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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ALEKSANDER • traveled in April, 2025
Very nice crew. Comfortable ship.
From Siem Reap to the Mekong Delta (port-to-port cruise) - S
Susan • traveled in March
We had a great time. Accommodation was very good although our room at the back was a little noisy due to being near the generator and engine room which I would not recommend ( maybe a discounted price should be offered ). Very well organized and excellent tour manager. Always something on the itinerary even whilst the boat was sailing eg cookery demos, serviette folding, fruit carving, talks, films. I think the cruise could be shortened by a couple of days as a lot of the things we saw were very repetitive ,especially the pagodas! We were the only English guests on board which at times was a little difficult but on the plus side we had our own personal English speaking guides (3 in total at different parts of the cruise) which was fantastic. Chan Seng in Cambodia has to have a special mention for his fantastic knowledge and understanding of English.The food both on board and at restaurants on land was excellent my only complaint was that the drinks were not included in the package which for the price we paid I think they should have been, as most cruises do, ( only a soft drink or a beer were included per person per meal). Overall I would recommend this cruise as we had a lovely time.
From the Angkor Temples to the Mekong Delta (port-to-port cruise) (22 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
Table of contents
- The best Mekong cruises
- Travel Mekong your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Mekong Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Mekong tours for every type of group
- Top Mekong travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Mekong travel experts
- What our customers ask about Mekong River Cruises
The best Mekong cruises
Compiled by
MelissaMekong travel expert at TourRadar
From Siem Reap to the Mekong Delta (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Comfortable ship. Very nice crew.”
ALEKSANDER, traveled in February
Colonial luxury awaits aboard RV Indochine II while visiting Kampong Chhnang's fishing port and Tay An Pagoda in Chau Doc. Highlights include Huynh Thuy Le's house in Sa Dec, the narrow Chao Gao Canal, and Cu Chi tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City. Costs approx. $310 per day including regional cuisine and expert-guided excursions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Vinh Long, Cai Be, My ThoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships RV IndochineRV Indochine II RV Lan Diep River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,285
From the Angkor Temples to the Mekong Delta (port-to-port cruise) (22 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation was very good although our room at the back was a little noisy. Very well organized and excellent tour manager.”
Susan, traveled in February
Southeast Asia unfolds from UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City's Cu Chi tunnels. The RV Indochine II glides along the Mekong with private-balcony cabins, local cuisine and cultural performances. Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, traditional craft villages like Koh Chen, and floating communities along Tonle Sap Lake showcase authentic life.
Duration 11 days Destinations Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Vinh Long, Cai Be, My ThoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships RV IndochineRV Indochine II RV Lan Diep River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$3,648
7-night Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Navigator
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour with nice food and friendly people.”
Son, traveled in February
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
- US$3,233
Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong 2025-2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent. We enjoyed the tour very much.”
Shelley, traveled in March
Navigate the mighty Mekong aboard Emerald Harmony from Prek K'dam to Ho Chi Minh City. Experience floating markets in Sa Dec, traditional villages in My An Hung, and ancient temples in Angkor. Includes luxury river-view accommodation and authentic cultural encounters along Asia's great waterway.
Duration 13 days Destinations Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My ThoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ River Mekong Operator Emerald Cruises From $10,150
59% Off- US$4,155You save $5,995
Cruise the mighty Mekong River aboard Emerald Harmony, exploring from Prek K'dam to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit Tan Chau's Cao Dai temple, Sa Dec's markets, and My An Hung's villages. Experience traditional performances and local life while enjoying luxury accommodations and gourmet dining.
Duration 23 days Destinations Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Age Range Ages 12+ River Mekong Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,800
35% Off- US$9,605You save $5,195
4-Day Downstream Phnom Penh To Saigon Via Can Tho, Chau Doc, Cai Be By Mekong Eyes Cruise
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was organized smoothly from start to finish. The daily excursions to Chau Doc, Cai Be, and Can Tho were the highlights.”
Liberty, traveled in June
Navigate the mighty Mekong aboard the premium Mekong Eyes Explorer. Journey from Phnom Penh to Saigon, exploring Cai Rang floating market and Can Tho's waterways. Enjoy panoramic river views, regional cuisine, and comfortable cabins during this 4-day adventure.
Duration 4 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range All Ages Welcome River Mekong Operator VietLong Travel From
35% Off- US$953
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
35% Off- US$3,899
2 Day Mekong River Cruise From Saigon to Can Tho or Cai Be
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boat was lovely, all dark wood. The food was excellent and plentiful.”
Carol, traveled in February
A luxury vessel with 14 panoramic-view cabins sails the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City. The trip features Cai Be or Can Tho's floating markets, narrow canal explorations by sampan, and Vietnamese cuisine served while watching river life from the sun deck.
