Mekong Cruise 2025: Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This Epic Journey!

For any traveler craving adventure in Asia, the Mekong certainly fits the bill, as the longest river in the world comes second to none in traversing Asia with six countries: Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Thailand, China, and Cambodia. This article highlights one’s experience traveling across the river by cruise, from Vietnam with its fruit orchards and floating markets to Cambodia, where the most beautiful Hindu temples in this area are found. So, let the adventure begin, and what an adventure it promises to be! Follow this guide and read suggested Mekong Delta cruises for your trip to be all it can.

Written by Huan NGUYENUpdated on 28-03-2025

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Top Mekong Cruises to Take in 2025

Aqua Mekong

• Rating: 5 stars
• Cruise Duration: 5 days, 8 days
• Website: aquaexpeditions.com/cruise-ships/aqua-mekong

Aqua Mekong was designed to be a stylish five-star hotel that was built in 2014 by British architect David Hokinson, residing in Saigon, for Noor Design, and it became the first small luxury ship to cruise the Mekong River, between Vietnam's Mekong Delta and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

In its designer suites, equipped with worldwide-standard amenities and facilities, friendly, professional, and competent guides with impressive knowledge of famous Buddhist temples, Catholic churches, Hindu ruins, and rare wildlife will surely make your journey as pleasant and memorable.

Bassac River Cruises

• Rating: 5 stars

The three Bassac ships are wooden, built in the old style of Mekong Delta rice barges, but modified in accordance with present standards of safety. In particular, transformed from a rice barge, Bassac I is a comfortable cruiser with cabins; Bassac II and Bassac III have new hulls yet remain faithful to the same tradition of building.

The cabins are fully equipped for comfort with soundproof partitions and double windows that put passengers' minds at ease. They are air-conditioned, with separate systems for a good night's sleep. At 8.0 m², the Deluxe cabin with a double bed or twin beds is more than adequate for a comfortable cruise along the Mekong.

Toum Tiou River Cruise

• Rating: 5 stars

The Toum Tiou 1 is a magnificent cruise vessel that serves comfort and charm, the interior bearing the imprint of French colonial style. There are 10 comfortable double cabins, all with bathrooms, showers, air conditioning, safes, and big windows, all with a view of nature. A big salon, a library, a restaurant with a nice view, and an open-air, partly covered bar-restaurant at the stern complete the structure.

If the sun gets a little hot, passengers can escape outside to a wooden promenade deck with a roof over it. Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and there is a small on-board shop for souvenir shopping.

Mekong Eyes

• Rating: 5 stars

An elegant Mekong cruise is made possible by the fusion of traditional delta shipbuilding methods with contemporary equipment in the Mekong Eyes Classic. Measuring 39 m in length by 8.5 m in width, the vessel was constructed from an old rice barge using high-quality wood with local artisan decoration. According to a local custom, eyes are painted on the hull of boats to attract good luck and ensure safe travel. Built for comfort, with 28 passengers in 250 m² of space, the vessel provides all the features of a floating hotel:

14 elegant cabins (with double or twin beds); a private en suite bathroom, air conditioning, and breathtaking views of the Mekong River.

A Vietnamese restaurant on the lower deck, perfect for the enjoyment of local specialties.

Song Xanh Sampan

• Rating: 5 stars
• Cruise Duration: 2 days, 3 days

The Song Xanh sampans are very private vessels for couples and families cruising on the Mekong. They explore the canopies of the Mekong canals, away from the touristy areas, to reveal the most authentic lives, lifestyles, and traditions of the people there. Meals are consumed either on board or at some traditional homes, and differences arise through that. Bicycles can also be adapted into small watercraft for more energetic activities.

Each sampan has a complete crew of 4, including an English or Spanish-speaking guide for personal service. Exotic fruits, mineral water, green tea, and fresh towels are available.

Sampanes Options:

• Song Xanh 1, 2, 3: 18m x 3.5m, 1 bedroom + 1 living room, which can be converted into a room (15m² each), plus 1 bathroom (shower, toilet, washbasin); back terrace for meals or simply relaxing.

Song Xanh 4: 23m x 4.5m, 2 bedrooms (16m² each), 1 transformable living room, large bathroom with luxury equipment provided (bathrobes, towels, shampoo, soap, etc.)

