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Mekong River cruise

Mekong River cruise: A bucket-list experience for all

20/11/2024 549 views

A Mekong River cruise will take you on a scenic journey through Southeast Asia, revealing the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Passengers will enjoy lush landscapes, bustling floating markets, and historic temples while experiencing rich local cultures.

1. Is experiencing a Mekong River cruise worth it?

Where is the Mekong River? The Mekong River in which country does it flow? The Mekong River is the longest river in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s longest rivers. Flowing from the Tibetan Plateau in China through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, it is a vital resource for the people living along its banks and also a top tourist attraction for both nature and culture enthusiasts. To tour the Mekong, a Mekong River cruise offers options from short day trips to multi-day voyages, allowing for a leisurely exploration of this river’s beauty.

On a cruise along this majestic river, you can relax in a serene atmosphere while enjoying the scenic landscape of rice fields, fruit orchards, coconut groves, and a complex network of rivers and canals. You will also have a chance to visit bustling floating markets and explore diverse ethnic communities. You can take part in eco-tourism activities to explore the region’s rich biodiversity and visit cultural sites to learn about the locals’ traditions.

Mekong River cruise

Discover all scenic Mekong River Cruise reviews and prepare for your trip! (Source: Collected)

More on: How long is the Mekong River? – Facts that you may not know

2. How many types of Mekong River cruises are there?

To meet all traveler needs for a scenic Mekong River cruise, various cruise options are available, including luxury, deluxe, and private cruises.

2.1. Luxury cruises

Luxury Mekong River cruises offer state-of-the-art facilities and professional services. Some notable options include:

  • RV Mekong Princess: An elegant French-style ship with modern amenities, including a restaurant, lounge, spa, fitness center, etc.
  • Heritage Line The Jahan: This cruise blends romantic and lavish décor, featuring well-designed rooms, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a spa.
  • Heritage Line Jayavarman: Designed in elegant Indochinese style, this cruise includes a bar, restaurant, spa, and jacuzzi.
  • RV Mekong Pandaw: Known for its spacious deck and amenities like a restaurant, spa, fitness center, etc.
  • Mekong Prestige: Offering French-Indochinese charm with fine cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
  • RV La Marguerite: As one of the best luxury Mekong River cruises, it includes an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant, and private balconies.
  • Aqua Mekong: Featuring modern architecture, premium facilities, professional service, and activities like kayaking and cycling.
  • RV Champa Pandaw: Accommodating 14 staterooms, including modern amenities like wi-fi, airport transfers, and shuttle services.
  • RV Laos Pandaw: Simple yet elegant with well-furnished rooms, a large dining hall, and amenities like wi-fi and laundry.
  • RV Mekong Adventurer: Offering French-Indochinese style with Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines, a spa, and a swimming pool.
  • RV Tonle Pandaw: Classic design with a large dining hall and 26 comfortable staterooms accompanied by wi-fi.
  • RV Indochina Pandaw: Featuring 30 well-equipped rooms with amenities like meals and shuttle services.
  • Heritage Line Anouvong: Offering 10 staterooms with private balconies, tai chi classes, a spa, and a library.
  • Victoria Mekong: This luxury Mekong River cruise provides modern amenities, traditional music performances, a spa, a jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool.
  • RV Bassac Pandaw: A luxurious cruise with traditional styling and colonial charm, offering cooking classes, shuttle services, and wi-fi.
  • RV Mekong Navigator: Equipped with luxury facilities, including a sun deck, dining room, library, spa, and gym.
Luxury Mekong River cruises

There are various options for a river cruise on the Mekong River (Source: Collected)

2.2. Deluxe cruises

Deluxe Mekong River cruises provide a high-standard experience with an enjoyable itinerary along the beautiful Mekong River. Popular options include:

  • Mekong Eyes Explorer: A favorite deluxe cruise that offers indoor and outdoor dining, Vietnamese and Western cuisines, and airport transfers.
  • Mekong Eyes Classic: Equipped with 14 comfortable twin and double cabins, it offers quality facilities and excellent services.
  • Dragon Eyes: Built in a traditional riverboat style with just two cabins, this cruise provides personal service, meals, cooking classes, and shuttle services.
  • Bassac: Also decorated in a traditional style, it features cozy cabins with air conditioning and wi-fi.
  • Toum Tiou: This cruise has 10 double rooms with amenities like massage services, a library, and shops.
  • Mango Sampan: With two air-conditioned bedrooms, it includes a wardrobe, a safe, and a washroom.

