Asia Travel Mates
Mekong River Cruises
Travel the Mekong by water — through the floating markets, riverside villages and quiet waterways of southern Vietnam, and on cross-border routes between Vietnam and Cambodia. Compare vessels, itineraries, cabins and durations below.
Why Cruise the Mekong
A Very Different Way to Travel Through Vietnam & Cambodia
The Mekong is one of Asia’s great rivers. A river cruise is the most relaxed and most complete way to see it — the pace is slow, the scenery changes hour by hour, and every stop is on the riverbank rather than at an airport.
- Floating markets: Cai Be, Cai Rang, Phong Dien — among the most active in Vietnam.
- Riverside villages: Fishing communities, rice-paper workshops, and craft villages.
- Cross-border travel: Sail from Vietnam to Cambodia (or reverse) without a flight.
- Slow pace: Long cruising hours, short excursions, and time to simply sit on deck.
- Khmer and Vietnamese culture: Both sides of the river have very different traditions.
Featured Cruises
Selected Mekong River Cruise Vessels
These are the vessels currently available through Asia Travel Mates. Each cruise profile shows the ship, cabins, facilities, routes and what is included.
Aqua Mekong
A high-end river cruise on the Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia. All-suite vessel with contemporary design and a strong focus on cuisine.
View Aqua Mekong
Mekong Princess
A small, elegant river vessel offering a more intimate Mekong cruising experience on cross-border and Vietnam-only routes.
View Mekong Princess
Jayavarman
A classic Vietnam–Cambodia river cruise vessel with a heritage-inspired interior and multi-day routes along the Mekong.
View Jayavarman
The Jahan
A larger premium river vessel with colonial-inspired design, sailing the Mekong on multi-day itineraries.
View The Jahan
Victoria Mekong
A mid-range river cruise vessel connecting the Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
View Victoria Mekong
Looking for something else?
We can recommend vessels based on your dates, group size and preferred style — including private charters on request.
Discuss your Mekong cruiseRoutes
Mekong Cruise Routes
Mekong cruises are usually defined by their route — how far along the river they travel, and whether they cross between Vietnam and Cambodia. These are the most common.
Vietnam Mekong Delta
Short river cruises within Vietnam — Cai Be, Can Tho, Chau Doc and surrounding waterways. Ideal for travellers already in Saigon.
Vietnam only View Vietnam Delta cruisesSaigon → Phnom Penh
A classic cross-border route along the Mekong. Passes Chau Doc and the Vietnam–Cambodia border before arriving in Phnom Penh.
Cross-border View Saigon–Phnom PenhPhnom Penh → Saigon
The reverse routing, useful for travellers starting in Cambodia and ending in Vietnam.
Cross-border View Phnom Penh–SaigonSiem Reap Routes
Longer itineraries that continue past Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (for Angkor) or begin there. Typically 7+ nights.
Extended View Siem Reap routesCambodia-only Routes
Selected cruises operate entirely within Cambodia — Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap and Siem Reap.
Cambodia only View Cambodia routesCustom Mekong Routes
We can combine a Mekong cruise with land travel in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos — including custom start and end points.
Custom Discuss a custom routeItineraries
Mekong Cruise Itineraries
Each itinerary page shows the full day-by-day schedule — activities, excursions, meals, and the ports you visit.
Saigon → Phnom Penh · 4 Days
A short cross-border river journey from Saigon to Phnom Penh — perfect as an add-on to a Vietnam or Cambodia trip.
Cross-border View itinerarySaigon → Siem Reap · 8 Days
A full Mekong journey connecting Vietnam and Cambodia — Saigon, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap and Siem Reap.
Extended journey View itineraryAccommodation
Mekong Cruise Cabins & Suites
Mekong river cruises typically offer larger cabins than bay cruises, and often a wider range of suite categories.
Deluxe Cabins
Standard cabins with private bathroom, A/C and windows or small balcony.
Balcony Cabins
Cabins with a private outdoor balcony — a common category on Mekong vessels.
Junior Suites
Larger cabins with a separate sitting area — good for couples and longer cruises.
Suites
The largest cabins, often with a private terrace or panoramic windows.
By Duration
How Long Should You Cruise the Mekong?
Mekong cruises typically start at 2–3 nights and run up to 8. The right duration depends on how much of the river you want to see and whether you plan to cross the border.
| Duration | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| 2 – 3 nights | A short taste of the Mekong Delta within Vietnam |
| 4 – 5 nights | Crossing between Saigon and Phnom Penh one way |
| 7 – 8 nights | The full Saigon ↔ Siem Reap river journey |
| 8+ nights | Extended combinations with land travel in Cambodia or Laos |
On Board
What to Expect on a Mekong Cruise
Mekong river cruises differ from Halong Bay cruises — the pace is slower, the days are longer, and the focus is on the riverbank rather than the water itself.
Long Cruising Days
Expect several hours of cruising per day, often with a morning and afternoon excursion. Time on deck is a feature, not a gap between activities.
Excursions Ashore
Typical stops include floating markets, fishing villages, rice-paper workshops, temples and small towns. Excursions are usually on foot or by small boat.
Dining
Most meals are included. Expect Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes at lunch and dinner, and western options at breakfast. Vegetarian and dietary requests are usually accommodated with notice.
Cabins & Comfort
Mekong cabins tend to be larger than Halong Bay cabins. Balcony and suite categories are common. Many vessels have a spa, gym or library.
