Mekong River Cruise Guide Choosing Your Vietnam Journey

Are you thinking about taking a mekong river cruise on your Vietnam trip? This is a calm way to bring the Mekong Delta’s landscapes up close. A mekong river cruise vietnam experience will uncover riverside life for all to see. This guide covers cruise types, operators, costs, and booking advice to help you decide.

Overview of the Mekong River Cruise Experience in Vietnam

How is a mekong river cruise in Vietnam? It is very different from land travel, or short boat rides typical of day trip tours. The cruise experience is all about the journey, along the main waterways themselves.

Usually a mekong delta river cruise can be round in a comfy ship made for having a cushty life thorough outs for its journey. These ships typically offer private cabins with beds and bathrooms, onboard restaurants or cafes, and decks for watching the scenery go by. Usually you stay on the ship for the duration of the cruise, which is typically two days or more. The tempo is usually unhurried.

Most cruises travel parts of the Tien River or Hau River, the two main branches of the Mekong in Vietnam. There are also included shore excursions on the itineraries. These usually employ smaller boats or include a walk to visit riverside towns, local markets (occasionally floating ones if you time it well), fruit orchards or craft villages along the way. Mekong river cruise is all about travelling through rivers and exploring these landings. Longer cruises also offer river routes linking Vietnam and Cambodia.

Popular Mekong Cruise Types

There are many styles of mekong river cruise. They differ by length, vessel size and level of service. Knowing the differences allows you to choose the one right for your taste.

By Cruise Duration

One of the main ways to classify your mekong river cruise is by duration. This has a major impact upon the extent of the itinerary in terms of geography, travel speed and total cost.

• Overnight Cruises (Usually 2 Days / 1 Night) — This is a very popular format. The most typical itinerary on a mekong delta overnight cruise, referred to frequently as a 2 day mekong river cruise, nearly always links to upper Delta (My Tho/Cai Be area) to drop you at Can Tho, with all being one way or, if the main way is with various stops in honor ofłemsteding. This format usually features one night in a private cabin onboard the cruise boat. It enables daytime shore excursions, and to dine while sailing. (2-day tours that rely on land hotels for overnight stay would not be suitable for this purpose; be sure to differentiate between the two)
• 3 Day / 2 Night Cruises: Choosing a 3 day mekong river cruise enables a more leisurely pace and more opportunity for further exploration. Itineraries can go beyond that to include Chau Doc near the Cambodian border, or to add time for more activities like biking or stopping at lesser-visited villages during shore excursions. You also spend two nights on the ship.
• Extended Tours (4+ Days, includnig Vietnam to Cambodia): For the greater exploration of the whole region by river, there are extended trips lasting 4, 5, 7 days or longer. One special route that has become popular is the mekong river cruise vietnam to cambodia (or the other way around), connecting the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (usually starting/ending near the Mekong Delta cities My Tho or Can Tho) to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Some itineraries even stop along the way for onward travel to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat via Tonle Sap Lake (this lake connection can be seasonal, as it is dependent on water levels).

Pick the mekong river cruise length that suits your available holiday time and how much you want to experience the river life and its surroundings.

By Boat Size And Type

The style of your mekong river cruise also really depends on the size and type of boat that an operator uses. Options typically range from the larger vessels designed like small ships to very intimate, traditional-style boats:

• Large River Cruise Ships: These are typically dedicated ships designed specifically for multi-day river cruising. They are usually multi deck vessels and often more private cabins (around 20-40+ cabins, all with ensuite facilities). Spacious, restaurant-style dining rooms, bars or lounges, and open-air sun decks ideal for observation are standard amenities. They provide stability, and have a better array of onboard facilities.
• Boutique Cruises / Smaller Boats: This covers smaller boats, often with far fewer cabins than you might find on a larger ship (think maybe 4 to 10 cabins). They offer a more intimate onboard experience and, often, a quieter experience than a much larger ship. Because they are so large in stature, they may at times go into slightly smaller waters. In this type of trip is often sold as mekong river cruise small boat while service levels can be very high for boutique options.’
• Private Boats / Sampans: At the most extreme end of privacy and customization is the private mekong river cruise but it, too, will usually come at a premium price. This often employs beautifully refurbished traditional rice barges (sampans) such as the popular Song Xanh Sampan fleet. These are booked on an exclusive basis with one party (a couple, family, or small group). They provide a highly personalized experience with specialized guide and crew.

Onboard atmosphere and some narrow channels during your mekong river cruise are also heavily determined by the size of the boat. Bigger vessels offer greater facilities; smaller boats greater intimacy.

