The best Mekong River cruise is not simply the most luxurious ship. It is the vessel whose route, size and travel style match the experience you want. A short Mekong Delta cruise focuses on floating markets and village waterways. A Vietnam–Cambodia voyage combines rural river life with Phnom Penh and the Tonle Sap region. An Upper Mekong expedition through Laos delivers wilder scenery, longer sailing days and a very different cultural journey.
This guide compares 21 Mekong cruise ships and 82 linked itineraries. Every ship and cruise program can be opened directly from the comparison, making it easier to compare like with like before booking.
Quick answer: Choose Aqua Mekong, Jahan, Jayavarman, Mekong Symphony, Mekong Navigator, Mekong Princess or Victoria Mekong for a full-service Vietnam–Cambodia journey. Choose Bassac, Dragon Eyes or Mekong Eyes Classic for a short Mekong Delta cruise. Pick Anouvong or Pandaw Laos for an expedition-style Laos journey, and Song Xanh or Cai Be Princess when privacy matters most.
Mekong River cruises at a glance
| Cruise category | Typical duration | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam–Cambodia luxury cruise | 4–9 days | First-time Mekong travelers, couples and cultural touring | Higher fare and fixed schedules |
| Mekong Delta cruise | 1–3 days | Short Vietnam trips and local immersion | Does not cover the full international Mekong |
| Cambodia and Tonle Sap cruise | 3–5 days | Travelers combining Phnom Penh and Siem Reap | Water levels may affect the exact route |
| Upper Mekong Laos cruise | 2–11 days | Slow travel, scenery and remote communities | Longer transfers and fewer urban comforts |
| Boutique small ship | 8–9 days | Travelers who value intimacy over resort facilities | Fewer dining and entertainment venues |
| Private sampan | 1–3 days | Couples, families and special occasions | Higher per-person cost |
Best Mekong cruises by route
Vietnam and Cambodia: the best all-round Mekong experience
Vietnam–Cambodia routes usually connect Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The full journey normally takes seven to nine days, while shorter sectors connect two major points in four or five days.
The strongest full-service choices are Aqua Mekong, Heritage Line Jahan, Heritage Line Jayavarman, Mekong Symphony, Pandaw Mekong, RV La Marguerite, RV Mekong Navigator, RV Mekong Princess and Victoria Mekong.
Travelers wanting fewer passengers should compare Mekong Eyes Explorer, Toum Tiou I and Toum Tiou II.
Vietnam’s Mekong Delta: best for short trips
Short Delta programs are practical additions to a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. Bassac has a traditional regional character; Dragon Eyes and Mekong Eyes Classic provide compact overnight journeys; Song Xanh Sampan is designed for private touring; and Cai Be Princess offers a private day experience.
Cambodia and Tonle Sap: best for Phnom Penh–Siem Reap sectors
Short Cambodia sectors are available on Aqua Mekong, Jahan, Jayavarman, Mekong Symphony, Pandaw Mekong, Mekong Navigator and Victoria Mekong. Neang Neakii is the more intimate, Cambodia-focused option.
Laos and the Upper Mekong: best for scenery and expedition travel
Heritage Line Anouvong delivers the most polished boutique-luxury experience. Pandaw Laos is better for a long expedition between the Thai border region and Vientiane. Shompoo is the practical two-day slow-boat upgrade between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang.
Luxury Mekong River cruises compared
| Ship | Region | Style | Best for | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Mekong | Vietnam–Cambodia | Contemporary ultra-luxury | Food, design and personalized excursions | Most modern high-end expedition feel |
| Heritage Line Jahan | Vietnam–Cambodia | British-Indian heritage luxury | Couples and design lovers | Romantic, richly themed interiors |
| Heritage Line Jayavarman | Vietnam–Cambodia | French-colonial and Khmer styling | First-time luxury cruisers | Strong heritage identity and proven route range |
| Mekong Symphony | Vietnam–Cambodia | Modern luxury suites | Couples and groups | Contemporary alternative to heritage-themed vessels |
| RV Mekong Navigator | Vietnam–Cambodia | Colonial-inspired luxury | Mature travelers | Classic river-cruise atmosphere |
| RV Mekong Princess | Vietnam–Cambodia | Intimate all-suite luxury | Couples and service-focused travelers | Broadest selection of short and long sectors |
| Victoria Mekong | Vietnam–Cambodia | Contemporary full-service ship | Social travelers and first-time cruisers | Balanced facilities and cultural programming |
| RV La Marguerite | Vietnam–Cambodia | Classic large river ship | Travelers wanting a straightforward eight-day voyage | Simple choice of upstream or downstream route |
| Pandaw Mekong | Vietnam–Cambodia | Colonial expedition style | History and culture enthusiasts | Expedition character rather than resort glamour |
| Heritage Line Anouvong | Laos | Boutique five-star | Couples and slow travelers | Most refined Upper Mekong vessel |
| Mekong Eyes Explorer | Vietnam–Cambodia | Four-star boutique | Travelers preferring a smaller ship | More intimate and practical than large luxury ships |
| Toum Tiou I | Vietnam–Cambodia | Small traditional river ship | Authenticity and quiet atmosphere | Less facility-driven |
| Toum Tiou II | Vietnam–Cambodia | 14-cabin boutique | Small groups and couples | Intimate nine-day format |
Best contemporary luxury: Aqua Mekong.