2.3. Private cruises

Private Mekong River cruises are perfect for families or couples wanting a more intimate experience. Some options include:

  • The Gecko Eyes: Styled with unique local design and equipped with one cabin with full amenities, including meals and airport transfers.
  • Mango Sampan: Ideal for couples or small families, it offers a home-like setting with a living room, a sundeck, local guides, and cooking classes.

Deluxe Mekong River cruises

You can enjoy a Mekong River day cruise, a 3-day Mekong River cruise, or more (Source: Collected)

3. What are the best stops for Mekong River cruises?

The Mekong River cruise map primarily passes through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with each country offering unique highlights.

3.1. In Vietnam

Vietnam is a key destination in most Mekong River cruise itineraries, showcasing the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta. You will journey through lush rice paddies, nutrient-rich rivers, coconut-lined banks, lively floating markets, and riverside villages. 

Vietnam travel offers a meaningful, slow-paced journey through Southern Vietnam. Vietnam Mekong River cruises allow you to discover the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta, with stops like Cai Be and My Tho in Tien Giang, Long Xuyen and Cho Lach in Ben Tre, Rach Gia in Kien Giang, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Sa Dec, Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, An Giang, and Vinh Long. 

Additionally, a Mekong River cruise in Vietnam often includes a visit to Ho Chi Minh City – the most bustling city in Vietnam. There is also Phu Quoc – known for its stunning beaches, and Con Dao – famed for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Visiting Phu Quoc on a scenic Mekong River cruise in Vietnam, travelers can enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure. Highlights include VinWonders Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s largest theme park, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – the country’s first semi-wildlife conservation park, and Grand World Phu Quoc – where shopping and dining experiences await. For a luxurious stay, the upscale hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Phu Quoc are ideal options.

Mekong River cruises in Vietnam

Mekong River cruises in Vietnam

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3.2. In Cambodia

Cambodia offers a blend of peaceful natural attractions and impressive historical sites. Cruise itineraries often include Phnom Penh – the bustling capital city with many cultural sites, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, the iconic Angkor Wat, and Oudong with its tranquil atmosphere. Other notable destinations are Chnok Tru Floating Village, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Koh Oknha Tey, Wat Nokor Bachey, and Wat Hanchey.

3.3. In Laos

Laos offers many great destinations for a cruise on the Mekong River, with both better-known and lesser-known spots rich in natural, historical, and architectural values. Highlights of Laos Mekong River cruises include Pak Lai, Luang Prabang, and Pak Beng. There is Kuang Si Falls – a breathtaking three-tiered waterfall, Xanakham – a small riverside village, Pak Ou Caves – an important spiritual site, and Vientiane – the capital city. You can also visit Ban Mouang Khai Village for trekking tours and Xayaburi Dam for lush greenery.

Mekong River cruise in Laos

A Mekong River cruise to Laos unveils a world of natural beauty and historical significance (Source: Collected)

Discover: Mekong River map: Geography and extra tips for travelers

4. Popular routes and itineraries for Mekong River cruises

Mekong River cruises vary, offering travelers a range of popular options to explore the beauty of this mighty river. Below are some popular routes and itineraries to consider.

4.1. Saigon – Siem Reap and vice versa

The Mekong River cruises from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap promise unforgettable experiences amidst rural landscapes and heritage sites. From the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the cruises will go to My Tho with its floating markets, Sa Dec and Chau Doc for their colonial architecture, and Phnom Penh for a deep dive into Cambodia’s history. The journey ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s cultural hub.

