Mekong River - Cruise Destination Focus
Everything you need to know about a Mekong River cruise
Flowing from Southwest China and into the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam – passing through parts of Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia on the way – the Mekong River is among the largest rivers in Asia and home to some truly sensational river cruise experiences. Boasting shore excursions and immersive cultural experiences unlike anything else available, especially when you compare them to what you’ll encounter when you hop on a river cruise sailing through Europe, exploring the Mekong River is simply unforgettable. With major Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City on Mekong River cruise itineraries, alongside world-famous wonders like Angkor Wat, there are so many reasons why you should consider one of the available Mekong river cruises as your next adventure abroad.
Although, what does cruising the Mekong actually entail? Much like Rhine river cruises, Danube river cruises, or Douro river cruises, it’s easy to say wonderful things about Mekong River cruises, but what makes this river cruise destination stand out from the rest? Why should you travel all the way to Southeast Asia for a river cruise when there are so many excellent river cruise deals closer to home?
Well, aside from the excellent onboard experience you’ll enjoy on a river cruise ship sailing along the Mekong River, there’s a lot to look forward to – unique cultural experiences, flavourful foods, and immersive shore excursions you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world, to name a few.
If you’re considering a Mekong River cruise, but you’re still on the fence, keep reading for more details on what you can expect from the experience, the places you’ll have the chance to explore, and more. Who knows, we might convince you!
Contents:
- Why choose a Mekong River cruise?
- Top destinations and highlights on the Mekong River
- Best time for cruises on the Mekong River
- Top Mekong River cruise lines
- Best Mekong River cruise deals
- Mekong River cruise tips
- Frequently Asked Questions about Mekong River cruises
Why choose a Mekong River cruise?
Why choose a Mekong River cruise? That’s the real question, isn’t it? Why would you travel halfway around the world to embark on a river cruise when Europe, which is mere hours away, is home to some of the world’s most spectacular river cruises? Well, the answer to that is quite simple: you’re not going to find anything like a Mekong River cruise in Europe, or anywhere else in the world.
Home to jaw-dropping landscapes, with luscious forests and vibrant jungles surrounding incredible ancient temples and bustling cities overflowing with culture, the destinations you’ll visit in the Mekong River Delta and along the Mekong itself are second to none. Southeast Asia is a fascinating region, with cultures and cuisine so different from those you’ll find in Europe, and a Mekong River cruise invites you to explore this part of the world with immersive shore excursions and a comprehensive look at everything it has to offer.
With the destinations included on Mekong River cruises further apart from each other, and some not even along the Mekong River, the itineraries you’ll have the chance to enjoy are longer than those you’ll find in Europe, and boast overnight stays in some of the region’s most spectacular cities and days of cruising where you’ll be able to enjoy everything your river cruise ship has to offer you.
And that onboard experience is something you’ll want to savour.
On a Mekong River cruise, you’ll be travelling in complete comfort aboard a stylish river cruise ship equipped with comfortable lounge spaces, well-appointed accommodation, and plenty of places to take a moment and admire the stunning surrounding scenery. The specific amenities available onboard vary from river cruise ship to river cruise ship, but you can expect sensational cuisine and attentive service throughout your voyage. No matter what you need, there will be someone there to help out, and that’s what makes river cruising a fantastic way to see so many excellent places around the world.
It’s ultimately one of the most stress-free ways of travelling, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the interesting destinations on river cruise itineraries are so far apart from one another.
On a river cruise, you’ll have all your travel arrangements organised, your accommodation taken care of, and a seat at a fine dining restaurant every night. You’ll also have a range of immersive cultural experiences planned out at each stop, so – unless you want to head off and do your own thing during a stop on your river cruise – you won’t have to plan anything at all during your adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or brand-new to venturing abroad, a Mekong River cruise is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
Top destinations and highlights on the Mekong River
So, we’ve spent some time waxing lyrical about Southeast Asia and all the sensational places you can visit on a Mekong River cruise, but it’s time to get stuck into some specifics. Where can you actually visit when you embark on a Mekong River cruise, and what can you expect to encounter when you get there? While every stop on a Mekong River cruise itinerary offers you something incredible, be that stunning views, sensational food, or an unforgettable shore excursion, the following are among the highlights:
Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
The second-largest city in Cambodia and a destination just a stone’s throw from the remarkable Angkor Wat temple complex, Krong Siem Reap is a fascinating river cruise destination and often the starting point for river cruises along the Mekong River. However, it is not situated on the river itself. Boasting a captivating blend of French-colonial and Chinese-inspired architecture throughout the city centre, and an abundance of authentic cultural experiences to enjoy, this is one destination you’ll want to spend some time exploring. The authentic Cambodian cuisine you’ll have the chance to enjoy here is not to be missed, either, with popular dishes often incorporating elements from Indian, French, and Chinese cuisines to create something truly special.
