Mekong River Cruises
Floating markets, rural Cambodia and the road to Angkor, by small ship.
Get Free Mekong QuotesVietnam and Cambodia by River
The lower Mekong is Southeast Asia at river level: rice paddies and fruit orchards, stilt villages, floating markets, silk weavers and pagodas, and at the end of the line the temples of Angkor. Most cruises sail between the Mekong Delta near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, continuing toward Siem Reap when water levels allow.
The route
A classic itinerary is about a week on the river, wrapped in hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. In Vietnam the ship threads the channels of the delta, with sampan rides to small workshops and markets. Crossing into Cambodia, the river widens; stops include rural villages, Buddhist monasteries and Phnom Penh, with its Royal Palace and sobering genocide memorials. The Tonle Sap river and lake lead toward Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Water levels matter. The Tonle Sap swells in the wet season and shrinks in the dry months. When it is low, ships often start or end further downstream and guests travel part of the way to Siem Reap by road. That is normal on this river and is built into many itineraries.
Who Sails the Mekong
Several established lines operate on the Mekong. Verified examples include:
- AmaWaterways — a long-standing Mekong operator; the Official River Cruise Directory reported its new AmaMaya joining the river.
- Aqua Expeditions — the Aqua Mekong, a 40-guest, 20-suite expedition-style ship with its own tenders, sailing between Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Pandaw — colonial-style teak riverboats on several Asian rivers, including the Mekong.
Ships on the Mekong are small by European standards, and excursions often use local boats, ox carts, tuk-tuks or bicycles. Ask us which ship suits your style: expedition-luxe, classic river cruise, or heritage riverboat.
When to Go
The drier, cooler months, roughly late autumn through spring, are the most comfortable for touring and the most popular. The hottest weeks come just before the rains. In the wet season the landscape turns green and the Tonle Sap fills, which can make it easier for ships to sail closer to Siem Reap, but expect heavy showers. Our advisors will help you balance heat, crowds, water levels and price.
Before You Go
- Check visa requirements for both Vietnam and Cambodia well in advance; rules change.
- Review vaccination and malaria advice on the CDC Travelers’ Health pages for each country.
- Pack light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits.
- Allow time for Angkor: most travelers want at least two full days at the temples.
For deeper Mekong reading, see our sister site mekongriverboatcruises.com.
Cruise the Mekong
From the delta to Angkor: our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match you with the right ship and season and send free quotes.
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