South East Asia River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through South East Asia
Compiled by
NadineSouth East Asia travel expert at TourRadar
- Grand Tour of Indochina 2025-2026
- Wonders of Indochina and the Mekong 2026-2027
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound) 2025
- Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Southbound) 2025
- Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour
- Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
- Explore Vietnam & Cambodia: 17-Day Coaster Charm & Mekong Adventure
- 16-Day Waterway Journey from Cambodia to Vietnam - Deluxe Private Tour
- Cruise River Kwai - 9 days
- Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise
Emerald Harmony connects bustling Saigon to historic Phnom Penh. Floating markets, local workshops, and centuries-old temples dot the route. Luxury accommodations, regional cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences define the journey.
Duration 24 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $23,953
42% Off- NZ$13,991You save $9,962
The Emerald Harmony sails through Southeast Asia, from Vietnam to Cambodia. The route winds through Mekong Delta's floating markets, Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, and traditional village life. Guests enjoy luxury river accommodation, cultural performances, and authentic regional cuisine.
Duration 16 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,690
40% Off- NZ$11,889You save $7,801
Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound) 2025
The Mekong River reveals its secrets aboard Avalon Saigon, with panoramic suites and regional cuisine. Floating markets, traditional workshops in Vinh Long, and Ha Long Bay's seascape create memorable moments. Local life unfolds from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.
Duration 19 days Destinations Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
40% Off- NZ$15,547+$1,288 upfront costs
The Avalon Saigon glides along Southeast Asia's Mekong River. Premium suite accommodation and regional cuisine complement exclusive excursions from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. Floating markets, ancient temples, and traditional workshops showcase local life alongside panoramic river views.
Duration 16 days Destinations Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
40% Off- NZ$13,818+$733 upfront costs
Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Realistic Asia provides an outstanding service!! I was skeptical at first, but they ultimately cleared up all of my doubts.”
Darya, traveled in April
Luxury awaits aboard Bassac Cruise and La Pandora through Southeast Asia's waterways. Floating markets, authentic villages, and limestone caves paint a picture of river life, while premium accommodations and regional cuisine provide comfort.
Duration 15 days Destinations Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $3,797
7% Off- NZ$3,531+$1,071 local paymentsYou save $266
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“At every stage we were picked up from the airport/hotels in air conditioned cars with fabulous hotels.”
Austin, traveled in February
The waters of Southeast Asia stretch from Halong Bay to Mekong Delta aboard luxury vessels. Limestone cave exploration, floating village visits, and traditional boat rides highlight each day. Premium cabin accommodations and authentic local cuisine enhance the voyage.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $2,657
10% Off- NZ$2,391+$576 local paymentsYou save $266
From Mekong Delta to Ha Long Bay, premium vessels like Doris Cruise chart Southeast Asia's rivers. Floating markets and riverside temples dot the journey. Luxury stays at Victoria Chau Doc complement authentic local experiences throughout the route.
Duration 17 days Destinations Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $9,139
70% Off- NZ$2,742+$1,087 local paymentsYou save $6,397
Waterways stretch from Mekong Delta to Halong Bay aboard distinguished vessels. Bassac Cruise guides through floating markets while Doris Cruise weaves among limestone karsts. Palace Gate Hotel and Apricot Hotel provide luxury between cruise segments.
Duration 16 days Destinations Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $13,594
70% Off- NZ$4,078+$1,617 local paymentsYou save $9,516
The colonial RV River Kwai, with 10 luxurious cabins, connects Ban Kao to Sai Yok. Passengers visit riverside temples and historic sites, participating in market visits and onboard Thai cooking classes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bangkok, Ban Kao, Sai Yok National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
70% Off- NZ$5,115
Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Our voyage on Scenic Spirit exceeded our expectations. It was an amazing experience!”
Jared, traveled in February
Scenic Spirit graces the Mekong River with visits to Angkor Ban's wooden houses and Oknha Tey's silk farms. Phnom Penh's landmarks and remote villages showcase local life, while butler service adds luxury. Multiple dining venues and sundeck pool enhance this 7-night sailing.
Duration 11 days Destinations Siem Reap, Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Angkor Ban, Silk Island, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,590
14% Off- NZ$9,090You save $1,500
What people love about River Cruise Tours in South East Asia
- Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway In 15 Days - Deluxe Private Tour
Cambodia is magnificent and temples are wonderful site to be hold and Vietnam is such a lovely country. I visited Tra Su Cajuput forest which I found really fascinating
- Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
Just spent 2 weeks in Vietnam and S Viet Travel for all transfers and day trips there transfers were always on time as were the day trips. Tours were good with great guide's that spoke good English
- Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise
Our voyage on Scenic Spirit exceeded our expectations. It was an amazing experience!
What our customers ask about South East Asia River Cruises
How long are typical South East Asia river cruises?
South East Asia river cruises run between 7 and 24 days with most travelers choosing 13-15 day journeys along the Mekong River. CroisiEurope offers a 12-day route from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City while Emerald Cruises runs a 24-day Grand Tour of Indochina that includes stops in Hanoi Halong Bay and Bangkok. One TourRadar traveler noted "The 15-day cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to truly experience both Vietnam and Cambodia."
What size ships operate on South East Asia river cruises?
Ships on the Mekong River are designed for smaller groups with passenger counts between 36 and 124. The AmaDara hosts 124 guests with 52 crew members while the Scenic Spirit takes just 68 passengers. The RV Indochine II features 31 cabins across two decks for 62 guests. A TourRadar traveler who sailed on Scenic Spirit noted: "With only 68 passengers we got to know everyone and received incredibly attentive service from the crew."
What are the main destinations and highlights visited on South East Asia river cruises?
The main route runs between Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and Siem Reap Cambodia on the Mekong River. Stops include the floating markets of Cai Be the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City and traditional silk weaving demonstrations on Silk Island. Many trips include hotel stays like the Sofitel Angkor in Siem Reap for visiting Angkor Wat. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of excursions was excellent - from bustling cities to remote villages we got to experience the authentic culture and daily life along the Mekong."
What are the best months to take a South East Asia river cruise?
November through February offers the most reliable weather for Mekong River cruises with dry conditions and moderate temperatures. While ships like Scenic Spirit and AmaDara operate year-round water levels can affect routes during the July-October rainy season. December through February sees temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) in key stops like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. One TourRadar traveler noted on an AmaWaterways cruise: "Our voyage in February had perfect weather conditions for exploring both on and off the ship."
What is the dining experience like on South East Asia river cruises?
Meals combine Western and Asian dishes with ships like Emerald Harmony including complimentary wine beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. The RV Indochine II's main deck restaurant serves local cuisine in a colonial setting with river views. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The food was outstanding - fresh local ingredients and great variety. The special dinner featuring traditional Khmer dishes was a highlight."
How much does a typical South East Asia river cruise cost?
Prices range from 3500 USD to 9000 USD per person based on trip length and cabin choice. CroisiEurope's 11-day Mekong Delta cruise starts at 3827 USD while Emerald Cruises' 15-day luxury voyage runs around 10550 USD. Rates typically cover lodging meals drinks excursions and onboard activities. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "While not inexpensive the all-inclusive nature and high quality of experience made it excellent value for money."