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Neang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn)

4.1 (51 guest reviews) · Neang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn) Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

The Neang Neakii Cruise, previously known as Mekong Dawn, offers an intimate river journey through Cambodia, navigating the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers aboard a boutique wooden vessel.

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Neang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn)
2014 / 0 Built / Refurb.
8 Cabins
16 Passengers
4 Programs

Neang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn) Overview

At a glance

Embarkation
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Duration choices
3–4 days across 4 programs
Cabin choice
8 cabins · 1 cabin categories shown
Current starting price
From $991 per person; final price depends on date and cabin

Why choose Neang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn)?

  • Built 2014, refurbished 0
  • Budget Cruises travel styles
  • Capacity for up to 16 guests

The Neang Neakii Cruise, previously known as Mekong Dawn, offers an intimate river journey through Cambodia, navigating the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers aboard a boutique wooden vessel.

An Authentic Cambodian River Experience

The Neang Neakii Cruise, formerly known as Mekong Dawn, provides a unique and personal river voyage through the heart of Cambodia. Launched in 2014, this charming wooden vessel is designed for a truly intimate experience, accommodating a maximum of 16 guests across just eight elegantly appointed cabins. Its smaller size allows for access to more secluded areas and a highly personalized service, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil and culturally rich exploration of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

Design and Atmosphere

Crafted with a focus on natural materials, the ship's interior reflects a warm and sophisticated Cambodian aesthetic. The use of rich wooden paneling and floors creates an inviting atmosphere, while large windows in each cabin ensure guests remain connected to the picturesque river scenery. The overall ambiance is one of serene elegance, designed to complement the timeless beauty of the Cambodian landscapes outside.

Comfortable Cabin Retreats

Each of the eight cabins on board serves as a cozy retreat, featuring traditional Cambodian decor. Guests can expect comfortable beds, ample wardrobe space, and bedside tables for convenience. Private bathrooms are well-appointed with hot water showers, Western-style toilets, and sinks, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the journey.

Culinary Delights and Leisure Facilities

Dining on the Neang Neakii Cruise is a celebration of Cambodian flavors, with expertly prepared meals served onboard. Guests can savor delicious local specialties while enjoying the ever-changing river views. Beyond the dining area, the ship also features a fantastic sundeck, offering a perfect spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying panoramic vistas of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Operated by Mekong Dawn Cruise Budget Cruises
Guest Reviews Summary

With an excellent overall rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on 17 customer reviews, the Neang Neakii Cruise consistently receives high praise from travelers. Guests frequently commend the exceptional staff quality, particularly guides like Sam, who are noted for their deep knowledge of Cambodian history and culture during shore excursions. The onboard meals, crafted by Chef Sophean, are often highlighted as the best culinary experiences in the region. Reviewers also appreciate the comfortable cabins, good shower pressure, and the tranquil atmosphere on deck, making the cruise a memorable and educational journey through Cambodia's waterways.

Cabin Types

Superior Cabin

Superior Cabin

13m² Double/Twin Max 2

Each Superior Cabin is adorned in traditional Cambodian style, featuring high-quality wooden paneling and floors. Guests can enjoy views through a large window that opens. The cabin provides wardrobe space for clothing, bedside tables, and soft linen on the beds. Private bathrooms are equipped with a hot water shower, a Western-style toilet, and a sink, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Routes & Itinerary Comparison

Compare the published programs below. Stops and timings may change with weather, port authority instructions and the selected departure.

ProgramDurationRouteNext departureFrom
Neang Neakii Cruise Downstream Mekong Journey: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh - 3 Days 3 D / 2 N Siem Reap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Tralach - Koh Chen - Phnom Penh Ask for dates $991
Neang Neakii Cruise Upstream: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 3 Days, 2 Nights 3 D / 2 N Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Phluk - Siem Reap Ask for dates $991
Neang Neakii Cruise: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Mekong Journey – 4 Days 3 Nights 4 D / 3 N Downstream from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Ask for dates $1,203
Neang Neakii Cruise: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 Days 3 Nights 4 D / 3 N Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Ask for dates $1,203

Cruise Programs

Duration: All 1–2 Nights 3–4 Nights 5–7 Nights 8+ Nights
Sort:
Showing 4 of 4 programs
Neang Neakii Cruise Downstream Mekong Journey: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh - 3 Days
New
2 N / 3 D

Neang Neakii Cruise Downstream Mekong Journey: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh - 3 Days