Suggested Mekong Itineraries: Explore Vietnam and Cambodia

Southern Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary in 10 days

• Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tour (morning) - City tour (afternoon)
• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Vinh Long
• Day 4: Can Tho - Chau Doc
• Day 5: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (by cruise)
• Day 6: Phnom Penh - city tour + bike to Koh Dach
• Day 7: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
• Day 8: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
• Day 9: Siem Reap, Temples Large and Small
• Day 10: Siem Reap - Departure

💥 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOUR: 10-Day Trip to Southern Vietnam and Cambodia💥

Vietnam and Cambodia: 15-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
• Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (200 km ~ 4 hours of route)
• Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay (180 km ≈ 3.5 hours of route)
• Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - flight to Danang - Hoi An (4 hours route + 1 hour flight)
• Day 6: Visit Hoi An
• Day 7: Hoi an - Hue (150 km ≈ 3 hours of route)
• Day 8: Hue - flight to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (ben tre - can tho)
• Day 10: Mekong Delta (Can Tho - Chau Doc ~ 3.5 hours route)
• Day 11: Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh (4 hours by speedboat)
• Day 12: Phnom Penh - Flight to Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
• Day 13: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom Temples - 20 km)
• Day 14: Siem Reap (Small and Large Circuit Temples)
• Day 15: Siem Reap - Departure

💥 READ MORE: Vietnam and Cambodia in 15 Days: Halong Bay to Angkor💥

Essential Tips for a Successful Cruise

• When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia?

The best months to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia, especially if you're going to travel along the Mekong River, are between October and December and from February to April. During this time frame, the temperature conditions are favorable for easy navigation, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery unobstructed by weather conditions.

Regarding festivities, January to February in Vietnam (for the Lunar New Year), April in Cambodia (for the Khmer New Year), or the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November in Phnom Penh offer a taste of colorful local celebrations. All of these times provide rich cultural explorations, including visits to the Angkor temples and experiencing local hospitality accompanied by a festive atmosphere.

Moreover, between February and April is a good time to visit southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, where sunny weather allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about sudden rains. In short, the months from November to April are ideal for making the most of your experience visiting these two beautiful countries in Southeast Asia.

• What to Bring on a Cruise: Checklist

1. Identity documents (identity card, passport, visa and their photocopies)

2. Small first aid kit

3. Hat, sunglasses

4. Sunscreen, insect repellent

5. Flip-flops, comfortable walking shoes

6. Comfortable trousers or shorts, small and light sweater

7. Backpack (with an inner pocket secure enough to put ID, money and cards)

8. Lightweight, small and easy-to-carry umbrella

9. Camera

FAQs

• What are the other ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?

Other means of getting to Cambodia could include bus or air. Flights are popular options with VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, and Cambodia Angkor Air. Buses are also available from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, which take around 6 hours.

• Do I need to apply for a visa to Cambodia before traveling by boat or cruise from Vietnam?

It is suggested that you apply for the e-visa prior to departing for Cambodia. In case you haven't, relax; you can show your passport and take with you two passport-size photos to satisfy visa conditions. Alternatively, the procedures can be handled at the border itself. So, getting an e-visa prior remains the most optimal option. For more information, visit All About Cambodia Visa.

• Is there a bathroom on the Mekong boat?

Yes, all cruises have a bathroom.

• Do you miss the signal when you don't have internet while cruising on the Mekong River?

There is an internet connection, although it can be unstable in some areas far from the coast. In general, cruise ships usually offer internet, but it is not as fast or stable as on land.

• What type of plugs are used in Vietnam and Cambodia?

Type A, Type C, and Type G plugs are used in Vietnam and Cambodia. Be sure to check out our post regarding the topic: Plug in Vietnam

• What are the border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia?

Thus, there are many significant border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia. Some include the Moc Bai - Bavet international port, Ha Tien - Prek Chak, and Tinh Bien - Phnom Den, which are a few of the largest to the south. Others include Binh Hiep - Prey Vor and Xa Mat - Trapeing Phlong. These facilitate the movement of trade and travel between the two countries.

• What stands out in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region?

The Mekong Delta town is one of the places where Vietnam's biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and thriving local culture give color to life. You may also enjoy additional activities, such as taking a boat ride along the canals, visiting floating markets, and indulging in local mouthwatering dishes. It is also well-known for tropical fruit plantations and dynamic rural life, making it a popular destination for partying.

Conclusion

With so much information on the best Mekong cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia, covering itinerary recommendations, weather advice, and visa issues, you are ready for a trip of a lifetime without any worries! If you are not quite sure yet, we will customize a trip for you—the idea is to enjoy while we make all cruise arrangements and plan an itinerary. So don't hesitate to think about your Mekong cruise and immerse yourself in the local tranquil river way of life. Contact us today and fire up your adventure!

▶️ TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• Ben Tre, Vietnam: An Immersion in the Kingdom of the Coconut Trees
• Can Tho, Vietnam: Complete Guide for Travelers
• Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta – #2 Will Shock You!

Image Source: Internet, Kampá Tour Travelers