Top highlights here include:
- Angkor Wat - a true wonder of the world, Angkor Wat is believed to be the largest religious structure in the world, seen as one of the best surviving examples of Khmer architecture, and is a symbol of Cambodia itself
- Bayon Temple - constructed at the turn of the 13th century, Bayon Temple is a staggering Khmer temple boasting intricate exterior decorations and is regarded as featuring the most striking expression of the baroque style incorporated into Khmer architecture, a stark contrast to the style implemented in Angkor Wat
- Phnom Kraom - an impressive hill to the south of Krong Siem Reap city centre, Phnom Kraom is home to an impressive 9th-century temple and boasts stunning views of the surrounding region
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia’s bustling capital city, Phnom Penh, is a remarkable river cruise destination with an incredible variety of experiences on offer. Situated on the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some stunning riverside scenery here. However, that’s far from the only thing to look forward to; Phnom Penh is home to an abundance of culturally significant sites, each one featuring incredible architecture and a fascinating history, alongside plenty of places to sample authentic Cambodian cuisine. Much like other capital cities around the world, you’ll also find several interesting museums here, plenty of parks and gardens to stroll in the sunshine, and an abundance of boutique shopping experiences to indulge in.
Top highlights here include:
- Royal Palace of Cambodia - built between 1866 and 1870, this is the official residence of the Cambodian monarchy and a fantastic example of Khmer architecture, despite its more recent construction
- Silver Pagoda - officially named Wat Uaosoth Ratanaram, the Silver Pagoda is home to several national treasures, boasting impressive flooring which is covered with thousands of silver tiles
- National Museum of Cambodia - the nation’s leading historical and archaeological museum, this fascinating destination features over 14,000 items with collections ranging from prehistoric periods to the Khmer Empire era and beyond
Sa Dec, Vietnam
A charming provincial city in the Mekong Delta, Sa Dec is easily one of the most underrated ports of call on a Mekong River cruise; here, you’ll have the chance to indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine, learn more about this region’s fascinating history, and admire the stunning flower nurseries – something this city is known for. It’s also known for being immortalised in L’Amant, a French film based on Duras’ novel, which explores her romance as a teenager with the son of a wealthy Chinese family.
Top highlights here include:
- Sa Dec Flower Village - among the largest floral centres in southern Vietnam, this is a magical place overflowing with bright colours and sweet aromas
- Xeo Quyt Forest - boasting a unique ecosystem and vibrant mangrove forests, this dense area is a fascinating place to visit, and it played an essential part in the Vietnam War
- Huynh Thuy Le Ancient Houses - made famous by L’Amant, this is the home of ‘The Lover’ in this story and offers a fascinating insight into life here at the turn of the 20th century
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city in Vietnam and a vibrant hub of culture, cuisine, business, and immersive experiences. Overflowing with historic landmarks and sites of cultural significance, incredible restaurants, boutique shopping experiences, and more, there’s so much to look forward to when visiting Ho Chi Minh City; it’s almost hard to settle on what to see first, with several insightful museums also based in the city.
Top highlights here include:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon - an impressive 19th-century cathedral built by French colonists, this structure was originally constructed with imported materials from France and features authentic French stained-glass windows
- Independence Palace - a former residential and governmental building of great importance, this impressive building is now home to a public museum and is used to host state events
- Ho Chi Minh City Opera House - an impressive example of French-colonial architecture in the centre of the city, this opera house was completed in 1900 and mimics the facade of France’s Petit Palais (which was constructed in the same year)
An example Mekong River cruise itinerary
If you’re looking for something a little more specific than that, though, we have you covered. We’re going to run through an example Mekong River cruise itinerary below day-by-day, highlighting how all of these incredible locations can come together to form one unforgettable adventure. While the specifics can vary from cruise line to cruise line, and you may find a few different destinations on any Mekong River cruises you decide to book yourself onto in the future, this should still give you a good sense of what to expect when you embark.
The itinerary in question is an essential Vietnam and Cambodia experience from APTouring, just one of the river cruise lines sailing along the Mekong River.
