Ever wanted to explore Southeast Asia but you’re not sure where to start? The Mekong River spans an impressive 5,000 kilometres through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China. It’s home to some of the oldest and most prolific cultures, historical sites and economies in the world. There’s truly no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Southeast Asian countries than to set sail onboard a Mekong River cruise. Keep reading for our top picks.
The best Mekong River cruises 2024
01
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 11 Days
from $2,666 at Tour Radar
Explore everything Vietnam has to offer on board this 11 day cruise down the Mekong River. Starting in the vibrant city of Hanoi, you’ll explore the countryside where you’ll get to experience harvesting tea leaves on a traditional 30-year-old tea plantation and cycling across the rice field and villages. After this, you’ll hop on board a boat where you will experience the first-hand magic of the Mekong river making stops to Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai village. The rest of the tour, you’ll jet around to other iconic locations such as Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An.
Key stops:
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Lan Ha Bay
- Viet Hai Village
- Van Boi Beach
- Dark & Bright Cave
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh
- Mekong Delta
02
Mekong Explorer
from $9,680 at Wendy Wu Tours
The Mekong Explorer is one of the most comprehensive cruises on the market. Headed by Wendy Wu Tours, your trip cost also includes flights to and from Australia. You’ll begin your trip in Hanoi where you’ll get the day to soak up the city before boarding a ship to explore blue-green waters of Halong Bay, Saigon and the Cu Chi tunnels. Then, it’s time to set sail on the Mekong River. After exploring Tiger Island and the famed floating markets, you’ll cruise into Cambodia where you’ll visit Phnom Penh, The Temples Of Angkor and Tonle Sap before flying back to Australia.
Key stops:
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Saigon
- Mekong Delta
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
03
Saigon to Can Tho or Cai Be Cruising Tour on Mekong River Delta
from $889 at Tour Radar
Looking for just a taste of what the Mekong River has to offer? This is the cruise for you. For just under $1000, you’ll be treated to three spectacular days floating down the Mekong making stops to some of Vietnam’s most iconic cities and landmarks. Beginning in Saigon, you’ll be busy soaking in the sights the second you set sail. From rowing sampan to explore small canals, bicycle riding through the villages, Cai Rang floating market and listening to folk music on the Tan Phong islet, this three day cruise will fly by.
Key stops:
- Saigon
- Cai Be
- Can Tho
- Tan Phong Islet
- Cai Rang Floating Market
04
Magnificent Mekong
from $11,495 at Viking River Cruises
Why limit your exploration of the Mekong River to just Vietnam? The Magnificent Mekong cruise from Viking is 15 days of awe-inspiring sailing down the Mekong through both Vietnam and Cambodia. Kicking off in Hanoi, the cruise will immediately venture into Cambodia where you’ll stop into Siem Reap, Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh. You’ll then float back along the Mekong River and into rural Vietnam where you’ll get a firsthand experience of handmade silk and a floating fish farms in Tân Châu, Sa Đéc and Cái Bè before finishing in the effervescent Ho Chi Minh City.
Key stops:
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Kampong Cham, Cambodia
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Tân Châu, Vietnam
- Sa Đéc, Vietnam
- Cái Bè, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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