Best Mekong River Cruises Between Vietnam and Cambodia

The Mekong River is one of Asia’s great journeys, a ribbon of life that links Vietnam’s emerald delta with Cambodia’s temple-studded heartland.

For travelers, a cruise here is less about ticking off sights and more about settling into the river’s slow rhythm, drifting past orchards and stilt villages by day and mooring beside gilded pagodas by night.

With more ships and routes than ever in 2025 and 2026, choosing the right itinerary between Vietnam and Cambodia has never mattered more. This guide breaks down the best Mekong River cruise itineraries now on offer, how they differ, and which one fits your style of travel.

How Mekong River Cruises Between Vietnam and Cambodia Work

Most Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong cruises link Ho Chi Minh City or nearby My Tho in southern Vietnam with Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The classic route winds through the Mekong Delta’s canals, skirts the Cambodian border, and follows the river north to Cambodia’s capital before continuing along the Tonle Sap corridor toward the temples of Angkor.

Itineraries are shaped by water levels, with slightly different routings and timing in high and low water seasons.

Unlike ocean voyages, Mekong cruises are typically compact. The most popular point to point itineraries run 7 or 8 nights, often wrapped inside longer land-and-river packages of 12 to 20 days that add city stays and Angkor temple touring.

Ships are essentially floating boutique hotels, ranging from intimate wooden vessels with ten cabins to contemporary all-suite ships designed for international luxury lines.

At their core, almost all itineraries include a predictable mix: a day or two of village calls in Vietnam’s delta, time in historic Sa Dec and the trade town of Cai Be, a crossing into Cambodia with visits around Phnom Penh, and temple or village excursions farther north. The differences lie in pacing, depth of cultural experiences, cabin standards and inclusions.

High Water vs Low Water Seasons

On the Mekong, seasonality changes not only the scenery but sometimes the map itself. High water, roughly from August to November, lets ships penetrate farther up tributaries and closer to Tonle Sap Lake, reducing the distance that must be covered overland.

Low water in late winter and spring pushes the shoreline back and can require longer coach transfers, particularly between the river and Siem Reap.

Operators adjust published itineraries each season, but the broad pattern remains. In high water, you are likely to see more flooded forests and lakeside villages, with boats navigating closer to Siem Reap.

In low water, you gain a different perspective on river life as sandbanks and exposed riverbanks reveal fishing techniques and agriculture that are otherwise hidden. When comparing itineraries, pay attention to start and end points as well as the note on “high water” or “low water” routing.

What a Typical Day on Board Looks Like

Daily programs on Mekong cruises follow a fairly consistent rhythm. Mornings usually begin with an early breakfast, followed by a shore excursion before the sun is at its fiercest.

You might board small sampans to reach a floating market or pedal through village lanes on a guided cycling tour. After lunch back on board, the ship either sails during the heat of the day or moors for a second, gentler excursion such as a temple visit or market stroll.

Evenings tend to be unhurried. Dinners highlight Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, often integrated with Western dishes. Many itineraries feature cultural performances, cooking classes or talks on regional history and current issues. Because distances between ports are modest, sailing is usually smooth and overnight cruising is kept to a minimum, allowing for quiet nights on the river.

Classic One-Week Mekong Journeys Between Saigon and Siem Reap

The backbone of Mekong river cruising is the one-week itinerary between southern Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

These sailings are short enough to combine with other Southeast Asian highlights yet long enough to deliver a coherent river narrative. They tend to be the most frequently scheduled and competitive options, making them an excellent entry point for first-time river cruisers.

7-Night Saigon to Siem Reap with AmaWaterways “Charms of the Mekong”

AmaWaterways has cemented itself as one of the top operators on the Mekong with its AmaDara ship and its 7-night “Charms of the Mekong” itinerary between My Tho, near Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap.

The route is a textbook introduction to the river: days in Cai Be and Sa Dec immerse guests in delta life, while upstream segments spotlight lesser-known islands and villages before the ship continues through Phnom Penh toward Cambodia’s rural heartland.

On this route, travelers can expect a balance of cultural touring and comfort. Daily excursions range from sampan rides to Buddhist monasteries and silk workshops to guided walks through local markets.