By Service Level

Service level has a mighty effect on your mekong river cruise experience and indeed the price. Mekong Delta cruises essentially run under these main categories of service and amenities:

• Luxury: The Mekong’s international multi-day, overnight cruise market is overwhelmingly dominated by this segment. Settle in for high standards, often on par with high-end international river cruising. Amenities usually include large cabins, often with private balconies, fine dining choices, service that is attentive (high staff-to-guest ratios), onboard lounges or bars, sun decks and sometimes mini-spa facilities or libraries. There are a number of good luxury mekong river cruise operators that do well in this segment, with premium comfort and service.
• Mid-Range / Boutique: This is still an excellent cruise experience, but usually at a more affordable cost than the ultra luxury lines. Boats may be a bit smaller (boutique cruises) or have fewer nonessential services than luxury die-hards, but still offer comfy private cabins, decent food and good service. They offer good value for a quality river journey.
• Budget: Adjust your expectations for “budget” overnight cruise options. The opportunities for a true “budget” overnight leisure cruise with just private cabin accommodation and arranged shore excursions similar to the premium segments are very limited or not available in the Mekong Delta. Options listed as “budget” generally mean:
  • Frequent day trips on simpler boats (no overnight options).
  • Regional ferry lines used strictly for transportation (not built for any sort of sightseeing comfort).
  • Very basic multi-day tours using very basic boats for transfers only, while low-cost land-based guesthouses provide accommodation. This is a true budget overnight mekong river cruise with cabins.

Find a service level and cost you can budget for, and that will fit your comfort level for the trip.

Reputable Cruise Lines And Operators

There are several reputable mekong river cruise companies that sail the Mekong River inside Vietnam, many of which also offer itineraries that include visits to Cambodia. But researching specific operators will help you find a style, service level and itinerary that match your preferences. Some of the more respected names that tend to operate in the area when it comes to mekong river cruise (listed alphabetically for reference only, not a ranking; information general as of April 2025):

• Aqua Expeditions (Aqua Mekong): Typically plays at the high-end luxury level, with a contemporary, architect-designed ship that has roomy suites. Specializes in longer itineraries that usually incorporate the Vietnam-Cambodia route.
• Heritage Line: A fleet of boutique luxury ships with distinctive designs (e.g., Jayavarman, The Jahan). Famed for their colonial / Indochine looks and spectacular itineraries ranging from shorter trips to cross-border long-hauls.
• Mekong Eyes (Mekong Eyes Explorer / Gecko Eyes): Runs comfortable cruises on traditional-style wooden boats (often converted rice barges). They usually run shorter (2-day or 3-day) options and mostly focus on the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (e.g., Cai Be to Can Tho). Often classified as mid-range to upper mid-range.
• Pandaw River Expeditions: Known worldwide for their traditional, colonial­style shallow­draft riverboats. Pandaw provides several Mekong itineraries, most of which specialize in longer sailings that delve into cultural aspects (and typically involve the cross-border run).
• Song Xanh Sampan: Specializes in private, traditional wooden sampans. This is perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a private and very personalized experience, generally on shorter, tailor-made trips from one location to another within the Delta. A premium private alternative.
• Victoria Mekong Cruises: Runs a comfortable new cruise ship normally rated 4-star. Tends to focus on itineraries in the Vietnamese Delta, for example the route from Can Tho to Chau Doc over several days.

Note: The list above is not exhaustive, as other local or international operators are offering Mekong cruises as well. It is only meant to give a sense of some of the most talked about names. You should always do your own research on any company you are looking at. Make sure to read recent reviews just on the boat and the exact itinerary that you are interested in, and be sure to carefully compare inclusions and pricing when selecting your mekong river cruise provider.

Typical Itineraries And Excursions

A typical mekong river cruise itinerary is a combination of relaxing enough time spent cruising on the main river channels, with scheduled stops for shore excursions by smaller boats, or afoot. The exact route and the number and type of activities vary widely by cruise duration and specific operator.

Common Routes & Durations:

• Short Routes (Typically 2-3 Days in Vietnam): These tend to move up and down the upper Delta region (often boarding near My Tho or Cai Be) and Can Tho. A few itineraries may go in reverse or work variations emphasizing particular territories. These are all very common routes for both way mekong river cruise only in the Vietnam side of the Delta.
• Longer Routes (Most Commonly 4-8+ Days, adding also Cambodia): For greater travel more extended visits are Popular. Though, they usually serve as the route between the Vietnamese Delta (e.g., departing/arriving near My Tho or Can Tho) and come through the Mekong River border with the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. But for now, some timetables could allow you to continue travelling to Siem Reap.

