Mekong Cruises from Phnom Penh
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5 best Mekong river cruises from Phnom Penh
Compiled by
MelissaPhnom Penh travel expert at TourRadar
- 4-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise Tours From Phnom Penh To Saigon Via Can Tho, Chau Doc, Cai Be By Mekong Eyes Cruise
- 10-Day Meandering Majestic Mekong Cruise 2025|2026-2027
- 3-Day Upstream Mekong River Cruise Tours from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Mekong Dawn
- Mekong Discovery (Southbound) 2025
- Riches of the Mekong 2025
4-Day Downstream Mekong Cruise Tours From Phnom Penh To Saigon Via Can Tho, Chau Doc, Cai Be By Mekong Eyes Cruise
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
From Phnom Penh's Sisowath pier, the cruise sets off at 13:00 toward Chau Doc for an overnight stay. The route continues to Cai Be and Can Tho via shuttle bus, visiting 5 cities along the Mekong River. Small canals and rural villages dot the path before reaching Ho Chi Minh City.
Duration 4 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range 5 to 70 year olds River Mekong Operator DNQ Travel From
- NZ$1,544
The luxurious Emerald Harmony sails 315 miles south from Phnom Penh's Hyatt Regency to Ho Chi Minh City. The route passes through the bustling Cho Gao canal, which sees 1,800 vessels daily, with fascinating stops at Angkor Ban, Tan Chau, and Sa Dec's historic markets. The journey winds through scenic Mekong waterways crossing the Cambodia-Vietnam border.
Duration 10 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, Koh Oknha Tei, Tan Chau, Mekong Delta, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Ben Tre, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 90 year olds River Mekong Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,108
60% Off- NZ$6,374You save $9,733
A morning departure from Phnom Penh at 9 AM leads to historic Oudong Mountain and Koh Chen island. The route winds through Kampong Tralach and Kampong Chhnang's pottery villages. A coach takes passengers to Siem Reap via Kampong Phluk floating village, reaching the destination at 4 PM on day three.
Duration 3 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Kompong Chhnang, Siem Reap Age Range 5 to 70 year olds River Mekong Operator DNQ Travel From
60% Off- NZ$1,577
The intimate Avalon Saigon ship takes guests on an 8-day Mekong voyage spanning 740km from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. The route includes 9 ports featuring Wat Hanchey's hilltop temple, Kampong Tralach's countryside, and Cu Lao Gieng's traditional workshops. Daily guided excursions via sampan boats and ox-carts bring local culture to life.
Duration 8 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach, Chau Doc, Long Khanh, Cu Lao Gieng, Vinh Long, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Saigon River Mekong Operator Avalon Waterways From
60% Off- NZ$9,102
The elegant AmaDara carries passengers along the Mekong River from Phnom Penh through local villages and ancient temples, ending at My Tho Port near Ho Chi Minh City. The 8-day cruise meanders through Cambodia's cultural heartland and Vietnam's lush delta, covering roughly 200 river miles.
Duration 8 days Destinations Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 90 year olds Ship AmaDara River Mekong Operator AmaWaterways From
60% Off- NZ$5,373
What our customers ask about Mekong Cruises from Phnom Penh
What's the typical length of Mekong river cruises starting in Phnom Penh?
Mekong river cruises from Phnom Penh span 3 to 10 days with most travelers choosing 4 to 8-day journeys. The Emerald Harmony delivers a detailed 10-day route to Ho Chi Minh City while the Mekong Eyes Cruise offers a shorter 4-day trip. As shared by a TourRadar traveler about their 8-day AmaWaterways cruise: "The itinerary was perfectly paced allowing us to really experience both Cambodia and Vietnam from the river perspective."
What are the main stops between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City on Mekong cruises?
The river journey connects several noteworthy locations including Angkor Ban where visitors experience village life and Tan Chau known for traditional sampan rides. Boats stop at Sa Dec's local markets and the bustling floating markets of Cai Be. The route includes time in Chau Doc's historic district and Ben Tre's lush coconut region before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Each stop offered something unique - from the silk weaving in Tan Chau to the fascinating floating markets of Cai Be."
What type of accommodation can I expect on Mekong cruises from Phnom Penh?
The river vessels range from upscale ships like the Emerald Harmony featuring panoramic suites to intimate boats like the Mekong Eyes Classic with cozy twin cabins. Modern comforts include AmaDara's pool-equipped Sun Deck and Avalon Saigon's observation lounge. According to a TourRadar traveler on AmaDara: "The staterooms were spacious and well-appointed with both French and outside balconies offering amazing views of the Mekong."
What are the common pickup locations in Phnom Penh for these cruises?
Cruise lines collect guests from downtown Phnom Penh hotels with primary boarding points at Sisowath Quay pier Peam Chi Korng port and Phnom Penh Cruise Port. Mekong Eyes Cruise provides complimentary transfers within 5km of Sisowath pier while Emerald Cruises arranges pickup at the Hyatt Regency. A TourRadar guest reported: "The transfer from our hotel to Sisowath Quay was seamless and well-organized."
What's the best season to take a Mekong cruise from Phnom Penh?
October through February marks the prime time for Mekong cruises with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. While companies like DNQ Travel and AmaWaterways operate throughout the year these months offer optimal water conditions for sailing. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in November and had perfect weather - not too hot and the river conditions were ideal for cruising."
What should I explore in Phnom Penh before starting the cruise?
Key attractions in Phnom Penh include the ornate Royal Palace complex Silver Pagoda National Museum and the bustling Central Market. Emerald Cruises packages often feature these sites plus the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Arrive a day early to explore the Royal Palace complex and enjoy a sunset drink at the Foreign Correspondents Club overlooking the river."