The ship itself offers spacious balcony cabins by river standards, along with a pool deck, spa, and dining that blends local dishes with international favorites. Departures into 2026 make this one of the most widely available premium itineraries on the river.

7-Night Siem Reap to Saigon with AmaWaterways “Riches of the Mekong”

The reverse version of AmaWaterways’ itinerary, “Riches of the Mekong,” travels from Siem Reap down to My Tho and onward to Ho Chi Minh City. While the ports of call are broadly similar to the upstream version, the experience feels subtly different when you are sailing from Cambodia into Vietnam rather than the other way around.

Starting near Angkor allows travelers to explore temples first, then decompress as they drift downriver toward the Mekong Delta.

By the time you reach Vietnam’s labyrinth of canals, the pacing feels almost languid. Many guests find this direction ideal if they want to cap a broader Southeast Asia journey with a restorative river cruise rather than begin with it.

Lotus Cruises’ 8-Day Siem Reap to Saigon on Mekong Navigator

Lotus Cruises’ Mekong Navigator positions itself at the boutique-luxury end of the market, with 34 suites and strong attention to design and service.

Its 8-day itinerary between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City follows a classic routing via Kampong Cham, Phnom Penh, Sa Dec and My Tho, but spreads some segments slightly more, making room for wine-paired dinners and slower afternoons on board.

The Navigator’s route is notable for its variety. One day might revolve around a rural sampan tour and water blessing ceremony by local monks; another could be a walk through the historic lanes of Sa Dec, once immortalized by French writer Marguerite Duras. For travelers who value refined onboard ambience as much as destination depth, this one-week itinerary is a strong contender.

Scenic, Emerald, Aqua Mekong and More

At the very top end of the Mekong market, a handful of operators frame the cruise as an immersive journey with extended land stays, generous inclusions and a higher staff-to-guest ratio.

These itineraries cost more, but they often bundle multi-country touring, premium drinks, and small-group experiences that go beyond standard sightseeing.

Emerald Cruises: Grand Tours and 16-Day Mekong Journeys

Emerald Cruises operates the sleek Emerald Harmony and has built a series of extended itineraries pairing the Mekong with land tours across Indochina.

Programs such as “Grand Tour of Indochina” and “Wonders of Indochina and the Mekong” typically run 16 to 24 days and span Vietnam, Cambodia, and sometimes Laos and Thailand.

The Mekong component is usually a 7-night cruise between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, but the surrounding days add city touring in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, time in Ha Long Bay, and a structured temple program in Angkor.

On board, Emerald’s style tends toward contemporary comfort rather than old-world charm, with a focus on wellness areas, modern suites and complimentary excursions built into the fare.

Scenic Luxury Cruises: All-Inclusive Mekong in Depth

Scenic, Emerald’s sister brand, leans fully into the all-inclusive luxury concept on its Mekong programs.

Itineraries such as “Journey along the Mekong” are typically 16 days, interweaving the river cruise with curated overnights in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and occasionally Luang Prabang or Bangkok. Scenic’s guests tend to be seasoned river cruisers familiar with Europe’s Danube and Rhine who expect a similar level of comfort on the Mekong.

On Scenic’s Mekong sailings, almost everything is covered in the upfront price: butler service in higher cabin categories, top-shelf drinks, and a comprehensive slate of excursions and special “Enrich” experiences, which might include private temple blessings or gala dinners in heritage venues.

For travelers who want to make the Mekong the centerpiece of a once-in-a-decade Asia trip, this immersive format fits well.

Aqua Mekong: Boutique Expedition-Style Cruising

Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Mekong occupies a niche between expedition cruising and boutique luxury. Its 20-suite vessel splits its schedule between 3-, 4- and 7-night routes that can be combined for longer journeys, but the 7-night high water itinerary between Vietnam and Cambodia is especially prized by travelers who value design-forward ships and small-group excursions.

The Aqua Mekong distinguishes itself through its guiding and off-ship activities. Passengers can expect guided biking through plantations, private skiffs reaching quiet river communities, and carefully curated visits that limit group size and crowding.

Onboard spaces are sleek and residential in feel, with panoramic windows rather than balconies in many suites, and dining that often features chef-driven menus by well-known culinary partners.

