What's the typical length of Mekong river cruises starting in Phnom Penh?

Mekong river cruises from Phnom Penh span 3 to 10 days with most travelers choosing 4 to 8-day journeys. The Emerald Harmony delivers a detailed 10-day route to Ho Chi Minh City while the Mekong Eyes Cruise offers a shorter 4-day trip. As shared by a TourRadar traveler about their 8-day AmaWaterways cruise: "The itinerary was perfectly paced allowing us to really experience both Cambodia and Vietnam from the river perspective."

What are the main stops between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City on Mekong cruises?

The river journey connects several noteworthy locations including Angkor Ban where visitors experience village life and Tan Chau known for traditional sampan rides. Boats stop at Sa Dec's local markets and the bustling floating markets of Cai Be. The route includes time in Chau Doc's historic district and Ben Tre's lush coconut region before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Each stop offered something unique - from the silk weaving in Tan Chau to the fascinating floating markets of Cai Be."

What type of accommodation can I expect on Mekong cruises from Phnom Penh?

The river vessels range from upscale ships like the Emerald Harmony featuring panoramic suites to intimate boats like the Mekong Eyes Classic with cozy twin cabins. Modern comforts include AmaDara's pool-equipped Sun Deck and Avalon Saigon's observation lounge. According to a TourRadar traveler on AmaDara: "The staterooms were spacious and well-appointed with both French and outside balconies offering amazing views of the Mekong."

What are the common pickup locations in Phnom Penh for these cruises?

Cruise lines collect guests from downtown Phnom Penh hotels with primary boarding points at Sisowath Quay pier Peam Chi Korng port and Phnom Penh Cruise Port. Mekong Eyes Cruise provides complimentary transfers within 5km of Sisowath pier while Emerald Cruises arranges pickup at the Hyatt Regency. A TourRadar guest reported: "The transfer from our hotel to Sisowath Quay was seamless and well-organized."

What's the best season to take a Mekong cruise from Phnom Penh?

October through February marks the prime time for Mekong cruises with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. While companies like DNQ Travel and AmaWaterways operate throughout the year these months offer optimal water conditions for sailing. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in November and had perfect weather - not too hot and the river conditions were ideal for cruising."

What should I explore in Phnom Penh before starting the cruise?

Key attractions in Phnom Penh include the ornate Royal Palace complex Silver Pagoda National Museum and the bustling Central Market. Emerald Cruises packages often feature these sites plus the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Arrive a day early to explore the Royal Palace complex and enjoy a sunset drink at the Foreign Correspondents Club overlooking the river."

Mekong Cruises from Phnom Penh

A cruise adventure starting in Phnom Penh is a great way to see Mekong. We have 14 tours that range from 1 days up to 18 days. The most popular time for tours from Phnom Penh is September, which has the most cruise departures.

10 best Mekong river cruises from Phnom Penh

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City & Culture
Coastal Charm and Mekong Delta Adventure Tour 18-Day
5.0 (6 reviews)
"Hoi An is perfect (only city with traffic free area)."
Lievef30, traveled in January
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Ho Chi Minh City,Cu Chi,Hoi An,My Son Sanctuary,Da Nang,Lang Co,Hue,Hanoi,Sapa,Cat Cat Village,Ta Van,Halong Bay,Phu Quoc Island+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Legend Travel Group
30% Off
From $1,486
US$1,040per person
+$799 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
4-Day Upstream Mekong River Cruise Tours From Phnom Penh To Siem Reap
5.0 (1 review)
"We loved exploring the floating markets and ancient temples. The accommodations were really comfortable."
Aalia, traveled in July
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Koh Dach, Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Siem Reap
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
VietLong Travel
30% Off
From
US$1,263per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
3-Day Upstream Mekong River Cruise Tours from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Mekong Dawn
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Kampong Tralach,Kompong Chhnang,Kampong Thom,Kampong Phluk Floating Village,Siem Reap+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
DNQ Travel
30% Off
From
US$1,099per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
14 Days Mekong River Cruise of Cambodia & Thailand (private guide & driver）
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Oudong, Koh Chen, Kampong Tralach,Kampong Chhnang,Battambang,Tonle Sap Lake,Angkor Wat,Banteay Srei,Bangkok,Samut Songkhram,Damnoen Saduak,Ayutthaya,Phuket+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
30% Off
From
US$3,920per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
10-Day Meandering Majestic Mekong Cruise 2026-2027 - 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, Koh Oknha Tei, Tan Chau,Cu Lao Gieng,My An Hung,Sa Dec,Ben Tre,My Tho,Ho Chi Minh City+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Mekong Mekong Delta
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
34% Off
From $3,995
US$2,631per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Phnom Penh City Tour & Mekong River Sunset Cruise
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Phnom Penh
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Mekong
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
About Cambodia Travel & Tours
10% Off
From $125
US$113per person
+$19 upfront costs
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River Cruise
3-Night Mekong River Cruise | Upstream Cambodia | Mekong Navigator
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Mekong
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lotus Cruises
10% Off
From
US$1,499per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
8-Day Majestic Mekong Cruise 2026-2027|2027-2028 - 8 Days (from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Koh Oknha Tei,Tan Chau,Cu Lao Gieng,My An Hung,Sa Dec,Cai Be,Tan Phong,My Tho,Ho Chi Minh City+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Mekong Mekong Delta
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
39% Off
From $3,295
US$1,996per person
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River Cruise
Mekong Discovery (Southbound) 2027
4.7 (6 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach, Chau Doc,Long Khanh,Cu Lao Gieng,Vinh Long,Ho Chi Minh City+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Saigon
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
39% Off
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US$5,419per person
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River Cruise
3-night Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Symphony
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Kampong Tralach, Kampong Chhnang,Siem Reap+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Lotus Cruises
39% Off
From
US$2,399per person
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River Cruise
4-Day Downstream Phnom Penh To Saigon Via Can Tho, Chau Doc, Cai Be By Mekong Eyes Cruise
4.9 (19 reviews)
"Unforgettable cultural experience. A wonderful blend of culture and nature."
Brett, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Mekong Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
VietLong Travel
39% Off
From
US$945per person
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River Cruise
4-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise Tours From Phnom Penh To Saigon Via Can Tho, Chau Doc, Cai Be By Mekong Eyes Cruise
4.0 (1 review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Mekong Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
DNQ Travel
39% Off
From
US$1,299per person
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River Cruise
4-Night Mekong River Cruise | Cambodia to Vietnam | Mekong Navigator
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Cu Lao Gieng, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Cai Be,My Tho,Ho Chi Minh City+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Mekong Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lotus Cruises
39% Off
From
US$1,799per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Mekong Discovery (Southbound) 2026
4.7 (6 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach, Chau Doc,Mekong Delta,Long Khanh,Cu Lao Gieng,Vinh Long,Ho Chi Minh City+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Saigon
River
Mekong
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
39% Off
From
US$5,679per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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