Best heritage atmosphere: Jahan or Jayavarman.
Best intimate luxury: Mekong Princess.
Best Upper Mekong luxury: Anouvong.
Best small-ship international cruise: Mekong Eyes Explorer or Toum Tiou II.
Budget, short and private Mekong cruises compared
| Ship | Format | Best for | Compared with similar vessels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassac | Traditional Delta overnight boat | Local culture and slow travel | Strongest regional character |
| Dragon Eyes | Intimate Delta cruiser | Couples and flexible extensions | Best route variety, including Phu Quoc and Phnom Penh connections |
| Mekong Eyes Classic | Larger classic Delta cruiser | First-time visitors and small groups | Similar route flexibility with a more conventional cruise format |
| Cai Be Princess | Private day sampan | Couples and families | Best when no overnight stay is required |
| Song Xanh Sampan | Private overnight sampan | Honeymoons and families | Maximum privacy over two or three days |
| Shompoo | Two-day Laos cruise | Travelers moving between Thailand and Luang Prabang | Transport and sightseeing combined |
| Neang Neakii | Small Cambodia cruise | Short Phnom Penh–Siem Reap journeys | More intimate than large international ships |
| Pandaw Laos | Long Upper Mekong expedition | Adventure and remote communities | Much longer and more immersive than Shompoo |
Best short Delta cruise: Bassac for atmosphere, Dragon Eyes for route choice.
Best private cruise: Song Xanh for overnight travel, Cai Be Princess for a day trip.
Best Laos value: Shompoo.
Best long Laos expedition: Pandaw Laos.
Every ship and available cruise program
1. Aqua Mekong Cruise
View the Aqua Mekong ship. This is the strongest fit for travelers prioritizing contemporary design, high-end dining and polished excursions. Choose a four- or five-day sector for a focused journey, or eight days for the complete Vietnam–Cambodia experience.
- Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 days
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh – 5 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 5 days
- Downstream expedition – 8 days
- Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap – 8 days
2. Bassac Cruise
View the Bassac ship. Bassac is preferable to an international river ship when the goal is a compact, locally focused Mekong Delta experience.
3. Cai Be Princess Sampan
View the Cai Be Princess ship. This private sampan is best for a comfortable day on narrow Delta waterways without sleeping onboard.
4. Dragon Eyes Cruise
View the Dragon Eyes ship. Dragon Eyes has the most varied short-cruise network, including Delta circuits and onward connections to Phu Quoc or Phnom Penh.
- Saigon to Phu Quoc via the Mekong Delta – 2 days
- Cai Be and Can Tho – 2 days
- Can Tho and Cai Be – 3 days
- Mekong Delta and Phnom Penh – 3 days
- Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc – 3 days
5. Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise
View the Anouvong ship. Anouvong is the premium choice for Laos, combining boutique scale with longer expedition possibilities.
- Huay Xai to Luang Prabang – 4 days
- Luang Prabang to Huay Xai – 4 days
- Huay Xai to Vientiane – 8 days
- Vientiane to Huay Xai – 10 days
6. Heritage Line Jahan Cruise
View the Jahan ship. Jahan suits travelers who want luxury with a dramatic heritage design. Its six programs cover every major direction between Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Siem Reap to Saigon – 8 days
- Saigon to Siem Reap – 8 days
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 5 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 5 days
- Phnom Penh to Saigon – 4 days
- Saigon to Phnom Penh – 4 days
7. Heritage Line Jayavarman
View the Jayavarman ship. Jayavarman competes directly with Jahan but offers a different French-colonial and Khmer aesthetic.
- Saigon to Siem Reap – 8 days
- Siem Reap to Saigon – 8 days
- Phnom Penh to Saigon – 4 days
- Saigon to Phnom Penh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 5 days
8. Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise
View the Mekong Eyes Classic ship. It is the practical alternative to Dragon Eyes for short Delta journeys and connections.
- Cai Be and Can Tho – 2 days
- Cai Be and Can Tho – 3 days
- Saigon to Phu Quoc – 2 days
- Saigon to Phu Quoc – 3 days
- Saigon to Phnom Penh – 3 days
9. Mekong Eyes Explorer
View the Mekong Eyes Explorer ship. Explorer is an intimate four-star option dedicated to the Saigon–Phnom Penh corridor.
10. Mekong Symphony Cruise
View the Mekong Symphony ship. Mekong Symphony is a contemporary luxury alternative to the more historic-looking Jahan, Jayavarman and Pandaw vessels.
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City – 5 days
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh – 5 days
- Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City – 8 days
- Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap – 8 days
11. Neang Neakii Cruise
View the Neang Neakii ship. This is a focused Cambodia cruise for travelers who do not need the Vietnamese section of the Mekong.
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 3 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 3 days
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 days
12. Pandaw Laos Cruise
View the Pandaw Laos ship. Choose Pandaw Laos over Anouvong when expedition length and remote-river immersion matter more than boutique luxury.
