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Traditional boats on the Mekong River at sunrise in Vietnam

River Cruise

Mekong River

Float through ancient temples, floating markets, and landscapes where the pace of life moves at river speed.

10-14 nights
From $4,600/pp
Best: November - March

Asia’s Great River

The Mekong is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, flowing 2,700 miles from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea. A cruise along the lower Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia offers an immersion into cultures and landscapes that are simultaneously ancient and utterly alive.

The Route

Most Mekong cruises sail between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap (or reverse). The journey includes the chaotic energy of Saigon, the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, the quiet beauty of the rural Cambodian countryside, and the staggering magnificence of Angkor Wat. It is one of the most diverse itineraries in river cruising.

Why Groups Love the Mekong

The Mekong delivers culture shock in the most positive sense. For teams accustomed to Western travel, Vietnam and Cambodia offer experiences that are genuinely transformative. The sensory richness — the markets, the food, the temples, the generosity of the people — creates shared memories that bond teams in ways that familiar destinations cannot.

Our Ships

AmaWaterways operates the most refined ships on the Mekong. Their purpose-built vessels feature full-length balconies, an onboard cooking school, and a fleet of bicycles for exploring villages along the riverbank. For smaller groups, boutique operators like Aqua Expeditions offer ultra-luxury options with just 40 passengers.

When to Go

November through March is the dry season and the best time to cruise. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and the river levels are ideal for navigation. December and January are particularly pleasant.

Highlights

Angkor Wat temple complex
Ho Chi Minh City exploration
Floating markets of Cai Be
Phnom Penh Royal Palace
Silk weaving village visits
Vietnamese cooking classes

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