Duration 2 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Cai Be Age Range All Ages Welcome River Mekong Operator VietLong Travel From
35% Off- US$336
The RV Apsara glides along the mighty Mekong, showcasing floating markets, colonial towns, and remote villages. Markets of Cai Be, historic sites in Sa Dec, and silk workshops in Tan Chau complement gourmet dining with included beverages.
Duration 12 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap Age Range Ages 8+ River Mekong Operator APT From
35% Off- US$3,801+$482 upfront costs
Watch sunrise at UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat and enjoy champagne breakfast at an Angkor temple, then head to Ta Prohm and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. The 68-passenger Scenic Spirit sails from Kampong Cham to Ho Chi Minh City, with butler service in one-bedroom balcony suites. VIP seats at Phare Circus, an exclusive gala dinner at Prasat Kravan temple with Apsara dancers, and a nighttime remork tour through Phnom Penh with private rum distillery visit round out the cultural offerings.
Duration 13 days Destinations Siem Reap, Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Angkor Ban, Silk Island, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Spirit River Mekong Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,425
52% Off- US$6,480You save $6,945
Travel Mekong your way
Best tour companies
Based on what our travelers are saying, Scenic's luxury Mekong cruises are getting solid reviews, particularly their Scenic Spirit vessel. One of our guests came back really pleased, saying it went beyond what they expected. The market has quite a range of options though - there's a bit of a cautionary note from someone who booked the Mekong Dawn through TourRadar and found they paid noticeably more than other companies were charging for the exact same cruise. The AmaDara seems to hit the right notes with its crew quality, knowledgeable guides and well-maintained boat. Though one traveler mentioned they would have liked more variety in the menu and also a schedule that wasn't quite so structured - they were hoping for more downtime to just relax and take things at their own pace. Looking at these different experiences, it's clear that pricing research matters before booking, and each cruise line has its own approach to scheduling and amenities. It's worth checking multiple providers, reading detailed itineraries and also asking about how flexible the daily programs are if you prefer a more laid-back pace.
Popular Mekong Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Most of our Mekong journeys kick off from Ho Chi Minh City - about 28 different cruise routes start there, with Siem Reap close behind launching 25 departures. Phnom Penh and Hanoi each serve as starting points for 9 different itineraries, and Vientiane offers something a bit off the usual path. The booking sweet spot is around 2 months out - that's 56 days to lock in your preferred cabin and dates. During the busy season from November through March you'll want to book even earlier to get spots on the popular boats. Our travelers tell us this period has the best weather too - lower humidity and less rain make it perfect for exploring floating markets, old temples and local villages. The whole journey covers roughly 1,000 kilometers of rich culture, with trips ranging from quick 3-night hops to longer 14-night explorations that really let you settle into river life.
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 Travelers73 tours- Couples72 tours
- Seniors (50+)50 tours
Best time to visit
- Winter 2025 / 2026
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.
- 32 tours
- popular 37 tours
- 29 tours
- Spring 2026
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.
- 37 tours
- popular 40 tours
- May 2026 17 tours
- 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 19 tours
- popular 38 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.
- 47 tours
- 48 tours
- popular 49 tours
Contact our Mekong travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in Mekong at TourRadar
Tassanee 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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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Mekong River Cruises
What routes can I take on a Mekong River cruise?
Most travelers love the classic route between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap it's really the heart of the Mekong experience. You'll wind through the incredible Mekong Delta see Phnom Penh and get to explore Angkor Wat which is just amazing. If you're looking for something specific you can focus on just Vietnam Laos or Cambodia or go for the full experience with a multi-country adventure. The Heritage Line cruise on Jayavarman from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap is fantastic you'll get to explore colorful markets see incredible landscapes and visit traditional villages along the way.
When's the best time to plan my Mekong cruise?
For the most comfortable experience you'll want to aim for November through January when it's cooler and drier that's why it's peak season though. If you're flexible with your dates and looking for better deals think about February to May or September to October just keep in mind March and April can get a bit hazy from seasonal burning in the fields.
Where can I find those hidden gems along the Mekong?
While the big cities are exciting it's the smaller spots that really show you the heart of the Mekong. Take Koh Chen where artisans still craft beautiful silver and copper pieces or Kampong Chhnang where pottery making is just part of daily life. In Kampong Tralach you can take this amazing ox-cart ride through the countryside and over in Tan Chau Vietnam you'll discover fascinating silk workshops and this unique Cao Dai temple. The Mekong Dawn's 3-day cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes you right to Koh Chen where you can watch the craftspeople at work.