Mekong River Cruises
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Table of contents
- The best Mekong cruises
- What people love about 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
Experience the Mekong Delta's timeless rhythm through sampan boat rides and cycling adventures in Ben Tre and Cai Thia. At $143 per day, enjoy authentic homestays, traditional cooking demonstrations, and early morning visits to Cai Rang Floating Market. Navigate mangrove-lined canals, visit riverside markets, and connect with local families through shared meals and cultural performances.
Duration 3 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Cai Rang Age Range up to 90 year olds River Mekong Operator G Adventures From
- US$399
Downstream Mekong River Cruise Tours from Siem Reap To Phnom Penh 3-Day
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The mighty Mekong beckons aboard Mekong Dawn from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Float past Kampong Phluk's floating community, take traditional ox-cart rides in Kampong Tralach, and visit Koh Chen's silversmith artisans. Air-conditioned cabins and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine complete the journey.
Duration 3 days Destinations Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh Age Range 5 to 70 year olds River Mekong Operator DNQ Travel From
- US$979
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-see sites
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The intimate Toum Tiou 2 connects UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat with active adventures. Riverside cycling in Kampong Chhnang, kayaking near Cai Be's orchards, and local boat rides through Tra Su Forest fill 11 days. Siem Reap's floating villages and Ho Chi Minh City's vintage Vespa food tour provide authentic moments. All meals and local drinks included at approx. $280 per day.
Duration 11 days Destinations Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Koh Chen, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai BeSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,556
The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-see sites (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
UNESCO-listed Angkor temples precede an intimate Mekong cruise aboard Toum Tiou 2. The route from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City costs approx. $290 per day, featuring kayaking in Cai Be, cycling through rice fields near Kampong Tralach, and sampan rides in Tra Su Forest. Cooking classes, Vespa street food tours, and floating village visits showcase local life.
Duration 11 days Destinations Siem Reap, Koh Chen, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My ThoSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds River Mekong Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,691
AmaDara showcases Mekong's treasures from Phnom Penh's Royal Palace to Vietnam's Tra Su Forest sanctuary. Traditional silk-weaving in Oknhatey, Buddhist ceremonies in Oudong, and village life in Tan Chau unfold amid French Colonial luxury.
Duration 8 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 90 year olds Ship AmaDara River Mekong Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$2,499
What people love about Mekong Cruises
- Mekong Upstream Vietnam Cambodia on Mekong Navigator
Great tour with nice food and friendly people.
- Mekong Downstream Cambodia Vietnam on Mekong Navigator
Staff excellent. Cabin lovely but situated back of boat and engine noise so loud prevented sleep. Other passengers were warned if this and given a reduced rate. Food and service excellent. Mooring at Phnom Penh for three nights with no view but underside of dock made balcony unusable for almost half of cruise. €1000 refund from Lotus accepted. Tourradar attempt to claim 20% of that disgraceful.
- Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise
Our voyage on Scenic Spirit exceeded our expectations. It was an amazing experience!
Travel Mekong your way
There's something special about the Jayavarman - it combines colonial elegance with the ability to navigate quieter parts of the Mekong. You'll drift past fishing villages and vibrant markets while enjoying quality service and comfortable amenities on board. The routes take you from busy trading spots to peaceful monasteries tucked away along the shoreline, showing you just how varied life is along this mighty river.
Select from our extensive range of 65 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Mekong with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Mekong. We have 15 adventures that vary from 2 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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?
Group
75 tours in MekongExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Mekong. We have 75 adventures that vary from 2 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Private / Personalized
5 tours in MekongPrivate Mekong journeys give you room to shape the experience your way. Many travelers combine temple visits with river cruising, taking extra time at temples that interest them most. In Luang Prabang, some clients choose to stay longer, joining the morning alms ceremonies and exploring the night markets at their own pace. These private tours work particularly well for specific interests - we can build in extra photo stops at villages, schedule more time at craft workshops or focus on diving deeper into the area's history. Our clients especially value the freedom to linger - like spending more time watching copper craftwork in Koh Chen or enjoying a private dinner set up along a quiet stretch of riverbank.
