Asia River Cruises

What our customers ask about Asia River Cruises

• What are the main stops and attractions along Mekong River cruise routes?

  The Mekong River cruise experience spans Vietnam and Cambodia with notable stops that showcase the region's rich heritage. Most routes include the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and vibrant floating markets in Cai Be. The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City offer historical perspective while stops at smaller riverside communities like Chau Doc Sa Dec and My Tho provide opportunities to connect with local life. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Angkor Wat was magnificent for its architecture while the floating villages and traditional life along the Mekong were spectacular experiences."

• What types of shore excursions are typically included on Mekong River cruises?

  Shore excursions on Mekong River cruises connect travelers with local culture and history. Activities range from exploring floating markets in the Delta to touring ancient temples at Angkor Wat visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and discovering craft villages like Koh Chen's silver workshops. The Emerald Harmony cruise includes visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and traditional Buddhist ceremonies at Oudong Monastery. One TourRadar traveler shared "The variety of excursions was excellent - from bustling cities to remote villages we got to experience the authentic daily life along the Mekong."

• How many days should I plan for a Mekong River cruise?

  Standard Mekong River cruises run between 8 and 15 days. AmaWaterways offers an 8-day "Charms of the Mekong" route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh while Emerald Cruises extends to 15 days with their "Wonders of Vietnam Cambodia & the Mekong" including land tours. The choice often depends on whether travelers want a focused river experience or additional city exploration. A TourRadar traveler reflected "Our 11-day CroisiEurope cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to explore both the river life and major cities without feeling rushed."

• What size ships are used for Asian river cruises and how many passengers do they carry?

  Mekong River vessels are built for intimate experiences and navigation of narrow waterways. The Emerald Harmony carries 84 passengers the RV Indochine II accommodates 62 guests and the AmaDara maintains a boutique atmosphere with under 100 passengers. A TourRadar traveler on CroisiEurope noted: "With only 60 passengers the atmosphere was intimate and we got to know our fellow travelers while still having plenty of personal space in public areas like the panorama lounge."

• What kind of cuisine is served on Mekong River cruises?

  Food offerings on Mekong River cruises balance local Asian flavors with familiar international options. Ships like the Emerald Harmony serve dishes made from local ingredients alongside western choices. Most packages include all meals with unlimited beverages during lunch and dinner. Special dining events feature welcome and farewell dinners themed nights and cooking demonstrations. The RV Indochine II's main deck restaurant serves refined cuisine with river views. A TourRadar traveler noted "The food was exceptional - we loved trying different Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes while having familiar options available too."