Discover the Mekong River on a Luxurious Cruise

Unlike land travel, exploring the Mekong River by luxury cruise offers unique and captivating experiences. Sailing through various regions, admiring the scenery along the banks, or simply sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise or sunset reflected on the gentle waves is enough to make you forget all your worries.

To learn about the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, see: Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

When is the Best Time to Travel the Mekong River?

The ideal season to explore the Mekong River is from late August to April, when the weather is dry and cool, perfect for sightseeing, exploring, and experiencing the region. August and September have hot and humid weather, but the tourist spots are less crowded, making it suitable for a relaxing getaway.

From September to November, the Mekong Delta experiences the flood season, offering travelers the chance to admire lush green rice fields, bountiful fruit gardens, and bustling floating markets. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so service prices may be higher, and the area may be more crowded.

Experiencing a Cruise on the Mekong River

If you have the time, a cruise on the Mekong River to explore Vietnam and Cambodia is a fascinating and safe journey. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel and taken to the pier where you’ll embark on an exciting adventure along the Mekong River.

Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Watching the sunset on the Mekong River is a truly romantic and unforgettable experience when visiting Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There are several piers along the Mekong River in Phnom Penh that offer sunset cruise services. Some popular piers include:

• Sisowath Quay: The main pier in Phnom Penh, located near the Royal Palace.
• Phnom Penh Port: This pier is near the Central Market and Wat Phnom.
• Riverside Pier: Located in the vibrant Riverside area, which is filled with restaurants and bars.

Depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, there are various types of boats available for a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, from traditional wooden boats to modern luxury cruises. As a result, ticket prices for sunset cruises typically range from $15 to $50 per person, depending on the type of boat, the duration of the cruise, and the services included.

If you choose this Mekong River tour, keep in mind that most sunset cruises depart around 5:00 PM and last about two hours. During the cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Phnom Penh from a different perspective, such as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, Wat Arun, and Chaktomuk Bridge. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy drinks and snacks and participate in entertainment activities like listening to music or watching traditional Apsara dance performances.

Mekong River Travel Experience – Discover the Beautiful Mekong Delta of Vietnam

The Mekong River flows through several countries, but its passage through Vietnam in the Mekong Delta is where numerous captivating tourist attractions are concentrated. Thus, a Mekong River tour within Vietnam offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural beauty, culture, and people of the Mekong Delta.

Among the various modes of transportation, cruising on the Mekong River is the most popular way to explore the Mekong Delta. There are different types of cruises available, from traditional wooden boats to modern luxury vessels. As you journey along the Mekong, you’ll have the chance to observe fishing villages, stilt houses, and vast rice fields.

Moreover, when visiting the Mekong Delta, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore its famous floating markets such as Cai Rang Floating Market, Nga Nam Soc Trang Floating Market, and Cai Be Floating Market. Known as the “world’s largest fruit basket,” this area offers the chance to visit fruit gardens and savor fresh, delicious fruits. The local cuisine is also rich and diverse. You can enjoy specialties like fermented fish hotpot, grilled snakehead fish, sizzling pancakes, and fish noodle soup.

By choosing a Mekong River cruise, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the Delta, experiencing its vibrant life, bountiful nature, and rich culinary heritage.

Some Excellent 4-5 Star Cruises on the Mekong River

Victoria Mekong Cruise

Launched in late 2019, Victoria Mekong is the first and largest high-end cruise in the Mekong River region to meet 4-star standards. The cruise features a 4-deck design with 35 spacious cabins, all equipped with modern amenities made from green, safe, and environmentally friendly materials. The Victoria Mekong boasts a restaurant that highlights the culinary essence of Vietnam’s western region.

On the second deck, there is a restaurant offering a 360-degree panoramic view. Additionally, entertainment and relaxation areas such as shopping stores, a spa, a library, and a cinema are spread throughout the cruise. The ship also features an infinity pool, a bar, and a mini-golf course, ensuring guests have an exceptional experience. The Victoria Mekong is highly rated for its professional services, making it a top choice for travelers on a Mekong River cruise.

RV Indochine Cruise

Officially operational since 2008, the RV Indochine cruise draws design inspiration from traditional Vietnamese aesthetics, featuring interiors made entirely of wood. This creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making guests feel at home. The ship has 24 cabins, each equipped with two large windows and modern amenities.

The RV Indochine also includes a luxurious and airy restaurant and bar, as well as a professional spa area for relaxation. The restaurant serves a diverse menu of both Asian and European dishes. Notably, every evening on board, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, providing themed entertainment for passengers. This promises to deliver a memorable Mekong River cruise experience for all guests.

L’Amant Cruises

Inspired by the Indochinese ships of the early 20th century, L’Amant Cruises features a blend of traditional and modern design. The ship’s decor is both sophisticated and comfortable, ensuring guests enjoy their journey on the Mekong River.

The cruise offers a route from Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to the stunning white sand beaches of Thailand’s Gulf. You’ll traverse some of the most beautiful regions along the majestic Mekong River. L’Amant Cruises provides guests with a visually stunning journey filled with the cultural richness of the riverine landscape. This promises to be a truly delightful experience on your Mekong River tour.

La Marguerite Cruise

La Marguerite Cruise exudes a unique charm reminiscent of the opulence of the Art Nouveau era in Paris. The ship boasts 46 cabins designed and decorated in classic French style, each equipped with modern amenities to ensure guests’ relaxation and comfort at all times.

The Mekong River cruise itinerary takes you through various branches of the river, starting from Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Siem Reap. Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy the distinctive cuisine of this fertile river region and participate in a fascinating Mekong exploration reading program inspired by French writer Marguerite Duras’s passion for Vietnam.

RV Amalotus Cruises

Launched in September 2011, the Amalotus Cruise explores the Mekong Delta provinces, aiming to uncover the daily life and culture of the residents along the nine tributaries of the Mekong. The journey then continues upstream into Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The ship is designed to resemble a beautiful old steamship, featuring 62 cabins with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. It also includes a French-styled three-deck restaurant, entertainment areas, and a swimming pool. Amalotus Cruises promises a comprehensive service for your Mekong River tour.

Amalotus Cruises attract both domestic and international tourists with its professional 5-star international standard services. Additionally, guests on board can enjoy a diverse culinary menu, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

What to Prepare for Your Mekong River Trip

• Ensure you have all necessary personal documents such as your passport and visa.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as the weather on the Mekong River can be very sunny and hot.
• Exchange local currency in each country you visit for convenient payments.
• Learn some basic phrases to communicate with the locals in the countries you visit.

Conclusion

The Mekong River area is a tranquil region with captivating scenery and a wealth of cultural, historical, and human interest in Vietnam’s southwestern region and Cambodia. Whether you explore the Mekong by boat or through other means, this river will leave you with unforgettable impressions throughout your journey.