Popular cruises on this route include: 

  • RV Mekong Princess
  • Heritage Line The Jahan
  • Heritage Line Jayavarman
  • RV Mekong Pandaw
  • Mekong Prestige
  • Aqua Mekong
  • RV Mekong Adventurer
  • RV Tonle Pandaw
  • Toum Tiou (Siem Reap to Saigon only)
Mekong River cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia

Enjoy a wonderful Mekong River cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia (Source: Collected)

4.2. Saigon – Phnom Penh and vice versa

Mekong River cruises from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh capture the highlights of both Vietnam and Cambodia, showcasing history, culture, and nature. From Ho Chi Minh City, the cruises will pass through the lush Mekong Delta, Cai Be’s floating markets, the town of Chau Doc, and Phnom Penh with its historical sites.

Popular cruises on this route include:

  • RV Mekong Princess
  • Heritage Line The Jahan
  • Heritage Line Jayavarman
  • Mekong Eyes Explorer
  • RV Mekong Pandaw
  • Mekong Eyes Classic
  • Aqua Mekong
  • Dragon Eyes
  • Gecko Eyes
  • RV Tonle Pandaw
  • Victoria Mekong

4.3. Saigon – Phu Quoc and vice versa

Cruises that go from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc offer tourists a chance to explore two of Vietnam’s most famous destinations. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, you will navigate the Mekong Delta’s rustic towns like Can Tho and Cai Be. You will eventually reach Phu Quoc to enjoy beautiful beaches, lush forests, and exciting activities.

Popular cruises on this route include:

  • Mekong Eyes Explorer
  • Mekong Eyes Classic
  • Dragon Eyes
  • Gecko Eyes
This Mekong River Cruise in Vietnam is unmissable for island lovers

This Mekong River Cruise in Vietnam is unmissable for island lovers (Source: Collected)

4.4. Phnom Penh – Siem Reap and vice versa

Mekong River cruises from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap cover notable destinations like Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Wat Hanchey, Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap, and Siem Reap. They offer a chance to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Popular cruises on this route include:

  • Heritage Line The Jahan
  • Heritage Line Jayavarman
  • RV Mekong Pandaw
  • Aqua Mekong
  • RV Tonle Pandaw

4.5. Cai Be – Can Tho and vice versa

Cruises through the Mekong Delta’s winding waterways and lush orchards offer an intimate view of rural life. Starting in Saigon, the journey will pass through Can Tho, Vinh Long, My Thuan, Sa Dec, and Cai Be, allowing travelers to explore towns, riverside markets, floating villages, heritage sites, local workshops, and picturesque landscapes along the way.

Popular cruises on this route include:

  • Mekong Eyes Explorer
  • Mekong Eyes Classic
  • Bassac
  • Dragon Eyes
  • Gecko Eyes
Mekong Delta River

Don’t miss out on this Mekong Delta River cruise for a glimpse into rural life (Source: Collected)

5. What is the best month to cruise the Mekong River?

The best time for Mekong River cruises depends on your destination and preference. For sunny weather, visit during the dry season: November – April in Vietnam and Cambodia, and November – January in Laos. If you are more interested in seeing the region’s natural wonders, the rainy season is also ideal: August – October in Vietnam and Cambodia, and June – October in Laos. If you are looking for the cheapest Mekong River cruises, the low season from April to September offers better Mekong River cruise prices.

6. Important notes while taking a cruise on the Mekong River

Here are some helpful tips for a smooth Mekong River cruise:

  • Regularly check the local weather forecast to ensure you pack suitable clothing.
  • Essential items include sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, and, of course, a camera.
  • Make note of any special dietary requirements to avoid food allergies.
  • Do not bring onboard any intoxicating liquors, weapons, or animals.
  • Double-check your belongings before leaving the cruise.
  • Only bring essential items, as the storage space on the cruise may be limited.
  • Tipping is optional, and should only be done if the services are satisfactory.
  • If you experience motion sickness, inform the cruise staff to help arrange more comfortable seating.
  • If you are traveling with children, pack some snacks in case the cruise menu is not suitable for them.
Important notes while taking a cruise on the Mekong River

Check the local weather for a smooth journey (Source: Collected)

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Boarding a Mekong River cruise is an extraordinary way to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia. As you journey along the river, you will encounter serene landscapes, vibrant markets, and centuries-old temples that tell the stories of the region. From luxurious amenities to local encounters, the Mekong River cruise promises a memorable adventure.

 

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