Siem Reap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Tralach - Koh Chen - Phnom Penh

Embark on a three-day, two-night downstream cruise with Neang Neakii from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, exploring authentic Cambodian villages and ancient sites along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$991
per person
Neang Neakii Cruise: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Mekong Journey – 4 Days 3 Nights
New
3 N / 4 D

Neang Neakii Cruise: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Mekong Journey – 4 Days 3 Nights

Downstream from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

Experience a boutique 4-day, 3-night river journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh aboard the Neang Neakii Cruise, exploring floating villages, ancient temples, and local artisan communities along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$1,203
per person
Neang Neakii Cruise Upstream: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 3 Days, 2 Nights
New
2 N / 3 D

Neang Neakii Cruise Upstream: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 3 Days, 2 Nights

Phnom Penh - Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Phluk - Siem Reap

Embark on a three-day, two-night river journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap aboard the Neang Neakii Cruise, experiencing Cambodia's natural beauty and daily local life.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$991
per person
Neang Neakii Cruise: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 Days 3 Nights
New
3 N / 4 D

Neang Neakii Cruise: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – 4 Days 3 Nights

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Embark on a 4-day, 3-night Neang Neakii Cruise exploring the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, discovering Cambodia's cultural sites and floating villages.

Contact for dates 4.6
From
$1,203
per person

Dining & Facilities

  • Romantic Sundeck for relaxation and scenic views
  • Comfortable Dining Area serving local specialties
  • Eight elegantly designed private cabins
  • On-board bar service for refreshing drinks
  • Romantic Sundeck for relaxation and scenic views
  • Comfortable Dining Area serving local specialties
  • Eight elegantly designed private cabins
  • On-board bar service for refreshing drinks

The culinary experience on the Neang Neakii Cruise highlights signature Cambodian flavors, with all meals served onboard. Guests can anticipate a selection of delicious local specialties, prepared with fresh ingredients. The main dining area provides a comfortable setting to enjoy these meals while taking in the passing river scenery. Drinks are also available at the onboard bar, perfect for enjoying a sundowner on deck.

  • Enjoy traditional Cambodian meals prepared by the chef
  • Participate in guided shore excursions with an English-speaking guide
  • Experience authentic local transportation like ox cart rides and tuk-tuks
  • Relax with sundowners and snacks on the deck
  • Receive attentive service from a dedicated cruise crew

Before You Book

Who this cruise suits

Budget Cruises

Embarkation & transfers

Departure details: Siem Reap / Phnom Penh.

Read transportation details

Weather & special requests

Routes can change for safety or port-authority instructions. Tell us about mobility, dietary or celebration requirements before booking.

Review cancellation terms

Not included

  • International or domestic airfare to/from Cambodia.
  • All transfers outside of the cruise itineraries for Neang Neakii Cruise.
  • Gratuities for the cruise staff.
  • All incidental expenses.

Booking Policies

  • International or domestic airfare to/from Cambodia.
  • All transfers outside of the cruise itineraries for Neang Neakii Cruise.
  • Gratuities for the cruise staff.
  • All incidental expenses.

  • A 30% payment is required to confirm any reservation.
  • This initial payment is non-refundable.

  • Cancellations communicated to the office less than 30 days before the departure date will incur a 50% charge of the cabin rate.
  • Cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to departure, no-show, or early returns from the trip will result in a 100% charge of the cabin rate.

  • Children under 2 years old are accommodated free of charge.
  • Children aged 2 to 12 years sharing a room with parents will incur a 10% surcharge for an extra bed.
  • Children aged 12 to 16 years sharing a room with parents will incur a 20% surcharge for an extra bed.
  • Children 16 years and older will be charged the full adult price.
  • A client's age is calculated based on the cruise departure day.
  • Please note: The cruise is not considered safe or suitable for children under 6 years old due to railings without netting. If children under 6 accompany guests, it is at the guests' own risk, and Neang Neakii Cruise will not be held responsible for any incidents.

Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off services are provided for guests staying in central Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. These transfers connect guests to and from the Neang Neakii Cruise vessel according to the scheduled itinerary.

