What is the typical duration of Mekong River cruises starting from Ho Chi Minh City?

Mekong River cruises from Ho Chi Minh City typically span 8 to 15 days with 8-day journeys being the most common choice. The experience starts at Saigon Port where vessels like the Emerald Harmony begin their journey down the Saigon River toward Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Before boarding guests often stay at upscale accommodations such as the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers blending urban exploration with river adventures. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The perfect mix of relaxation and cultural immersion with each day bringing new discoveries along the river."

What are the main highlights to explore on the first day in Ho Chi Minh City?

Day one takes visitors through key sites including the Reunification Palace Notre Dame Cathedral Central Post Office and the vibrant Cholon district home to the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. Tours start with lunch at hotels like Liberty Central Riverside or Sofitel Saigon Plaza. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The initial city tour gave us a great overview of Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial history and modern energy."

Where are the common embarkation points within Ho Chi Minh City?

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City serves as the starting point with pickup locations at prominent hotels like Le Meridien Saigon and Caravelle Hotel Saigon in District 1. Passengers then travel to My Tho Port roughly 70km away where vessels such as the Scenic Spirit and RV Apsara dock. According to TourRadar travelers: "The transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho port was smooth and well-organized making the start of our journey stress-free."

What's the best time of year to start a Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh City?

October through January offers the most favorable conditions for Mekong tours with dry weather and mild temperatures. November December and January see the highest number of departures creating ideal conditions for exploring sites like the Tan My Floating community and Ben Tre's waterways. As one TourRadar traveler commented: "Traveling in December provided perfect weather conditions for both the city exploration and river cruise portions of our journey."

What unique cultural experiences are offered on Ho Chi Minh City Mekong tours?

The itineraries feature hands-on experiences at traditional candy workshops in Cai Be visits to floating markets rice paper making demonstrations and Apsara dance shows in Phnom Penh. Accommodations range from city stays at Liberty Central Riverside to river journeys aboard vessels like the RV Indochine II. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The local cultural activities and interactions with villagers along the Mekong were the highlight of our journey."

How long is the transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the first cruise stop?

Travelers spend 2 hours traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho port followed by a 4-hour cruise to reach Cai Be the first overnight destination. Ships such as the Scenic Spirit and RV Apsara travel through the Cho Gao canal before anchoring. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The transition from city to river life was fascinating watching the urban landscape gradually transform into the peaceful Mekong Delta."

Mekong Cruises from Ho Chi Minh City

Ready for Vietnam? Imagine navigating Cu Chi Tunnels, cruising Mekong Delta waterways, discovering Angkor Wat's ruins, and sampling honey tea at local bee farms. You've got Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's Reunification Palace plus floating markets and villages. Experiencing Vietnam's history to Cambodia's ancient temples while the Mekong flows through it all.

10 best Mekong river cruises from Ho Chi Minh City

View Map
In-depth Cultural
Saigon, Mekong & Mui Ne Beach (Superior) - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
MekongSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Bicycle
Cycling the Mekong Delta - 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Lay, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho,Mekong Delta,Long Xuyen,Cai Rang,Chau Doc,Ba Chuc+5 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Regions
Mekong Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$1,915per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Mekong Discovery (Northbound) 2026
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, Cu Lao Gieng, Chau Doc,Phnom Penh,Hanchey,Angkor Ban,Kampong Tralach+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Saigon
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
From
US$5,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Enchanting Mekong and Siem Reap 2026-2027|2027-2028 - 11 Days (from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, My An Hung,Cu Lao Gieng,Tan Chau,Phnom Penh,Oudong,Siem Reap+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
4% Off
From $4,370
US$4,216per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong 2026-2027|2027-2028
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, My An Hung,Cu Lao Gieng,Tan Chau,Phnom Penh,Koh Oknha Tei,Oudong,Siem Reap,Angkor Wat,Banteay Srei,Tonle Sap Lake+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
3% Off
From $4,720
US$4,571per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-seesites (11 destinations)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Chau Doc,Phnom Penh,Kampong Tralach,Oudong,Kampong Chhnang,Koh Chen,Siem Reap+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
3% Off
From
US$1,754per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-seesites (19 destinations)
4.8 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Thoi Son Island, Cai Be, Sa Dec,Chau Doc,Vinh Xuong,Phnom Penh,Kampong Tralach,Oudong,Kampong Cham,Kompong Chhnang,Koh Chen,Siem Reap,Angkor Wat,Tonle Sap Lake+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
3% Off
From
US$2,304per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-seesites (port-to-port cruise) (17 destinations)
4.8 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Thoi Son Island, Cai Be, Sa Dec,Chau Doc,Phnom Penh,Kampong Tralach,Oudong,Kompong Chhnang,Kampong Chhnang,Koh Chen,Siem Reap,Angkor Wat,Tonle Sap Lake+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
3% Off
From
US$2,675per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
From the Mekong Delta to Siem Reap
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Vinh Long, Cai Be, Sa Dec,Chau Doc,Phnom Penh,Koh Chen,Kampong Tralach,Kompong Chhnang,Tonle Sap Lake,Siem Reap+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
RV Indochine RV Indochine II RV Lan Diep+2 ships
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
3% Off
From
US$2,019per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
From the Mekong Delta to Siem Reap (port-to-port cruise) (including Cu Chi)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Sa Dec, Chau Doc,Phnom Penh,Koh Chen,Kampong Tralach,Kampong Chhnang,Tonle Sap Lake,Siem Reap+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
RV Indochine RV Indochine II RV Lan Diep+2 ships
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
3% Off
From
US$2,419per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
From the Mekong Delta to the Angkor Temples (port-to-port cruise) (16 destinations)
4.8 (3 traveler reviews)
"Knowledgeable, fluent in English, friendly, and concerned about our safety always."
Awadesh, traveled in October
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 Chhnang,Tonle Sap Lake,Siem Reap,Angkor Wat+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
RV Indochine RV Indochine II RV Lan Diep+2 ships
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
14% Off
From $4,172
US$3,591per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
7-night Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Navigator
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Informed guides, an incredibly friendly & supportive staff, luxurious accomodations & a wonderful itinerary."
David, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Cu Lao Gieng,Phnom Penh,Kampong Cham,Siem Reap+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Mekong Navigator
River
Mekong
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lotus Cruises
14% Off
From
US$3,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
2 Day Mekong River Cruise From Saigon to Can Tho or Cai Be
3.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The boat was lovely, all dark wood. The food was excellent and plentiful."
Carol, traveled in February
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Cai Be
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
VietLong Travel
14% Off
From
US$355per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Mekong River Adventure
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Cai Rang
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Mekong Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $429
US$322per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-seesites (port-to-port cruise) (14 destinations)
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,Oudong,Kompong Chhnang,Kampong Cham,Koh Chen,Siem Reap+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
25% Off
From
US$1,948per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour