The Mekong River is one of Southeast Asia’s most vital waterways, stretching over 4,350km, and flows through six countries. A luxury Mekong cruise offers the ideal opportunity to discover this region’s rich culture, magnificent scenery, and historical attractions. These high-end cruises provide unrivaled comfort, customized excursions, and world-class service, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant life without compromising on luxury.
Best Mekong River Cruise Routes
- Classic Route: Traverse between Vietnam and Cambodia
- Destination: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
- Highlights: floating markets/ villages, local workshops, Phnom Penh’s city tour
- Cruise length: 4 – 8 days
- Best for: First-time travelers & culture lovers
This route is the quintessential Mekong River cruise experience, ideal for those who haven’t traveled to this region before and want to experience the most iconic attractions and learn about local life.
A classic journey following this route takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Then we visit charming Mekong Delta provinces such as Can Tho, My Tho,… where you can experience the bustling floating markets, explore traditional Vietnamese villages, enjoy rural life, witness age-old craft-making traditions, and even take part in local workshops.
Then, we pass the border of Vietnam to Phnom Penh and join the fascinating city tour to discover the rich history of the country, including the trip to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Killing Fields, etc. Longer tours from 7 – 8 days bring you further to enjoy the rural beauty around the Tonle River and finally discover the magnificence of Siem Reap.
- Vietnam Route: Exploring the Mekong Delta
- Destination: Cai Be – Can Tho – Chau Doc
- Highlights: local workshops, sampan boat ride, “xe loi” ride
- Cruise length: 1 – 3 days
- Best for: Travelers with limited time & those wanting an in-depth Delta experience
For those who want to focus solely on the Vietnamese section of the Mekong, this shorter route provides an in-depth look at the dynamic life of the Mekong Delta. It is perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience in a short time.
During the tour, guests can visit the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, where they can buy local products. Then, have engaging trips to rural villages and take part in fun workshops, where you can learn about and try making rice paper, coconut candy, mat-weaving, etc.
Besides, travelers may enjoy special transportation, such as “xe loi” on land or a sampan boat ride through lush, winding canals, which offer a glimpse into the hidden beauty of the Mekong Delta.
- Extended Mekong Journey: Laos – Thailand & Beyond
- Destination: Huay Xai – Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Chiang Khong
- Highlights: Hill tribes, local interaction, off-the-beaten-track
- Best for: Luxury travelers seeking a longer cultural & nature-rich itinerary
- Cruise length: 4 – 11 days
For experienced travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, an extended journey through Laos and Thailand offers a deeper connection to the region’s culture, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking landscapes.
First, we start the journey in Laos, cruising past the prominent area of Huay Xai and visiting ethnic minority villages. Then, you can explore iconic attractions like Pak Ou Cave. The cruise continues to the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, known for its sacred temples, waterfalls, and vibrant night markets. We later visit Vientiane and discover its blend of colonial and Buddhist architecture. Longer cruises even bring you to Thailand, the Golden Triangle, and more.
3 Top Luxury Ships for Your Dream Journey
For those seeking the ultimate luxury Mekong cruise, here are three of the finest vessels that guarantee an unforgettable experience:
- Aqua Mekong – The Ultimate Luxury Experience
Aqua Mekong Cruise is a 5-star boutique cruise operated in the Cambodia route featuring 20 stunning suites with private balconies. It provides all-inclusive packages with Michelin-star dining and customized excursions for the best experiences.
This luxury cruise offers lavish onboard facilities including bars, a screening room, a library, a game room, a spa, and a top-deck pool. Travelers can enjoy amazing off-board adventures such as kayaking, biking, and fishing for an immersive Mekong River journey.
- Heritage Line – A Boutique Colonial Experience
Heritage Line is a renowned luxury cruise line in the Mekong River with many years of experience. They provide many cruises with high-class services on board, combined with a unique and engaging itinerary, guaranteeing to bring guests a brand-new experience in the Mekong Delta & Cambodia.
- Heritage Line The Jahan: Inspired by British-Indian colonial design with 26 vintage-style cabins. Route: Mekong Delta – Cambodia.
- Heritage Line Jayavarman: Intricate woodcarving cruise in an elegant French-colonial and Khmer design. Route: Saigon – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap.
- Heritage Line Anouvong: Fascinating Laotian-heritage theme and French colonial accents. Route: Huay Xai – Luang Prabang – Vientane.
- Mekong Princess – Intimate & Elegant
Mekong Princess Cruise is a smaller, more exclusive vessel with only 14 cabins for a personalized experience. During this luxury cruise, Guests will participate in culturally immersive excursions and enjoy high-end amenities. There are also unique onboard activities such as Apsara performances and evening canapés that travelers may fancy.
How to Choose the Right Luxurious Cruise
- For first-time travelers: Opt for a classic Vietnam – Cambodia itinerary for a balanced mix of cultural exploration and relaxation.
- For seasoned travelers: Consider an extended Laos -Thailand cruise for a deeper regional experience.
- Short vs. long itineraries: Shorter cruises (1-3 days) focus on the Mekong Delta, while longer cruises (4 -11 days) cover multiple countries.
- Luxury amenities: Look for gourmet dining, personalized service, well-appointed cabins, and exclusive excursions.
A luxury Mekong cruise offers a unique blend of cultural discovery, relaxation, and adventure. If you’re looking for the best Mekong River cruise, explore the finest options with BestPrice Travel and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of the world’s most fascinating rivers.