13. Pandaw Mekong Cruise
View the Pandaw Mekong ship. Pandaw Mekong emphasizes colonial expedition character and cultural touring.
- Siem Reap to Saigon – 8 days
- Saigon to Siem Reap – 8 days
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 5 days
- Phnom Penh to Saigon – 5 days
- Saigon to Phnom Penh – 4 days
14. RV La Marguerite Cruise
View the RV La Marguerite ship. Its simple two-itinerary structure makes it easy to choose solely by travel direction.
15. RV Mekong Navigator Cruise
View the Mekong Navigator ship. Navigator works well for travelers seeking a classic luxury river-cruise atmosphere and either a short sector or a full downstream voyage.
- Siem Reap to Saigon – 8 days
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 days
- Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City – 5 days
16. RV Mekong Princess Cruise
View the Mekong Princess ship. Mekong Princess offers the broadest program selection, including Delta-only sectors, Cambodia–Vietnam connections and full eight-day journeys.
- Saigon to Siem Reap – 8 days
- Siem Reap to Saigon – 8 days
- Phnom Penh to Saigon – 6 days
- Saigon to Phnom Penh – 5 days
- Phnom Penh to Can Tho – 4 days
- Can Tho to Phnom Penh – 3 days
- Saigon to Can Tho – 3 days
- Can Tho to Saigon – 3 days
17. Shompoo Cruise
View the Shompoo ship. Shompoo is ideal for travelers using the river as a scenic connection between northern Thailand and Luang Prabang.
18. Song Xanh Sampan Private Cruise
View the Song Xanh ship. Song Xanh provides the most intimate overnight Mekong Delta experience in this collection.
- Mekong Delta discovery – 2 days
- Mekong Delta crossing – 3 days
- Mekong Delta crossroads – 3 days
- Cai Be to Chau Doc – 3 days
19. Toum Tiou I Cruise
View the Toum Tiou I ship. Toum Tiou I is a characterful small-ship alternative to large luxury vessels.
20. Toum Tiou II Cruise
View the Toum Tiou II ship. With 14 cabins and nine-day programs, Toum Tiou II favors a slower pace and close-knit atmosphere.
21. Victoria Mekong Cruise
View the Victoria Mekong ship. Victoria Mekong offers a balanced contemporary experience for travelers who want a recognizable full-service ship without the ultra-luxury positioning of Aqua Mekong.
How to choose the right Mekong cruise
- Choose the region first. The Delta, Lower Mekong and Upper Mekong are different trips.
- Decide whether the cruise is your main holiday or an extension. Use two or three days for an extension and seven to eleven days for a destination-focused river journey.
- Choose ship size. Large ships offer more facilities; small vessels provide quieter excursions and a more personal atmosphere.
- Compare direction and city logistics. Upstream and downstream programs may have different timings, excursions and seasonal routing.
- Check water-level arrangements. Tonle Sap access and embarkation points can change by season.
- Compare the final inclusions. Domestic flights, hotel nights, port transfers, visas, beverages and gratuities may not be included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best luxury Mekong River cruise?
Aqua Mekong is the strongest contemporary ultra-luxury choice. Jahan and Jayavarman are better for heritage atmosphere, while Mekong Princess suits travelers who prefer a smaller all-suite vessel and more itinerary choices.
How many days are best for a Mekong cruise?
Two or three days are enough for the Vietnamese Delta. Four or five days work for a Phnom Penh–Siem Reap or Saigon–Phnom Penh sector. Seven to nine days are best for a complete Vietnam–Cambodia journey.
Is upstream or downstream better?
Neither direction is automatically better. Choose according to flight connections, hotel plans and preferred start city. Always compare the day-by-day excursions because reverse routes are not necessarily identical.
Which Mekong cruise is best for a couple?
Aqua Mekong, Jahan and Anouvong suit luxury-focused couples. Song Xanh and Cai Be Princess are better for privacy. Toum Tiou II and Mekong Eyes Explorer suit couples who prefer a small shared ship.
Which cruise is best for Laos?
Anouvong is best for boutique luxury, Pandaw Laos for a long expedition and Shompoo for a practical two-day journey between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang.
Can a Mekong cruise connect Vietnam and Cambodia?
Yes. Multiple ships operate between Ho Chi Minh City or the Vietnamese Delta, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Full journeys generally take about eight days, while shorter sectors take four to six days.
Final verdict
For the most refined contemporary voyage, choose Aqua Mekong. For heritage styling, compare Jahan and Jayavarman. For a broad selection of route lengths, Mekong Princess is especially versatile. Victoria Mekong is a balanced full-service alternative, while Toum Tiou II and Mekong Eyes Explorer are better for small-ship travelers.
On shorter trips, Bassac, Dragon Eyes and Mekong Eyes Classic are the leading shared Delta cruises. Song Xanh is the best private overnight option, and Cai Be Princess is the clearest private day-cruise choice. In Laos, select Anouvong for luxury, Pandaw Laos for expedition depth or Shompoo for an efficient scenic connection.
