- The Mekong is the world’s fastest-growing cruise destinations.
- Luxurious new ships are launching on the river every season.
- Ship sizes vary from just two cabins up to 128 passengers.
The closest river cruise destination to Australia – and the only one that’s accessible via a direct flight – the popularity of the Mekong River is at an all-time high. Tourist numbers to Vietnam, where Mekong River cruises start or finish, have jumped an astonishing 54% in the last five years. And with new ships launching every season, there’s never been a better time to explore Southeast Asia by water.
The mighty Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world, flowing for almost 5000 kilometres through six countries. More than 60 million people depend on it for their livelihood, with its abundance of fish, fresh water for drinking and farming, hydroelectricity, transportation, and more. It has a rich and fascinating diversity of cultures along its banks, where different nationalities and religions have lived together for thousands of years.
River cruising here is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of tranquil landscapes, tiny villages and rolling rice paddies. You’ll visit colourful floating markets, wander through grand French colonial houses, visit verdant bird sanctuaries and see orange-robed monks praying in ancient Buddhist temples. The buzzing capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh are a feast for the senses, while the ancient temples of Angkor Wat are one of the world’s great wonders.
The Mekong is shaped by the elements, from the lush green jungle and tropical rainstorms of the wet season to the clear skies and lower water levels of the dry season. The wet season, or ‘green season’ as it is often called, runs from May to October and offers a unique cruising experience. The landscape bursts into life and water levels are higher, meaning you can access different areas, including Tonle Sap Lake. As it is considered the off-season, you’ll also enjoy fewer crowds at major sites.
Most cruises follow a similar itinerary, travelling between Ho Chi Minh City and Kampong Cham, a river town north of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Many offer a short land component that takes you to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat. Smaller ships can cruise the Upper Mekong through Laos, visiting the capital Vientiane and the World Heritage-listed royal city of Luang Prabang.
Ships are much smaller than those you’ll find in Europe. The maximum capacity is around 120 guests, though many ships carry less than half that. On-board facilities are generally limited to one restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and sometimes a small wellness space.
Who sails on the Mekong?
Pandaw
Pandaw has the most significant presence in the region, with 11 ships currently sailing on the Mekong and two more under construction. All are styled after traditional river ships that sailed from the 1880s to 1930s, carry between 28 and 56 passengers, and have an ultra-shallow draft to reach places other ships can’t go. Pandaw sails the classic eight-day Mekong itinerary as well as shorter trips of four and five days. It’s one of the few lines that operates a longer, 11-day itinerary that travels further north to Kratie, known for its rare Irrawaddy dolphins. They also cruise the Upper Mekong, with 11-day itineraries through Laos.
Mekong Kingdoms
Laos-based line Mekong Kingdoms operates two ships on the Mekong – the 13-cabin Bohème and the tiny Gypsy, with just two cabins. Both sail on the rarely visited Upper Mekong. Bohème sails six-day cruises between Vientiane and Luang Prabang and Gypsy sails three- and four-day cruises between Luang Prabang and Chiang Khong, on the northern border of Thailand.
Heritage Line
This Vietnamese line sails on both the Upper and Lower Mekong across Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The opulent Jahan is inspired by the British Raj and carries 52 passengers in huge suites that start from 323 square feet. The French colonial style Jayavarman carries 54 passengers. These ships sail four-, five- and eight-day cruises between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The intimate Anouvong has just 10 cabins and offers four-, eight- and 10-day cruises on the Upper Mekong between Huay Xai on the Thai border and Luang Prabang or Vientiane.
AmaWaterways
Carrying up to 128 passengers, AmaDara is the largest ship to sail the Mekong. This extra size also comes with some extra features, like a fitness room and spa as well as multiple restaurants. It cruises eight-night journeys between My Tho (outside of Ho Chi Minh) and Kampong Cham. An identical sister ship, AmaMaya, will launch on the Mekong in 2026.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Saigon is just 195 feet long and has 18 staterooms. Its compact size means it can sail directly into Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, rather than having to dock outside the city. It sails eight-day north and southbound journeys and offers a range of land extensions to take your further into Southeast Asia.
Viking
Viking launched a second Mekong ship, Viking Tonle, in late 2025. She joins sister ship Viking Saigon, which launched in 2021. Unlike most other vessels on this river, which are styled after the area’s French colonial history, Viking’s ships retain the line’s signature Scandinavian feel. The cruise is only available as part of a longer 15-day combination journey, including a land tour to Siem Reap and Hanoi.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
One of the most luxurious ships on the Mekong, Uniworld’s Mekong Jewel has all-suite accommodation, two restaurants (including one al fresco option), two lounges, a library, spa, sauna and steam room. It carries 68 guests on a 15-day land/cruise journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh or vice versa.
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Harmony carries up to 84 passengers but has been specially designed to allow it to sail into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It sails eight-day itineraries from the bustling Vietnamese city to Kampong Cham, with a land journey on to Siem Reap.
Scenic
The luxurious Scenic Spirit has some of the largest entry-level suites on the Mekong, and every one of the 68 guests enjoys the services of their very own butler. With a guest-to-crew ratio of almost one to one, you can expect the service on board to be impeccable. It cruises from the traditional Ho Chi Minh to Kampong Cham on an eight-day itinerary and also a 10-day itinerary, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the journey.
APT
APT’s luxurious Mekong Serenity launched in 2023 and is one of the larger vessels on the river, carrying up to 88 passengers. It also has the largest swimming pool on a river ship, perfect for cooling off on a tropical day. Serenity sails an eight-day itinerary between My Tho and Kampong Cham.
Travelmarvel
The elegant RV Lotus has 54 cabins, all with twin balconies (both a French and outside balcony), wooden floors and French colonial touches. A pool, spa, lounge, bar and restaurant mean plenty of spaces to relax and enjoy the eight-day cruise between My Tho and Kampong Cham, with extensions to Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap.
Aqua Expeditions
Carrying 40 passengers and 40 crew, you’re guaranteed exceptional service on board Aqua Mekong. Dining is a highlight, curated by Michelin-starred Australian chef David Thompson. The ship is fully equipped for adventurous exploration, with the river’s only private fleet of tender boats as well as kayaks and bikes.