Guest Reviews

4.1
51 approved reviews
5★
20
4★
18
3★
9
2★
4
1★
0
David Cooper · Australia

Surpassed all of our already-high expectations

The service on this cruise is in a class of its own. Nothing was too much trouble for any member of the crew. Our guide was an encyclopedia of local knowledge and made every excursion fascinating. The food was superb – fresh, inventive, and beautifully presented. As a solo traveller I felt completely safe and wonderfully looked after. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

Couple · Travelled Oct 2024 · Published 09 Jul 2026
David Cooper · Australia

Surpassed all of our already-high expectations

The service on this cruise is in a class of its own. Nothing was too much trouble for any member of the crew. Our guide was an encyclopedia of local knowledge and made every excursion fascinating. The food was superb – fresh, inventive, and beautifully presented. As a solo traveller I felt completely safe and wonderfully looked after. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

Couple · Travelled Oct 2024 · Published 09 Jul 2026
Robert Tremblay · Canada

Five stars without a single doubt

Travelling as a group of six friends, we could not have chosen better. The sundeck was perfect for our evening gatherings, the crew kept the wine flowing, and the excursions were varied enough that everyone found something they loved. The cooking demonstration with the chef was a delightful bonus. This cruise converted all six of us into Vietnam fans for life.

Business · Travelled Mar 2026 · Published 16 Feb 2025
Ingrid Schmidt · Germany

Mixed feelings – great scenery, slow service

Some genuinely wonderful moments, particularly the sunrise over the karsts and the night squid fishing. However, the cabin was noticeably smaller than advertised and had a slight musty smell. Meal quality was inconsistent. The tour guide was knowledgeable but spoke very quickly, making it hard to follow. A decent experience but we expected more for the price.

Group of friends · Travelled May 2025 · Published 15 Jul 2026
William Taylor · United Kingdom

Not bad, but not exceptional either

Decent experience but with room for improvement. Positives: stunning scenery, friendly staff, interesting cave excursion. Negatives: the cabin had a faulty bathroom fixture that was not fixed during our stay despite being reported, the dinner menu repeated itself over two nights, and the price felt high relative to the overall experience. Nice but not exceptional.

Family · Travelled Jun 2026 · Published 28 Jun 2026
Liam O'Brien · Ireland

A truly world-class cruise in Vietnam

My partner and I booked this cruise for our anniversary and it could not have been more perfect. The kayaking through hidden grottos was awe-inspiring, and watching the sunrise from our private balcony over the misty bay was something out of a dream. The staff remembered our names from day one and the food was restaurant-quality. An experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Group of friends · Travelled Nov 2025 · Published 22 Jun 2026
Hannah Mitchell · New Zealand

Wonderful trip, nearly perfect from start to finish

A really enjoyable cruise experience. The cabins were beautifully designed and the attention to detail was impressive. The excursions were well organised and our guide was both informative and entertaining. The only slight disappointment was that the anchorage was busier than expected, though this was completely outside the operator's control. Everything else was excellent.

Business · Travelled Jun 2025 · Published 11 Jun 2026
Carlos Garcia · Spain

Worth every dollar – a genuine dream come true

From the welcome drink on arrival to the farewell breakfast, every moment was thoughtfully curated. The cruise struck the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Our cabin had a beautiful private balcony from which we watched the bay change colour at dawn. The food was some of the finest Vietnamese cuisine we encountered on our entire three-week trip.

Family · Travelled Nov 2024 · Published 05 Jun 2026
Sofia Romano · Italy

Very good cruise with impressive highlights throughout

We had a great time and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast spread each morning was impressive and the chef clearly knows his craft. The complimentary welcome drink and cold towels on arrival set a great tone. Service dipped slightly during busy periods but the team were always smiling and willing to help. Would recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam.

Solo traveller · Travelled Jul 2026 · Published 25 May 2026
Lars van der Berg · Netherlands

Enjoyed our time on board, food was very good

Beautiful experience overall. The limestone scenery never got old and the crew were genuinely kind and enthusiastic. We particularly enjoyed the cooking class and the visit to the fishing village. Our only small complaint was that the departure briefing was quite rushed. Easy to overlook given how much we enjoyed everything else.

Couple · Travelled Aug 2025 · Published 08 May 2026
Ji-hye Park · South Korea

Not bad, but not exceptional either

Three stars feels fair – some genuinely lovely moments, some disappointments. The staff were always polite and the setting is obviously world-class. The food ranged from excellent (the steamed fish with ginger) to quite poor (the breakfast buffet was limited and lukewarm). Kayaking through the lagoon was a wonderful experience. Worth doing, but higher standards would have been achievable at this price.