Shorter Segments and Flexible Mekong Options

Not every traveler can commit to a full week on the river. In response, several operators have carved their itineraries into shorter upstream or downstream segments, usually 3 to 5 days between key hubs such as Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.

These shorter cruises typically trade depth for flexibility but can be a smart fit if your schedule or budget is tight.

4-Day Phnom Penh to Saigon via Can Tho on Mekong Eyes Explorer

The Mekong Eyes Explorer is a mid-sized ship that runs a popular 4-day itinerary from Phnom Penh down to Ho Chi Minh City, with overnight stops in Chau Doc, Can Tho and Cai Be.

Rather than covering the entire distance to Siem Reap, it concentrates on the lower Mekong segment, including the famously animated Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho.

This itinerary is well suited to travelers already planning significant time in Cambodia or Vietnam who want a river segment without dedicating an entire week.

Cabins are comfortable but unfussy, and the smaller ship size allows closer access to canals and village moorings. The trade-off is that you will need to arrange separate overland touring for Phnom Penh and any Angkor temple visits.

Traditional Small-Ship Itineraries with Toum Tiou

For those drawn to intimate, classic riverboats, the Toum Tiou offers an old-school alternative on routes between Saigon and Siem Reap.

With only about ten cabins, this small vessel can navigate sections of the river and canals that larger ships bypass, sometimes docking closer to city centers and villages.

Its itineraries generally mirror the broad Saigon–Phnom Penh–Siem Reap pattern, but the mood is distinct. Life on board feels more like a houseboat than a hotel, with shared social spaces and an emphasis on informality.

Travelers willing to trade some modern luxuries for character and closer contact with the river environment often find this format rewarding.

What You Will Actually See: Key Stops on Mekong Itineraries

While operators emphasize service and onboard comforts in their marketing, the real heart of any Mekong cruise is the string of places you visit along the way. Most Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries share a common set of anchor stops, each offering a different window into life along the river.

The Mekong Delta: My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec and Beyond

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is usually your first or last chapter. Nearly all itineraries embark or disembark near My Tho, a port reachable by road from Ho Chi Minh City.

From here, ships thread deeper into the delta’s arteries. Cai Be is a frequent stopping point, known for its canalside life, cathedral and nearby craft villages producing everything from rice paper to coconut sweets.

Sa Dec, another staple on many itineraries, blends river commerce with colonial history. Travelers walk tree-lined streets, visit colorful temples, and sometimes tour the house associated with Marguerite Duras’ novel “The Lover.”

In between these towns, guests often join bicycle or tuk-tuk rides through orchards and rice paddies, pausing at family-run workshops and homes.

Borderlands and Chau Doc

As the river approaches the Cambodian border, the mood shifts. Towns like Chau Doc, a frequent call on multi-day cruises, showcase the cultural mix of ethnic Vietnamese, Khmer and Cham communities.

Passengers might visit floating fish farms, mosques in Cham villages or hillside shrines with sweeping views across the borderlands.

The actual crossing into Cambodia is usually handled smoothly by the ship, with staff managing visas and formalities.

Depending on routing and water levels, this stretch can involve a long daytime sail, giving passengers a chance to watch the river widen and the scenery open toward Cambodia’s flatter floodplains.

Phnom Penh: The Cultural and Historical Pivot

Phnom Penh sits at the midpoint of most itineraries and often serves as a two-night stop. The Cambodian capital delivers a powerful juxtaposition of ornate royal architecture and sobering twentieth-century history.

Standard excursions include the Royal Palace complex and the Silver Pagoda, alongside visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the Killing Fields memorial outside the city.

Good itineraries allow free time for guests to explore Phnom Penh’s cafe scene, markets and riverside promenade. Some cruises offer optional evening tuk-tuk rides or independent dining ashore, breaking up the onboard routine. For many travelers, the time in Phnom Penh is the emotional and intellectual anchor of the trip.

Tonle Sap Corridor and Siem Reap Gateway

North of Phnom Penh, the river splits and joins the Tonle Sap system that eventually connects to Siem Reap. Guests might visit craft villages at Oudong or Kampong Cham, watch traditional silk weaving, or receive a water blessing from monks at hilltop pagodas.

