Mekong River Cruises
Hop on a traditional sampan boat ride through the Mekong Delta, visiting authentic Vietnamese homes and observing locals expertly weaving scarves in Hong Ngu’s workshops. Experience the stunning Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on a vibrant Tuk Tuk tour, receive a meaningful Buddhist blessing at the historic Wat Hanchey, and watch the mighty Mekong unveil its mysteries at every bend.
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Linda • traveled in May, 2026
It was a wonderful trip. The ship was perfect, the staff friendly and always helpful. The cruise director, Sam, was a delight. He spoke several languages so communicated with all of us and made it a great experience. We would highly recommend this trip with this staff.
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 - B
Barbara • traveled in March
Staff excellent. Cabin lovely but situated back of boat and engine noise so loud prevented sleep. Other passengers were warned if this and given a reduced rate. Food and service excellent. Mooring at Phnom Penh for three nights with no view but underside of dock made balcony unusable for almost half of cruise. €1000 refund from Lotus accepted. Tourradar attempt to claim 20% of that disgraceful.
7-night Mekong Downstream Cambodia Vietnam on Mekong Navigator
Table of contents
The best Mekong cruises
Compiled by
MelissaMekong travel expert at TourRadar
From the Mekong Delta to the Angkor Temples (port-to-port cruise) (16 destinations)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Knowledgeable, fluent in English, friendly, and concerned about our safety always.”
Awadesh, traveled in October
The premium RV Indochine II, with private balcony cabins and colonial-inspired decor, sails the Mekong River. From Vietnam's Cu Chi tunnels and Cai Be's floating markets to Cambodia's Royal Palace and Angkor Wat temple complex, regional cuisine and daily excursions complement stays at 4-5 star hotels in Siem Reap.
Duration 11 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Kampong Tralach, Kompong ChhnangSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships RV IndochineRV Indochine II RV Lan Diep River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $4,159
14% Off- US$3,581You save $578
7-night Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Navigator
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic cruise up the Mekong. Plenty of great excursions to surrounding islands. We also loved our room and sitting on the balcony watching the countryside go by.”
Richard, traveled in March
The luxurious Mekong Navigator, with 34 elegant suites, charts a course through Ben Tre's coconut farms, Cu Lao Gieng's colonial architecture, and Phnom Penh's cultural treasures. Traditional performances, regional cuisine, and complimentary beverages enhance the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Cu Lao Gieng, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German Ship Mekong Navigator River Mekong Operator Lotus Cruises From
14% Off- US$3,199
Duration 11 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Baie de Lan Ha, Titov Island, Luon Cave and Lake, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Thoi Son IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome River Mekong Operator Discova From
14% Off- US$1,929
The Toum Tiou 2 sails the Mekong for around $2,500, blending luxury with adventure. Guests tour Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, glide through Tra Su Forest by boat, and visit Giac Lam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. The journey features local cuisine, guided tours, and comfortable berth cabins.
Duration 9 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Thoi Son Island, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Chau Doc, Vinh Xuong, Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach, OudongSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- US$1,943
The elegant Avalon Saigon traverses the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Riverside life unfolds through sampan workshops in Vinh Long, traditional crafts in Cu Lao Gieng, and silversmith villages in Konpong Louang. Luxury accommodations complement authentic local experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, Cu Lao Gieng, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Saigon River Mekong Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- US$6,179
7-night Mekong Downstream Cambodia Vietnam on Mekong Navigator
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Cabin lovely but situated back of boat and engine noise so loud prevented sleep. Food and service excellent.”
Barbara, traveled in February
RV Mekong Navigator's 34 luxury suites provide comfort while traditional water blessings, rural village sampan tours, and historic sites from Phnom Penh to Sa Dec unfold. Wine-paired dining, cultural performances, and expert-guided excursions enhance the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Phnom Penh, Cu Lao Gieng, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German Ship Mekong Navigator River Mekong Operator Lotus Cruises From
14% Off- US$3,099
The Avalon Saigon sails the Mekong River, showcasing floating markets, ancient temples, and traditional villages. Visitors tour silversmith workshops in Konpong Louang, taste local delicacies in Vinh Long, and observe riverside life from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. Category A/B staterooms offer panoramic river views.
Duration 16 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Phnom Penh, Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach, Chau DocSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Saigon River Mekong Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- US$8,819+$525 upfront costs
Travel Mekong your way
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Popular Mekong Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Mekong tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Mekong travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers61 tours- Couples61 tours
- Seniors (50+)42 tours
Best time to visit
- Summer 2026
Mekong summer cruises follow three distinct routes, each blending cultural experiences with comfort during warmer months. The downstream trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh spans 3 days, where travelers spend time with silver artisans in Koh Chen, observe traditional pottery techniques, and take authentic ox cart rides through Kampong Tralach. The 4-day journey from Phnom Penh to Saigon begins with a swift speedboat transfer before switching to intimate sampan boats to explore Cai Rang's floating market. Our travelers particularly love cycling through peaceful villages and also folk performances on Tan Phong islet. For those heading upstream from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the itinerary includes copper workshops, views from Oudong Mountain, and explorations of Kampong Phluk's stilted homes. These summer routes share a smart approach to timing, with activities scheduled early before peak heat, leaving afternoons for watching riverside scenes from cool, comfortable cabins or open decks.
- July 2026 15 tours
- popular 34 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn Mekong journeys blend cultural discovery with easygoing river travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Our travelers love how the routes balance active mornings with laid-back afternoons - you'll cycle through villages, explore floating markets and then watch riverside life unfold from the deck. The thoughtful extras make these trips special, like champagne breakfasts near Angkor Wat, silk weaving workshops on Oknha Tey island, and also hands-on cooking classes with delta chefs. What makes autumn perfect are those quiet moments in hidden parts of the delta, where you'll glide through narrow canals by sampan boat, visit local artisans in their workshops, and join monks for traditional water blessings at hilltop temples. The smaller boats carrying just 36-68 guests can reach remote spots that bigger ships miss, which creates genuine connections with riverside communities.
- 42 tours
- popular 46 tours
- 44 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
The winter Mekong cruises really shine with intimate experiences along the delta's hidden corners. A favorite route kicks off with an exciting speed boat ride from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc, where you'll switch to smaller sampan boats to navigate the narrow canals. Our travelers love cycling through quiet villages and watching daily life unfold at the floating markets. For those interested in local traditions, another winter option takes you to Oknha Tey island for hands-on silk weaving sessions and up to hilltop temples for authentic water blessings from monks. The smaller ships, carrying just 36-68 passengers, can slip into remote spots that bigger vessels simply can't access, giving you a more personal look at riverside life.
- 27 tours
- 34 tours
- popular 36 tours
- Spring 2027
Spring weather sets up perfectly for active Mekong exploration, mixing cycling and cruising in well-balanced days. You'll pedal through rural villages in the cool morning light, then kick back on deck for spectacular sunsets. Our clients particularly like the special touches - sipping champagne breakfast near Angkor Wat and exploring Phnom Penh's colonial streets by tuk-tuk. The spring routes really connect you with local life, from pottery workshops by the river to cooking classes with delta chefs who share family recipes and kitchen secrets. The crew makes it extra special, with personal butlers noting your favorite drinks and making quick stops when you spot interesting markets, workshops and also riverside villages.
- 33 tours
- popular 35 tours
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Tetiana
Expert in Mekong at TourRadar
Tetiana is one of our seasoned Mekong Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Mekong tours answered!
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