Typical Shore Excursions & Activities:

Daily guided side trips, typically on smaller local vessels (such as sampans) or the occasional short hike, are included. Common excursions feature:

• Tours to the Floating Markets: A visit to Cai Rang Floating Market near Can Tho is a standard part of most itineraries that pass through or spend the night in Can Tho. It is a very early start 3 a.m.
• Explore Riverside Towns & Villages: Sa Dec with flower nurseries & the “Lover’s” house, Cai Be with riverside crafts or Chau Doc near Cambodia, with Sam Mountain. Strolls through smaller villages give an insight into local daily life.
• Fruit Orchards & Local FarmsStopping at orchards to explore how tropical fruits are grown and often enjoy a tasting. Some stops may involve visits to local farms.
• Experiencing craft workshops: Watching how the region’s produce such as coconut candy, popped rice, rice paper, or tradition bricks/pottery are created.
• Cultural Sites: Visits to local pagodas or temples, reflecting the area’s Buddhist traditions (Kinh or Khmer).

Onboard Activities:

Aside from the daily excursions, much of the experience centers on relaxing on the boat and taking in the passing scenery along the river from deck, as well as eating onboard. There is more than just sightseeing on some mekong river cruise. These could be everything from Vietnamese cooking demonstrations and talks about the culture or history of the Mekong Delta from the guide, to sipping drinks while watching the sun set over the river. All the while, our scene-stealing, included award-winning shore excursions (as part of the mekong river cruise package) are uncovering ever more stunning scenery and culture.

Always check the specific, detailed itinerary from the cruise company for your selected dates. This will establish what the specific route is, what stops are planned, what activities are included and what the travel pace of the trip will be.

Departure Points and Getting There from HCMC

To plan a mekong river cruise from Ho Chi Minh city, it is helpful to understand what the typical departure logistics entail. Even though a lot of cruises are advertised as departing “from Ho Chi Minh City,” the actual cruise boats usually don’t depart directly within HCMC (i.e., away from the Saigon River in the downtown area).

• Road Transfer is Standard: The normal procedure is that the cruise company organises a road transfer to take all passengers. Usually, this is done by bus or private van/car. That takes you south from a designated meeting location in HCMC (most start with pick-ups at the central hotels in District 1) to the real river port in the Mekong Delta that’s where your cruise ship will land.
• Where the boats are often sailing: The Delta, River ilets: Depending on the cruise companies and specific trip (upstream, downstream), boats often embark / disembark at river ports around My Tho, Cai Be, Can Tho or sometimes other points along the major rivers. Road transfer from HCMC to these ports normally takes 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Confirmation is Everything: During booking, it is critically important that you are clear with the cruise operator that you:
  • Specific collection point and time in HCMC for the road transfer
  • The name and place river port in the Mekong Delta you will actually board the cruise ship.

This first road transfer is typically included in the price of the overall package for your mekong river cruise. When you book your river cruise make sure to verify all these departure logistics.

Mekong River Cruise Costs And Booking

When planning this style of trip, knowing costs and the booking process is important, as the prices can vary widely.

Reference Costs Mekong River Cruise Price

There is a wide variance in the mekong river cruise price. Much depends on elements such as the reputation and service level of the cruise operator, the standard of the boat, the type and size of cabin chosen, the length of the itinerary and the time of year you travel. Mekong River overnight cruises are generally premium travel experiences and usually not aligned with budget travel options.

• Very Rough Estimates (Per Person Per Night, 2025 April – Very Variable):
  • Mid-Range / Boutique Cruises (e.g., companies such as Mekong Eyes): May be able to start with $150 — $250+ USD.
  • What to Expect to SpendLuxury Cruises (e.g., operators like Heritage Line, Aqua Mekong, Pandaw): Starting at $250 to $500+/USD, and can be much higher for premium suites, longer itinerary, or during peak season travel.
• Important Disclaimer: These quoted ranges are very broad estimates just to get you at the rough budget range; Service levels can change regularly and can be very different between operators and individual packages. You MUST research specific, accurate quotes from the cruise operators or professional travel agents if for your travel dates and sail/cruise itinerary.

Factors Affecting the Price

The ultimate price of a mekong river cruise is determined by several factors:

• Cruise Line / Operator & Boat Standard: Well-established luxury lines with swanky vessels and above-the-mark services charge higher than cozy mid-range or boutique operators.
• Cabin Category: The price you will notice greatly varies for your chosen cabin, depending on the size, deck location (lower vs. upper), window/balcony features, and level of furnishings. Suites are the priciest of the three.
• Itinerary Length and Route Longer cruises (e.g., 3-day, 7-day, cross-border) naturally have higher costs than shorter ones (e.g., 2-day/1-night). It also says that routing through Cambodia tends to be more expensive.
• Seasonality – Travel in the peak dry season (approx. Nov-Apr) or during holiday periods it’s going to be more expensive than the lower (wetter) season.

