MEKONG RIVER CRUISING
The Mekong River is the 12th largest in the world at almost 5000km. It is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia as it winds its way from the Tibetan Plateau through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and finishing in Vietnam.
The Mekong River, teeming with an estimated 1,000 fish species, 20,000 plant varieties, and a vast array of birds, reptiles, and mammals, stands as a global biodiversity hotspot, rivaled only by the Amazon River in its ecological richness.
Cruising on the Mekong River offers an exquisite blend of cultural immersion and refined comfort.
To experience this waterway at its best, plan to cruise between November and April, when pleasant, dry weather prevails.
The cruise companies listed below offer luxury river vessels that navigate the waterway, providing opulent accommodations, gourmet dining featuring regional flavors, and personalized service.
The cruises are designed to provide a deep connection to the history and beauty of the Mekong region.
aqua expeditions
Cruising the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam, the award winning Aqua Mekong ship offers 20 spacious suites featuring full length windows.
You’ll embark on a journey of local flavors with a dining experience crafted by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson.
With private tenders you’ll enjoy twice-daily excursions to landmarks, temples and villages, discovering local culture and tradtions.
viking River Cruises
The Viking Saigon and Viking Tonle luxury 40 cabin ships blend understated elegance with the clean, Scandinavian design principles for which Viking is known.
The upper deck has a pool and an open air Sky Bar. Onboard you’ll also find a spa and fitness centre.
The cruise portion of their tours travel between Cambodia and Vietnam or vice versa but also include Hanoi and Siem Reap.
Pandaw Cruises
Pandaw is the original river cruise company in Asia, having operated river cruises for over 30 years.
Their award winning river cruises offer an immersive outdoor experience with colonial-era styled staterooms and amenities like local cuisine, spa facilities, and cultural performances.
Pandaw caters to families and offers cycling adventures for independent exploration.
There is a choice of cruises, with the lesser explored upper Mekong on a 10 day adventure in Laos, and various itineraries between Cambodia and Vietnam and vice versa.
Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld 15 day cruise-tours start in Hanoi and finish in Ho Chi Minh City with a 7 night cruise portion between My Tho, Vietnam and Kampong Cham in Cambodia (and vice versa)
Besides the 34 all-suite cabins, the Mekong Jewel has two dining venues, a swimming pool, spa, gym and a library.
Included are 13 excursions, guided by local experts.
Scenic
Scenic Spirit offers 5-star river cruising with an abundance of space for the journey of a lifetime. Representing a stylish connection between South East Asian traditions and modern innovation, you can expect impeccable service and world-class dining.
Scenic features the largest lead-in suites on the Mekong. All suites feature an ergonomic Scenic Slumber Bed to ensure you wake up refreshed, and a signature Scenic Sun Lounge for your own private window to the world.
Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on unique excursions in South East Asia. Their extensive list of Scenic Freechoice excursions offer an Active, Moderate or Relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you.
Avalon Waterways
The Avalon Saigon sails with a maximum of just 36 guests, delivering all the modern features you expect from Avalon Waterways, while incorporating the unique character and charm of Southeast Asia.
The ship incorporates the classic colonial charm befitting the Vietnam and Cambodia experience with modern features such as wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and luxurious beds that face the window.
Excursions include a choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way.
Heritage Line
Lower Mekong Cruises between Vietnam and Cambodia (and vice versa)
Enchanting and romantic, The Jahan captivates and transports guests back in time evoking the grandueur of former British-India.
All staterooms are spacious and have private balconies.
The atmospheric East India Club & Lounge resembles an old Gentlemen’s Club, while the adjacent sun deck and Jacuzzi pool are a few of the designer vessel’s many resort-like facilities.
The ship Jayavarman interior design is characterised by a charming French-Colonial theme along with stylish Khmer accents. Public areas are decorated with fine objects d’art.
Both ships ply the lower Mekong between Vietnam & Cambodia on various itineraries.
Laos – the Upper Mekong
As imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos, Anouvong enchants as a small boutique luxury ship that seamlessly blends traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork with French-Colonial finesse. Passengers aboard this exclusive vessel discover the most beautiful, remote areas of Laos along the meandering river in utmost luxury.
APT
Embark on a voyage aboard the new Mekong Serenity, the epitome of five-star luxury.
Discover charming riverside villages, meet traditional famers and artisans, and soak in the stunning scenery in unmatched elegance and style
This spacious dual balcony suite features a large indoor floor-to-ceiling panoramic balcony and an outdoor balcony.
The Mekong Serenity features a sun deck, an onboard swimming pool, alongside the Bar & Grill.
APT Cruise Tours combine both land and cruise compenents of Vietnam and Cambodia.
