River Cruises from Ho Chi Minh City

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Ho Chi Minh City

• What's the typical length of river cruises from Ho Chi Minh City?

  Most river cruises from Ho Chi Minh City last between 8 and 15 days, with an average trip of 11 days. You can choose a longer experience like the 15-day Emerald Harmony trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, or opt for a shorter 8-day RV Indochine cruise focusing on the Mekong Delta. One traveler told us "the 8-day cruise was perfect length to experience both countries while enjoying the relaxing pace of river travel."

• Which stops do river cruises make between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap?

  Your cruise will stop at local ports like My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec and Chau Doc in Vietnam before heading into Cambodia to visit Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach and Siem Reap. You'll get to explore floating markets and ancient temples at each stop. One of our travelers shared that "visiting the local villages and markets along the Mekong gave us an authentic glimpse into daily life in both Vietnam and Cambodia."

• When is the best time to take a river cruise from Ho Chi Minh City?

  Plan your cruise between October and February for the best weather, with temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C) and very little rain. September and March can also work well, though you might see some showers. As one traveler told us, "traveling in January provided perfect weather conditions for both river cruising and shore excursions."

• How many people are usually on these Mekong river cruises?

  The boats are fairly intimate, carrying between 36 and 68 passengers. The Emerald Harmony is slightly larger with space for 84 people, while the RV Indochine takes 48 guests. One traveler mentioned that "the smaller ship size meant we got to know our fellow travelers while still having plenty of personal space."

• What are the rooms like on these river cruises?

  You'll stay in comfortable rooms on ships like the Scenic Spirit and AmaDara, with your own balcony, private bathroom and modern amenities. The Emerald Harmony offers deluxe suites with big windows, and before your cruise, you might stay at places like the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City. According to one traveler, "The cabin on AmaDara was spacious and well-appointed, with beautiful views of the Mekong from our private balcony."

• How do the border crossings work on these cruises?

  The ship's crew takes care of all the border paperwork when you sail from Tan Chau to Phnom Penh between Vietnam and Cambodia. Ships like the Scenic Spirit and Emerald Harmony usually handle the crossing while you're sailing so it doesn't interrupt your trip. Our travelers tell us that "the border crossing was seamlessly handled by the crew with minimal inconvenience to passengers."