Typical Inclusions and Exclusions

Because price comparison can be tricky, make sure to read carefully what the quoted rate includes:

• Typically Included: Accommodation in your selected private cabin category, most or all meals aboard (beverages vary per cruise line found; often basic tea/coffee/water are included), scheduled shore excursions according to the itinerary with English-speaking guide, entrance fees for planned stops (per itinerary) and often the road transfers between HCMC and the river embarkation/disembarkation points.
• Most Commonly Excluded: Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (beyond staples), gratuities/tips for crew or guide (typically suggested amounts given), personal expenses (laundry, spa treatments), visa fees (if visiting Cambodia), optional excursions outside main itinerary, travel insurance.

How to Find and Book

his is essentially how you search for and book your desired mekong river cruise:

• Cruise Lines Directly: Most reputable operators (such as Heritage Line, Pandaw, Aqua Mekong, Mekong Eyes, Victoria Mekong) maintain their official websites. These offer detailed information about boats, itineraries and schedules, and often enable online booking or direct inquiries.
• Via Specialized Cruise Agents: Tourism agencies specializing in river cruising (either on a international basis or Vietnam specialists) are a good resource for expertise, comparing different lines to each other and taking care of bookings.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Similar to hotels, you may find listings for river cruise options on larger OTAs or cruise-focused websites, although it is less common. Compare carefully.
• Search for Discounts: From time to time, operators may have early booking deals, low-season specials or specific river cruise promotions. Operator websites directly should be checked for current offers.

Always read terms and condition for all bookings carefully. When planning your river cruise, be sure to confirm inclusions, exclusions, payment schedules and cancellation policies before finalizing any payment.

Reading Reviews And Choosing Your Cruise

Before you proceed with your final booking reading river cruise reviews from past travelers is one of the most to do things. The cruise looks perfect in official marketing materials; reviews provide real-world details and experiences.

Where to Find Reliable Reviews:

• Specialized cruise review sites: Sites like CruiseCritic tend to be more focused on ocean-going ships, but they often have sections dedicated to river cruises with reviews that might include specific feedback on Mekong operators and ships.
• General Travel Review Sites: TripAdvisor is a big one. Check reviews by looking under the individual cruise company listing or consider checking the forums related to Vietnam or Mekong travel.
• Online Travel Agency (OTA) Listings: If this cruise is bookable through GetYourGuide, Klook, etc, check the user reviews on the actual listing.
• Independent Travel Blogs: Look for individual blog posts from travelers who did a similar cruise recently. Seek out accounts that are balanced, with specific detail.

How to Effectively Evaluate Reviews:

• Prioritize Recent Reviews: If reading reviews, prioritize the reviews within the last 1-2 years if possible, as the standards of service, the condition of boats, or the itinerary can change over time.
• Read A Variety of Opinions: Don’t just zero in on the highest or lowest scores. Read positive and negative reviews to see where their strengths and weaknesses might be. Watch for commonalities cited by multiple reviewers.
• Focus on Specific Details: Pay close attention to comments concerning:
  • Condition of cabin: Cleanliness, size, noise levels, practical use of balcony.
  • Food quality: Choices, taste, dietary accommodation.
  • Staff & Service: Friendliness, helpfulness, language capabilities of guides and crew.
  • Shore Excursions: Level of guides, interest of stops, organization, group size feel
  • Overall Pace & Value: Was it rushed, according to past guests? Was it worth the money you spent?
• Be Suspicious: Approach the very short, very generic reviews (“Amazing!”) with or overly emotional complaints without specifics with caution. I find that detailed, balanced feedback is often more useful.

For Spend quite a while knowing sincere testimonial help you realistic evaluate real mekong river cruise experience made available by different operators. This extremely important step is a key to your final decision when booking your river cruise.

Conclusion Choosing Your Perfect Mekong Cruise Holiday

Cruises are a highlight of your mekong river cruise holidays in Vietnam. It’s a laid-back way to see Delta life and landscapes at close quarters. The best mekong river cruise really does depend on your style.

Other great mekong cruises tours providers run various itineraries. These span from short 2-day journeys on the Vietnamese Delta to long cross-border voyages. Types of boats also range, from boutique ships to private sampans.

The trick here is to define your priorities beforehand. Think about how long you have, how much you’re willing to spend, what level of comfort you prefer and what places you want to visit. Then, do thorough research. Read detailed itineraries. Shop around for prices and what is included. Read recent reviews carefully from past travelers. It’s always helpful to ask clarifying questions before booking. Make sure to do proper research to make your trip memorable by choosing the right river cruise.