Age Range Ages 10+ Operator VietLong Travel From
20% Off- US$1,105
Duration 16 days Destinations Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- US$8,009+$520 upfront costs
Upstream Mekong River Cruise Tour From Vietnam To Cambodia In 12 Days - Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing time in both countries. Without her, this trip wouldn't have been as wonderful as it was.”
Ogunlade, traveled in June
Duration 12 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Long Xuyen, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $1,473
5% Off- US$1,399+$500 local paymentsYou save $74
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in South East Asia
How long are typical South East Asia river cruises?
South East Asia river cruises run between 7 and 24 days with most travelers choosing 13-15 day journeys along the Mekong River. CroisiEurope offers a 12-day route from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City while Emerald Cruises runs a 24-day Grand Tour of Indochina that includes stops in Hanoi Halong Bay and Bangkok. One TourRadar traveler noted "The 15-day cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to truly experience both Vietnam and Cambodia."
What size ships operate on South East Asia river cruises?
Ships on the Mekong River are designed for smaller groups with passenger counts between 36 and 124. The AmaDara hosts 124 guests with 52 crew members while the Scenic Spirit takes just 68 passengers. The RV Indochine II features 31 cabins across two decks for 62 guests. A TourRadar traveler who sailed on Scenic Spirit noted: "With only 68 passengers we got to know everyone and received incredibly attentive service from the crew."
What are the main destinations and highlights visited on South East Asia river cruises?
The main route runs between Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and Siem Reap Cambodia on the Mekong River. Stops include the floating markets of Cai Be the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City and traditional silk weaving demonstrations on Silk Island. Many trips include hotel stays like the Sofitel Angkor in Siem Reap for visiting Angkor Wat. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of excursions was excellent - from bustling cities to remote villages we got to experience the authentic culture and daily life along the Mekong."
What are the best months to take a South East Asia river cruise?
November through February offers the most reliable weather for Mekong River cruises with dry conditions and moderate temperatures. While ships like Scenic Spirit and AmaDara operate year-round water levels can affect routes during the July-October rainy season. December through February sees temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) in key stops like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. One TourRadar traveler noted on an AmaWaterways cruise: "Our voyage in February had perfect weather conditions for exploring both on and off the ship."
What is the dining experience like on South East Asia river cruises?
Meals combine Western and Asian dishes with ships like Emerald Harmony including complimentary wine beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. The RV Indochine II's main deck restaurant serves local cuisine in a colonial setting with river views. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The food was outstanding - fresh local ingredients and great variety. The special dinner featuring traditional Khmer dishes was a highlight."
How much does a typical South East Asia river cruise cost?
Prices range from 3500 USD to 9000 USD per person based on trip length and cabin choice. CroisiEurope's 11-day Mekong Delta cruise starts at 3827 USD while Emerald Cruises' 15-day luxury voyage runs around 10550 USD. Rates typically cover lodging meals drinks excursions and onboard activities. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "While not inexpensive the all-inclusive nature and high quality of experience made it excellent value for money."