- Day 1 - departing to start your adventure, you’ll fly into Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Day 2 - arriving in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia, you’ll enjoy some time to explore the city
- Day 3 - still staying in Krong Siem Reap, this day will feature exciting excursions and give you more time to explore
- Day 4 - another day in Krong Siem Reap awaits, and you’ll enjoy even more of this fascinating destination
- Day 5 - departing Krong Siem Reap, you’ll start on your sailing along the Mekong River
- Day 6 - arriving in Angkor Ban, you’ll have the chance to explore this stunning place before setting sail for Phnom Penh
- Day 7 - as you continue onto Phnom Penh, you’ll enjoy excursions to Oudong, before arriving at the Cambodian capital itself
- Day 8 - you’ll spend the day exploring Phnom Penh and learning more about this incredible city
- Day 9 - departing Phnom Penh, you’ll be sailing along the Mekong for most of the day
- Day 10 - today, you’ll be exploring some of the Mekong River’s narrow tributaries and Tan Chau, before continuing onto Sa Dec
- Day 11 - arriving in Sa Dec, you’ll have most of the day to explore this city before setting sail for My Tho
- Day 12 - now in My Tho, you’ll spend some time enjoying shore excursions here before continuing on to Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 13 - staying in Ho Chi Minh City, this is your chance to explore the most populous city in Vietnam
- Day 14 - it’s time to say tam biet to Ho Chi Minh City, as you’ll be departing after breakfast
Best time for cruises on the Mekong River
As a region that experiences dramatically different weather conditions throughout the year, it’s crucial to consider when you’re travelling to Southeast Asia if you’re considering a Mekong river cruise in the future.
Boasting breathtaking natural landscapes and unforgettable cultural experiences, the best time to embark on a cruise along the Mekong River is between November and April; this is generally considered to be the dry season in places like Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia – the countries you’ll spend most of your time in when enjoying a Mekong river cruise. During these months, you’ll not only avoid any heavy rainfall ruining any shore excursions you have planned, but you’ll also find that it’s more temperate too. So, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the sunshine to its fullest, without worrying about being too warm or too wet. You’ll also find that the region’s produce is at its best during these months, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the best selection of locally-grown fruits when you travel during these months – should you stop at a local market to pick some up, of course.
There are, though, some benefits to travelling during the wetter months of the year – and some unique cultural experiences you simply won’t come across when travelling during the dry season. The wet season, generally speaking, stretches between August and early October; though, you’ll see temperatures starting to ramp up from mid-May.
If you want to experience the floating markets found throughout the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, you’ll need to travel during the wet season, when the water levels are higher. Similarly, if you’re looking to witness some traditional boat races in Laos, or see the floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake come to life in Cambodia, travelling during the wetter months is best. You’ll also find that these months are when the luscious landscapes you’ll be travelling through are at their most vibrant, with the increased rainfall helping them thrive despite the higher temperatures.
So, there are certainly pros to embarking on a Mekong River cruise during the wet season; however, the dry season remains the better option on the whole – especially for those of you who aren’t used to the humidity of Southeast Asia. It won’t necessarily become unbearably hot during those warmer months, but the high humidity makes cooling down a lot harder than it does in drier climates.
Top Mekong River cruise lines
If you’re starting to think you’re just about ready to book yourself on the adventure of a lifetime in Southeast Asia, it’s important to think about which cruise line you want to travel with. When it comes to Mekong River cruises, there are several options to consider.
Don’t let that concern you too much, though; there isn’t a bad option when it comes to cruising along the Mekong River. Every cruise line operating in this region boasts a comfortable onboard experience with exquisite dining, stylish staterooms, and attentive service. The onboard experiences you encounter will be unique to each cruise line, but the quality remains consistent across the board. The following are river cruise lines worth considering:
- Emerald River Cruises - stylish and comfortable with exceptional service
- AmaWaterways - immersive shore excursions with an elegant onboard experience
- Riviera Travel - authentic experiences with outstanding service throughout
- Scenic River Cruises - exclusive destination experiences and unrivalled luxury
Best Mekong River cruise deals
Knowing about all the cruise lines offering Mekong River cruises is essential, but that’s also just part of the puzzle; what about the actual river cruise deals themselves?
When booking a river cruise along the Mekong, it almost doesn’t matter which cruise line you choose to sail with, for they all offer excellent onboard experiences and equally exciting adventures along this remarkable river. However, of all the incredible upcoming cruise itineraries to choose from, the following are among the most interesting:
- Essential Vietnam and Cambodia, January 2026 (14 nights) - Travelmarvel RV Lotus
- Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia, April 2026 (16 nights) - Emerald Harmony
- Treasures of the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh, May 2026 (12 nights) - Scenic Spirit
- Riches of the Mekong with Siem Reap & Ho Chi Minh Stays, September 2026 (12 nights) - AmaDara
- Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong River, April 2027 (14 nights) - Victoria Mekong
We know that’s a relatively small selection of Mekong River cruises to choose from, but that doesn’t mean they’re the be-all and end-all of what’s available. You can find a whole host of other options on our river cruises page right here; with an abundance of sailings available at alternative dates throughout this year, the next, and beyond, you’re sure to find a Mekong River cruise to suit your holiday plans.