Planning
Planning Your Mekong Cruise
Practical information to arrange the trip around the cruise itself.
When to Cruise the Mekong
November to April is the dry season — cooler, drier and clearer. May to October is the wet season, greener and with occasional short, heavy rain.
Where Cruises Start & End
Vietnam-based cruises usually start in Saigon, Can Tho or Chau Doc. Cambodia-based cruises start in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Cross-border cruises link both sides.
How to Reach the Start Point
Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap all have international airports. Can Tho and Chau Doc are reached by road from Saigon (3–4 hours).
What to Pack
Light clothing, a sun hat, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sun protection and any personal medication. Bring a small day bag for excursions.
What Is Usually Included?
Cabin, all meals, guided excursions, onboard activities and — on most vessels — local drinks. Onboard purchases and gratuities are typically extra.
What Is Usually Not Included?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, spa treatments, premium drinks and tips. Always check the individual cruise profile.
Border Crossings
Cross-border Mekong cruises handle the border crossing on the river. A valid passport and, in some cases, an e-visa for Cambodia are required — we will confirm.
Booking Timeline
Mekong vessels are smaller than Halong Bay boats, so peak-season dates sell out early. Booking 3–6 months in advance is usual for premium categories.
Weather & Water Levels
Extremely high or low water levels can occasionally affect routes, especially on the Tonle Sap. Operators adjust itineraries for safety.
Combine
Combine a Mekong Cruise with a Vietnam Journey
A Mekong cruise is often the centrepiece of a longer Vietnam or Vietnam–Cambodia trip. These are the combinations we arrange most often.
Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Cruise
Saigon with a short Mekong Delta cruise — the easiest way to include the Mekong in a Vietnam trip.
Vietnam + Mekong + Cambodia
Saigon, the Mekong Delta, the crossing to Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap for Angkor — a classic Indochina combination.
Vietnam Highlights + Mekong
Combine the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay) with the south (Saigon, Mekong Delta) on a single Vietnam journey.
Our Service
Mekong Cruises with Asia Travel Mates
We help travellers plan Mekong river cruises as part of a broader, tailor-made journey. Here is what that typically includes.
- Local knowledge — we know which routes and which vessels suit which travellers.
- Vessel selection — we match ship, cabin category and duration to your dates and preferences.
- Itinerary planning — cruise time is planned alongside your wider Vietnam or Cambodia trip.
- Transfers — private airport, hotel and port transfers arranged where useful.
- Hotel coordination — pre- and post-cruise hotels matched to your route.
- Extensions — add Angkor, Saigon, Hanoi, Halong Bay or Laos.
- Visa guidance — help with Cambodia e-visa and entry requirements for the crossing.
- Support during the journey — we remain reachable while you are travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mekong River Cruise FAQs
What are the main Mekong cruise routes?
The most common routes are: short Vietnam Delta cruises (2–3 nights from Saigon or Can Tho), one-way cross-border routes (Saigon ↔ Phnom Penh, 4–5 nights), and full Saigon ↔ Siem Reap journeys (7–8 nights). Cambodia-only routes between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are also available.
Where do Mekong cruises start and end?
Vietnam-based cruises start in Saigon, Can Tho or Chau Doc. Cambodia-based cruises start in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Cross-border cruises start on one side and end on the other — either direction.
How long should I cruise the Mekong?
2–3 nights for a short Delta experience, 4–5 nights for a one-way cross-border crossing, or 7–8 nights for the full Saigon ↔ Siem Reap river journey. Longer combinations with land travel extend beyond that.
Are meals and drinks included?
Meals are included on all Mekong river cruises — breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local drinks are typically included on most vessels; premium wines, spirits and spa treatments are usually charged separately. Confirm on the individual cruise profile.
Do I need a visa to cross between Vietnam and Cambodia?
Most nationalities need a visa (or e-visa) for both Vietnam and Cambodia. If you are taking a cross-border cruise, the operator will usually help with the crossing, but you must have the correct documentation before boarding. We can advise on current requirements.
What is the best time to cruise the Mekong?
November to April is the dry season — cooler, drier and clearer, and generally the most comfortable period. May to October is the wet season, greener and with occasional short, heavy rain.
What is the difference between a Mekong cruise and a Halong Bay cruise?
Halong Bay cruises are shorter (typically 2–3 days) and focus on the bay’s karst scenery and short excursions. Mekong cruises are longer (3–8 nights), travel a much greater distance, and focus on the riverbank — villages, markets, and the crossing between countries. Cabins are also generally larger on Mekong vessels.
Can I combine a Mekong cruise with Angkor Wat?
Yes. Several cross-border routes continue from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via the Tonle Sap, giving you direct access to Angkor Wat. This is one of the most popular combinations.
What happens if weather or water levels affect the itinerary?
Extremely high or low water levels, especially on the Tonle Sap, can occasionally affect routes. Operators adjust the itinerary for safety and comfort. This is more likely between August and November.
How do I book a Mekong cruise?
Share your dates, group size and preferred route through our custom journey form. We will recommend the right vessel, cabin category and itinerary, confirm availability and pricing, and handle the wider trip around it.
Find Your Cruise
Find Your Mekong River Cruise
Explore vessels, routes and itineraries — or contact Asia Travel Mates to combine a Mekong cruise with a private Vietnam or Vietnam–Cambodia journey.