Top Mekong travel itineraries to fit your plans
When you have 10 days, you can really get into the Mekong's flow. Up in Laos, the routes take you to local chopstick makers, organize dinners on empty islands and show you through the massive Xayaburi Dam. Down on the lower Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, you'll explore the Royal Palace, wander through floating markets and connect with village life. Our clients particularly enjoy the special moments - getting blessed by monks in old temples, watching lion dancers perform on deck and taking evening remork rides through glowing city streets. The ships come with spa services, morning tai chi and cooking classes using ingredients you'll pick up at local markets. It's ideal for anyone wanting to dive deep into the culture while enjoying really comfortable accommodations.
Our 14-day golf and cruise packages combine luxury river travel with rounds at Southeast Asia's best courses. You'll start in Vientiane playing excellent clubs like Lakeview, Long Vien and also Luang Prabang before joining your river vessel. While cruising, you'll visit remote Khmu villages, explore caves packed with Buddha statues and see the Golden Triangle area. Our guests love how active mornings on world-class courses flow into laid-back afternoons discovering riverside communities. The trip finishes in Thailand with rounds at Santiburi Chiang Rai and also Chiang Mai Highlands, both set against beautiful mountain scenery.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bangkok
Demographics
Our solo travelers on the Mekong really connect with the river cruise experience - it's got this nice balance of being social when you want and having your own space when you need it. There's one cruise that our clients particularly love; it takes you into smaller villages away from the usual tourist spots, so you're seeing real local life but can always head back to the comfort of your boat community. The daily schedule works well for solo guests, mixing group activities with plenty of free time to do your own thing. What makes it special is how the staff create this warm, inclusive feeling where single travelers naturally get to know other guests over meals and village visits, while still having quiet moments to watch life unfold along the river from their private cabin.
The luxury Mekong cruises work beautifully for couples - they blend romance with real cultural experiences in a way that our guests really appreciate. Several routes feature intimate morning champagne service near ancient temples, private dining on your balcony and couples treatments in the onboard spa. There's this particularly good cruise that includes special VIP seats at the Cambodian Phare Circus and temple dinners by candlelight. Another favorite gets couples cooking local dishes together in hands-on classes and then enjoying evening drinks while watching the sunset from deck. The cabins themselves are lovely - they've got these beautiful French colonial details and big windows, so couples can take in the changing river views together in their own private space.
Our Mekong cruises connect with younger travelers by blending active exploration, laid-back socializing and authentic cultural moments. Guests can hop onto mountain bikes for village rides, glide through quiet delta channels by kayak, and trek up to temples for traditional water blessings. The evening Vespa tours in Saigon are a highlight, with local guides leading the way from hidden seafood haunts to small music spots. Cycling routes cover 20-65km daily past floating markets and silk workshops before returning to the boat where travelers gather for drinks at sunset. Morning excursions take you deep into places like Tra Su Forest by small boat, while afternoons focus on hands-on activities like cooking with market-fresh ingredients. As night falls, Phare circus performers, Khmer dancers and also regional specialties keep the atmosphere buzzing, with plenty of time to swap stories over cocktails on deck.
Solo Travelers51 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples48 tours
- Seniors (50+)44 tours
Best time to visit
- Spring 2025
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.
- popular 27 tours
- Summer 2025
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.
- popular 27 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
- 33 tours
- popular 43 tours
- 34 tours
- 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.
- 28 tours
- popular 30 tours
- 28 tours
Contact our Mekong travel experts
Nadine
Expert in Mekong at TourRadar
Nadine is one of our seasoned Mekong Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Mekong tours answered!
- Choose from 80+ Mekong tours
- 49 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+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.