South East Asia River Cruises
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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Patricia • traveled in February, 2026
We liked that this was a private tour and we are glad that we upgraded our hotels. There were some destinations that felt redundant for us based on our past travels, so we cancelled those days when we realized there were other activities that we preferred to do. Our travel coordinator, Chris (Thang) was awesome. He accommodated our requests, even when some were last minute changes, and he helped us to tailor our trip more to our needs. Unfortunately, we hit some poor weather and got very sick at points in our travel, so we had some unexpected bumps in the road. But we really enjoyed our time in Siem Reap (great tour guide, Mr. Ty), Ho Chi Minh City (vibrant culture!), Hoi An (lanterns, lanterns, lanterns!) and Hanoi (vibrant chaos!). The cities were all gearing up for the Lunar New Year, so there was a festive feel to the people, places and things! We found a new aspect to SE Asia that we had not experienced before so we will return for more adventures!
16-Day Mekong Delta Discovery (Vietnam & Cambodia) – Private Tour - N
Neil • traveled in February
Seamless tour with excellent guides and drivers. Continual engagement with the tour operator who monitored our progress and ensured we had no surprises. The hotels met our expectations and on occasions we were complimentarily upgraded. The operator (Lucy Do ) even took time to meet us in person to receive our feedback. On reflection, the package provided value for money and I would not hesitate in booking a similar tour again.
Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour - I
Ian • traveled in April
We actually did this tour backwards, south to north and customised it a little. Initially we had some doubts about using a local agent, we shouldn't have been worried. From the moment we enquired via Tourradar their agent Long Pham opened a WhatsApp dialogue with me. He is knowledgeable, professional, accomodating and attentive. He was in contact at every step from initial enquiry to making sure we'd checked in for our return flight. The hotels booked were comfortable, clean and well located, each airport meet and return from hotel were private transfers, no multi drop bus rides, all tours booked (except Halong Bay) were private, just two of us, guide and driver, all tour guides used were personable, knowledgeable and flexible to our needs, don't think some of the bigger Western tour operators would have you spend an afternoon drinking rice whine in the home of a local farmer. Tip, either get yourself an eSim (used Holafly which was faultless), or a local sim, that way you have pretty much 24x7 comms open to your Realistic Asia agent.
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
10 best river cruises through South East Asia
Compiled by
NadineSouth East Asia 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 Bangkok (Southbound) 2026
- GRAND TOUR 3 COUNTRIES : VIETNAM - CAMBODIA - LAOS (upstream)
- GRAND TOUR 3 COUNTRIES : VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA (downstream)
- 16-Day Mekong Delta Discovery (Vietnam & Cambodia) – Private Tour
- Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe 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 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
2% Off- US$7,091You save $169
The majestic waterways of Southeast Asia unfold aboard Emerald Harmony. This seven-night Mekong cruise takes in floating markets, ancient temples, and remote villages across Vietnam and Cambodia. Luxury cabin accommodation, gourmet dining, and exclusive river excursions await.
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
Starting in Hanoi's Old Quarter, this 19-day cruise aboard Avalon Saigon takes you through Ha Long Bay to Angkor's temples. You'll see Angkor Thom's Bayon Temple with its 200 carved faces, cruise Bangkok's klongs to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and tour Phnom Penh's National Museum by cyclo.
Duration 19 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
2% Off- US$9,679+$785 upfront costs
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
2% Off- US$8,479+$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
2% Off- US$9,999
Duration 17 days Destinations Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Age Range Ages 30+ Operator ZenVacation From
2% Off- US$9,999
16-Day Mekong Delta Discovery (Vietnam & Cambodia) – Private Tour
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We found a new aspect to SE Asia that we had not experienced before so we will return for more adventures!”
Patricia, traveled in January
Waterways stretch from Mekong Delta to Halong Bay aboard distinguished vessels. Bassac Cruise guides through floating markets while Doris Cruise weaves among limestone karsts. Palace Gate Hotel and Apricot Hotel provide luxury between cruise segments.
Duration 16 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 Vietnam Tour Fun From $2,583
31% Off- US$1,782+$982 local paymentsYou save $801
What our customers ask about South East Asia River Cruises
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."