This 7-night northbound river cruise sails along the mighty Mekong River, connecting the energetic urban centers, rural river communities, and ancient spiritual heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia. Beginning in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, the voyage travels inland through the fertile waterways of the Mekong Delta, stopping to explore floating markets, artisan craft workshops, and river islands in Vinh Long, Cu Lao Gieng, Chau Doc, and Long Khanh A. Crossing the international border into Cambodia, the journey calls at the royal capital of Phnom Penh before navigating rural waterways to 8th-century hilltop temples in Wat Hanchey, historic stilt villages in Angkor Ban, traditional silversmith artisan hamlets in Konpong Louang, and countryside ox-cart rides in Kampong Tralach.
Your Mekong expedition begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub. Transfer to the city river port along the Saigon River to complete check-in and embarkation formalities before stepping aboard your river vessel. Settle into your riverview suite and enjoy a welcoming cocktail reception as the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, leaving the city skyline behind as you navigate toward the quiet channels of the Mekong Delta. Overnight docking / evening cruise to Vinh Long.
Board local sampans in the morning to navigate narrow canals to Vinh Long, where you visit local family workshops to see how traditional rice paper, rice wine, and coconut candies are handcrafted. In the afternoon, cruise via sampan and local motor cart across Cu Lao Gieng Island to meet artisans crafting sampan boats and woven palm-leaf conical sun hats (Non La), followed by a stop at one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches built in the 19th century. Reboard the vessel late in the afternoon as it sails west toward the Cambodian border region. Overnight docking in Chau Doc.
Take a morning walking tour through the lively local market in Chau Doc to observe daily trade of fresh produce, spices, and dried fish, followed by a backwater river boat excursion past traditional floating homes, fish farms, and floating shops. In the afternoon, visit the island village of Long Khanh A for a demonstration of traditional cotton weaving, a heritage craft preserved across generations. Return to the vessel as it sails to the Vinh Xuong international border control point, completing immigration procedures before crossing into Cambodia. Overnight docking / evening cruise to Phnom Penh.
Wake up in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital city situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Enjoy a morning city tour by private cyclo, riding past colonial landmarks to visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda with its emerald Buddha, and the National Museum featuring an extensive collection of ancient Khmer artifacts. Return to the ship in the evening to enjoy a private onboard performance of traditional Khmer song and dance presented by local performers. Overnight docking in Phnom Penh.
Spend your morning choosing between two distinct cultural perspectives of Phnom Penh: take a guided visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia’s tragic Khmer Rouge history, or take a tuk-tuk ride to explore the Art Deco architecture and bustling stalls of the Central Market (Phsar Thmei). Return to the ship for lunch as the vessel departs Phnom Penh, enjoying a scenic afternoon of sailing through the rural Cambodian countryside toward Kampong Cham province. Overnight docking / evening cruise to Wat Hanchey.
Climb or take a local transport up the hill to Wat Hanchey, an ancient temple complex dating back to the 8th-century Chenla Empire, offering panoramic views over the Mekong River and an opportunity to receive a traditional Buddhist water blessing from local monks. In the afternoon, take a walking tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages that survived the Khmer Rouge era intact, featuring traditional wooden stilt houses and an opportunity to interact with children at a local school. Overnight docking / evening cruise to Konpong Louang.
Arrive in Konpong Louang in the morning to visit a traditional silversmith village, where local artisans use age-old hand tools to shape pure silver into intricate bowls, jewelry, and statues. Continue to Kampong Tralach to board a traditional ox cart for an authentic ride through emerald rice paddies and rural hamlets, stopping to meet local farming families and learn about rural agricultural life. Return to the ship in the afternoon as it navigates the Tonle River back toward the capital. Overnight docking in Phnom Penh.
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard before completing disembarkation procedures in Phnom Penh. Meet your transfer driver for your ride to Phnom Penh International Airport for your homebound flight, or extend your journey overland to Siem Reap to explore the ancient temple complexes of Angkor Wat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to sail the Mekong River is during the dry season from November through April. During these months, the region experiences warmth. Cruising during this window provides dry, comfortable conditions for walking tours, cycling, and ox-cart excursions through rural villages. The wet season from May to October brings frequent tropical rain showers and higher river levels, which makes the landscape lush and green but adds humidity to outdoor excursions.
Because this northbound route crosses from Vietnam into Cambodia along the Mekong River, travelers require separate entry clearances for both nations:
Cambodia Entry (River Border Crossing): For river border crossings from Vietnam into Cambodia (at the Kaam Samnor checkpoint), standard Cambodian e-Visas are typically not accepted at water borders. Cruise operators usually facilitate a Cambodian Visa-on-Arrival directly at the river border point for eligible nationalities, for which you should carry around $35 USD to $40 USD in crisp, undamaged cash.
Vietnam Entry: Most international travelers must secure an approved Vietnam e-Visa prior to boarding the vessel in Ho Chi Minh City. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank pages.
Cruising the Mekong offers an intimate, slow-paced exploration of rural Southeast Asian life. The river vessel acts as a floating boutique resort that navigates calm inland waters and docks in small river towns that large ocean ships cannot reach. Shore excursions utilize local modes of transport—such as traditional wooden sampan boats, private cyclos in Phnom Penh, tuk-tuks, and traditional wooden ox carts in rural Cambodian hamlets—offering immersive cultural access to family craft workshops, Buddhist monasteries, and local floating markets.
Currency use varies by country along the river:
In Cambodia: The US Dollar (USD) is the primary currency used for tourist transactions alongside the local Cambodian Riel (KHR) for small change.
In Vietnam: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), though USD is accepted in larger tourist centers.
Packing should emphasize lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing made of cotton or linen to stay cool in the tropical climate. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals, a wide-brimmed sun hat, polarized sunglasses, a light rain jacket, and high-strength insect repellent containing DEET for shore excursions. When visiting active Buddhist temples like Wat Hanchey or royal palaces, strict modesty dress codes apply, requiring shoulders and knees to be fully covered for both men and women.