Mekong River cruise tips
Taking some time to prepare for a Mekong River cruise can feel daunting, and some things might slip your mind when you’re packing, but it’s far from impossible. Aside from packing enough clothing and ensuring you have all the essentials, we have brought together a few tips which may be helpful when it comes to embarking on a Mekong River cruise to Cambodia, Vietnam, and beyond.
Prepare for the weather
Southeast Asia, even during the dry season, can feel more humid and hot than the summers you might be used to. So, it’s important to pack light clothing made of breathable materials and sun protection for shore excursions. However, you’ll also need to bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites; so, a light jacket is always a good idea, even if you’re not expecting any rain. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also always a good idea, as you’ll want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your river cruise – and a combination of sunburn and insect bites can certainly sour an afternoon enjoying the sunshine.
Pack comfortable walking shoes
Like other cruise experiences, be those river cruises through Europe or ocean cruises further afield, Mekong River cruises can require a lot of walking at times; so, it’s important to think about the footwear you’re bringing with you on your adventures. The warm weather and humidity during the wet season might make you think about wearing something lighter, but it’s always worth bringing a pair of sensible walking shoes with you – shoes that will support and protect your feet. You’re not going to be forced to go on any hikes if you don’t want to, but walking tours are a popular excursion on river cruises, and you may find yourself tallying up quite a few steps throughout your cruise. So, making sure you’re protecting your feet from discomfort or injury is always a good idea.
Don’t skip the daily port talk onboard
We know no one likes being lectured at, especially on holiday, but some formal talks are more important than others, and the daily port talk on your river cruise ship might just be the most important organised activity you’ll encounter during your Mekong river cruise.
These talks don’t just outline the following day’s itinerary, but they’ll also highlight some of the fun things you can experience in each destination, making them an excellent way of familiarising yourself with a new place before you arrive. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions, and someone else might ask a question you’ll find helpful. So, it’s always worth attending these talks.
Be careful when crossing the roads
This might seem like a simple thing to need reminding of, and it’s certainly advice that should be applied to all walks of life, but the traffic in major Southeast Asian cities is quite unlike what you’ll come across when you hit the town back home. Scooters and hireable tuk-tuks are a popular method of transport in places like Ho Chi Minh City, and you need to make sure you’re aware of these smaller vehicles slipping between the cars when crossing major roads. Traffic in Cambodia and Vietnam also drives on the right side of the road, unlike the United Kingdom and Ireland. So, you’re going to need to be looking the ‘wrong’ way to spot oncoming traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mekong River cruises
In which country is the Mekong River?
What are the five Mekong countries? Does the Mekong go through Thailand? It’s important to figure out where you’re going when booking a river cruise, and the Mekong River flows through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam – along with China. Cambodia and Vietnam are the two countries you’re most likely to explore when embarking on a Mekong River cruise.
Are there crocodiles or alligators in the Mekong River?
Yes, there are some crocodiles in the Mekong River basin; however, they’re critically endangered, so you may find that sightings during your river cruise are rare.
What animals live in the Mekong Delta?
Beyond the endangered Siamese crocodile, you’ll find giant catfish, Irrawaddy dolphin, Sarus crane, and several species of waterbird call the Mekong Delta home. So, there will undoubtedly be some fascinating wildlife to spot when sailing between destinations on your river cruise.
Why is it called the Mekong River?
The Mekong River’s name is derived from the phrase Mae Nam Khong, which means Mother of Water. In Lao-Thai toponymy, which explains geographical names in Lao and Thai cultures, all great rivers are considered ‘mother rivers’ – highlighting the importance of the river to the livelihoods of the people in the region.
Is there a dress code for Mekong River cruises?
Much like other river cruises, the dress code on a Mekong River cruise is relatively relaxed most of the time. You’ll want to make sure you’re wearing breathable, comfortable clothing during shore excursions; however, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. So, it’s essential to be prepared for both eventualities when embarking on a river cruise along the Mekong. You’ll also rarely be asked to don formal attire, but it’s important to double-check your itinerary in case a situation arises where you’ll need to wear something a little smarter.
Where do Mekong River cruises start?
Mekong River cruises typically start in Ho Chi Minh City or Krong Siem Reap, and travel along the river between the two. You’re likely to spend some time in either city at the start of your river cruise experience, before transferring to the port where your river cruise ship awaits!
Book Your Next Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today
From luxury getaways to incredible holiday hotspots and family cruises to the Caribbean, to last-minute deals and solo adventures, Iglu Cruise has a wide selection of cruise holidays for you to check out – both river cruises and ocean-bound sailings. You'll find all the best cruise deals right here, and even more on cruising and the cruise industry below.