Depending on the water season, ships may either approach closer to Tonle Sap Lake or transfer passengers part of the way by road.

Siem Reap itself is almost always experienced as a land stay rather than a direct port call, with guests checking into hotels for two or more nights to explore Angkor Wat and surrounding temples.

While not strictly part of the cruise itinerary, this temple touring is an inseparable part of almost every Vietnam–Cambodia Mekong package, and the quality of the Angkor experience is an important factor when comparing options.

Choosing the Right Mekong Itinerary for Your Travel Style

With so many Mekong routes and operators vying for attention, the question is not whether to cruise but how. Fares vary widely, and so do inclusions, group sizes and onboard cultures. Matching the itinerary to your travel style will shape everything from your comfort level to how deeply you engage with the places you visit.

For First-Time River Cruisers

If this is your first river cruise, a 7- or 8-night classic itinerary between My Tho or Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap is usually the best entry point.

Choose a line known for clear English-language touring and a proven record on the Mekong, such as AmaWaterways, Emerald or Lotus Cruises. These itineraries strike a balance between structure and downtime, with a full program of daily excursions that never feel frantic.

Look carefully at what is included. Many first-timers appreciate bundling airport transfers, most excursions and at least beer and wine with meals into the fare, minimizing surprise costs along the way.

Also pay attention to cabin categories: on a river like the Mekong, where scenery alternates between wide vistas and narrower canals, a balcony or large window can significantly enrich the experience.

For Culture Seekers and Independent Travelers

Travelers who prioritize cultural immersion over sheer comfort may gravitate toward smaller ships or brands with a more experiential approach. Aqua Mekong’s small-group excursions and bike-centric touring appeal to active guests who prefer in-depth village visits to passive sightseeing.

Intimate vessels such as Toum Tiou or some traditional wooden boats offer closer contact with river communities, albeit with simpler facilities.

These itineraries often leave more space for independent exploration, including free evenings in Phnom Penh or flexible time in local markets.

The trade-off is that you may forego certain big-ship amenities such as large pools or multiple dining venues. For many culture-focused travelers, the ability to step directly into a village lane from a small gangway is worth that compromise.

For Luxury Travelers and Special Occasions

If you are marking a milestone trip or simply value seamless comfort, consider the extended itineraries offered by Scenic, Emerald’s upper cabin categories, or high-end ships like Aqua Mekong and Mekong Navigator. These operators tend to emphasize suite-only accommodation, fine dining, spa facilities and high crew-to-guest ratios.

The routes themselves often mirror classic patterns, but the way you experience them shifts. Private or near-private touring at key sites, thoughtfully staged cultural performances and generous inclusions make the journey feel more like a curated expedition than a group tour.

For honeymooners or travelers combining the Mekong with a longer Asia journey, this style can be especially compelling.

For Time-Pressed or Budget-Conscious Travelers

Shorter segments, such as Phnom Penh to Saigon on Mekong Eyes Explorer, work well if you are fitting a cruise into a packed Southeast Asia itinerary. You still float through core Mekong landscapes, including the delta and borderlands, but with a smaller time commitment and often a lower upfront cost.

Travelers watching their budget can also consider shoulder-season departures outside peak holiday periods, when fares on many ships drop while river conditions remain favorable.

Mid-range vessels without the branding of major Western river lines can deliver excellent value, particularly if you are comfortable with slightly simpler cabins or less elaborate onboard entertainment.

The Takeaway

The Mekong is more than a border between Vietnam and Cambodia. It is a shared lifeline, a stage on which stories of empire, war, resilience and renewal have all played out.

A well-chosen river cruise lets you move through this landscape slowly enough to absorb it, without sacrificing comfort or safety. From one-week classics between Saigon and Siem Reap to grand, multi-country journeys, there is now a Mekong itinerary for almost every style of traveler.

As you weigh your options, focus on what you want the journey to feel like: social and packed with activities, or intimate and contemplative; framed by luxury trimmings or grounded in simple, direct encounters with river communities.

Pay attention to direction of travel, seasonality, and how much time is allocated to Phnom Penh and Angkor. With those decisions made carefully, the Mekong will do the rest, carrying you from the mangroves of Vietnam’s delta to the spires of Cambodian temples in a single, slow, unforgettable arc.