Family · Travelled Apr 2025 · Published 27 Apr 2026
Ji-hye Park · South Korea

Not bad, but not exceptional either

Three stars feels fair – some genuinely lovely moments, some disappointments. The staff were always polite and the setting is obviously world-class. The food ranged from excellent (the steamed fish with ginger) to quite poor (the breakfast buffet was limited and lukewarm). Kayaking through the lagoon was a wonderful experience. Worth doing, but higher standards would have been achievable at this price.

Family · Travelled Apr 2025 · Published 27 Apr 2026
Robert Miller · United States

A perfect blend of nature, culture, and luxury

The scenery alone would make this cruise worth it, but the exceptional service takes it to an entirely different level. Our cabin steward kept our room in perfect condition and was always discreet. The dining team made excellent recommendations each evening and dietary requirements were handled without any fuss. A first-class experience from beginning to end.

Group of friends · Travelled Sep 2024 · Published 21 Apr 2026
Kevin Tan · Singapore

Vietnam's finest – cannot recommend highly enough

This cruise delivered on every promise and then some. The natural beauty of the bay is staggering, but what really sets this cruise apart is the quality of the team. From the chef to the housekeeping staff to the excursion guides, everyone was exceptional. The timetable was perfectly paced – never rushed, never boring. An absolute masterpiece of a journey.

Family · Travelled Sep 2025 · Published 04 Apr 2026
Kevin Tan · Singapore

Vietnam's finest – cannot recommend highly enough

This cruise delivered on every promise and then some. The natural beauty of the bay is staggering, but what really sets this cruise apart is the quality of the team. From the chef to the housekeeping staff to the excursion guides, everyone was exceptional. The timetable was perfectly paced – never rushed, never boring. An absolute masterpiece of a journey.

Family · Travelled Sep 2025 · Published 04 Apr 2026
Marie Dupont · France

Highly recommended with a couple of small reservations

Wonderful trip that came very close to perfection. The cabin was spacious and clean, and the daily fresh fruit arrangement was a lovely touch. Food quality was high – especially the seafood dishes. We would have appreciated slightly more flexibility in the excursion schedule as we felt a little rushed at one or two stops. That aside, an excellent cruise we would happily book again.

Solo traveller · Travelled May 2025 · Published 24 Mar 2026
Marie Dupont · France

Highly recommended with a couple of small reservations

Wonderful trip that came very close to perfection. The cabin was spacious and clean, and the daily fresh fruit arrangement was a lovely touch. Food quality was high – especially the seafood dishes. We would have appreciated slightly more flexibility in the excursion schedule as we felt a little rushed at one or two stops. That aside, an excellent cruise we would happily book again.

Solo traveller · Travelled May 2025 · Published 24 Mar 2026
Nicole Martin · Canada

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure we will never forget

We have been planning this trip for three years and it lived up to every expectation. The scenery is jaw-dropping – no photograph really does it justice. The cabin was immaculate and the bed was the most comfortable we have slept in on any cruise. The sunset cocktail hour on the top deck is not to be missed. Book this cruise. You will not regret it for a single moment.

Business · Travelled Oct 2024 · Published 18 Mar 2026
Nicole Martin · Canada

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure we will never forget

We have been planning this trip for three years and it lived up to every expectation. The scenery is jaw-dropping – no photograph really does it justice. The cabin was immaculate and the bed was the most comfortable we have slept in on any cruise. The sunset cocktail hour on the top deck is not to be missed. Book this cruise. You will not regret it for a single moment.

Business · Travelled Oct 2024 · Published 18 Mar 2026
Michael Robertson · Australia

Great value and genuinely breathtaking scenery

We really enjoyed our time aboard and the scenery was every bit as spectacular as described. The cabin was comfortable and our steward was attentive and friendly. The food was generally very good, though the dinner menu on the second night felt a little repetitive. The sunset cruise on the upper deck was a real highlight. Overall a very positive experience and we would recommend it without hesitation.

Couple · Travelled Jun 2026 · Published 07 Mar 2026

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Book This Ship
144 reviews
4.6
/ 5.0
Programs from
$991
per person
Send Inquiry +84 9041.60.918
Free cancellation · Best price guarantee
Ship Details
OperatorMekong Dawn Cruise
Cruise LineNeang Neakii Cruise (formerly Mekong Dawn)
Ship TypeStandard
Built Year2014
Refurbished0
Cabins8
Passengers16
Home PortPhnom Penh - Siem Reap
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