FAQ

Q1. When is the best time of year to take a Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia?
The main cruising season runs from November to March, when temperatures are relatively moderate and rainfall is lower. High water from roughly August to November allows ships to navigate farther along tributaries and closer to Tonle Sap Lake, which can shorten overland transfers. Low water in late winter and spring exposes more riverbanks and sandbars and may require longer coach links to and from Siem Reap, but overall conditions remain good throughout most of the dry season.

Q2. How long should I plan for a Mekong cruise that includes both Vietnam and Cambodia?
The core river segment between the Mekong Delta and Siem Reap or Phnom Penh typically takes 7 or 8 nights. Many travelers wrap this inside a longer 12 to 20 day itinerary that adds city time in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Bangkok and at least two full days among the temples of Angkor. If you only have a week, focus on the cruise itself and one gateway city; if you have more time, consider an extended land-and-river program.

Q3. Do I need separate visas for Vietnam and Cambodia on a Mekong cruise?
Yes. Most nationalities need individual entry permissions for both Vietnam and Cambodia. On almost all organized cruises, the ship’s staff or tour operator assists with visa arrangements and border formalities, particularly at river crossings. Requirements and costs depend on your passport, so you should check the latest information and coordinate with your cruise line several weeks before departure.

Q4. Are Mekong River cruises suitable for children and families?
Many Mekong itineraries welcome children, often from around 8 to 12 years old, but the experience is geared primarily to adults. Days involve cultural touring, temple visits and gentle village walks rather than high-adrenaline activities. Some ships offer adjoining cabins or family suites and occasional kid-friendly programming, yet families should be realistic about heat, humidity and attention spans. If traveling with younger children, consider shorter segments and choose departures outside the hottest months.

Q5. How does the comfort level on Mekong cruises compare to European river cruises?
Top-tier Mekong ships operated by established river cruise brands now offer comfort broadly comparable to European counterparts, including well-equipped cabins, quality dining and air conditioning throughout. However, the river environment is more rustic, and shore infrastructure can be less polished than on the Rhine or Danube. Expect occasional uneven paths, basic village facilities and some flexibility around timing due to water levels, all of which are part of the destination’s character.

Q6. Will I experience motion sickness on a Mekong River cruise?
The Mekong’s flow is generally gentle, and ships are designed for calm river navigation rather than open seas, so motion sickness is rare. Most sailing occurs on broad, slow-moving sections of the river or protected canals. If you are particularly sensitive, choosing a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck and bringing standard motion sickness remedies should be more than sufficient.

Q7. What should I pack for a Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong cruise?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Pack conservative outfits that cover shoulders and knees for temple visits, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals suitable for uneven paths and boat landings. Insect repellent, a light rain jacket, and a reusable water bottle are also useful. On more upscale ships, one or two smart-casual outfits will suffice for evening dinners.

Q8. How physically demanding are the excursions on Mekong itineraries?
Most excursions are moderate, involving short walks through villages, markets and temple complexes, sometimes in significant heat and humidity. Boarding small boats or climbing a few steps to access pagodas is common. Travelers with mobility concerns should look for lines that offer gentle walking groups or alternative, less strenuous options in major ports. It is wise to be honest with yourself about your fitness level and to pace your participation accordingly.

Q9. Are Mekong River cruises environmentally responsible?
Environmental practices vary by operator, but there is growing awareness across the Mekong of the need to minimize impact on fragile river ecosystems. Many reputable lines have moved away from single-use plastics, support waste management initiatives in partner communities and design excursions around small groups to reduce pressure on local sites. If sustainability is a priority for you, ask specific questions about fuel efficiency, waste handling and community partnerships when choosing an itinerary.

Q10. How far in advance should I book a Mekong River cruise?
For popular high season departures between November and February, booking 9 to 12 months in advance gives you the best choice of ships and cabin categories, especially on smaller or luxury vessels with limited inventory. Shoulder-season sailings in late spring and early autumn may have more flexibility, but last-minute discounts are never guaranteed. If your dates are fixed or you are traveling as a group, early planning is strongly advisable.