How to Plan Cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia? Ultimate Guide for 2023/2024

If you are looking for a way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia, you can take a cruise!

A cruise is a perfect option because you can enjoy a scenic adventure and experience the two country's rich cultures and histories. 

In this guide, we will discuss the best cruise options, the cruise highlights, and other details like when to cruise and how long to cruise to help you embark on an unforgettable journey. Read on!

Mekong River Cruise is the Most Classic Cruise Route to Vietnam and Cambodia

When cruising to Vietnam and Cambodia, the most common route to choose is along the Mekong River. 

The Mekong River flows through both countries, so a cruise on this river can take you on an amazing adventure, complete with natural wonders and cultural immersions. 

You will be able to see beautiful scenery and learn more about the local way of life. The Mekong River cruise route is the go-to choice for travelers seeking a great time in Vietnam and Cambodia. 

Enjoying a jorney of Mekong Cruise with serene but breathtaking scenery

The Highlights of Mekong Cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia

There are a lot of great things to see and do on a Mekong cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia. Some of the best experiences on this cruise include: 

✧ Exploring floating markets: As you can probably guess, floating markets are markets where people sell on the water in boats. They sell all sorts of things, such as fruits and vegetables. These markets are very colorful and lively, so you can take cool photos and have splendid moments.

✧ Seeing ancient temples: Besides natural sights, you will encounter many temples along the way. These are very old, but they are unique to look at. You can hear stories about their past too. The stories show the history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia, so it is possible to learn a lot from these temples. 

✧ Enjoying beautiful views: Since the Mekong River is quite big and long, there is a lot to see when cruising through it. You will be able to catch rice fields, jungles, and villages. If you are lucky, you will spot animals and locals in action.

✧ Going inside caves: Along the river, you will also have the opportunity to explore caves. These are natural formations with crazy shapes and secrets. For example, many of them have underground streams. It is similar to going on a treasure hunt! When you go inside a cave, everything will feel magical!

✧ Learning from villages: On your cruise, it is possible to stop by villages and interact with the people there. By watching them do and make things special to their culture, you can learn a lot about the local life of Vietnamese people and Cambodians. 

✧ Staying at village homestay: In addition to visiting villages, you can stay with the families in their villages. When you do this, you can carry out daily activities with them. For instance, you might cook and eat with them. You can become friends with them and experience their way of life directly. 

✧ Trying tasty food: A huge part of the cruise is food. You will get to try many local dishes that are extremely yummy. There are noodles, curries, and sweet treats, for example. You might even get to eat freshly caught fish and newly grown fruits. They are probably quite different from your typical food, but they are worth trying.

✧ Watching pretty sunsets: Towards the end of the day, you can see the sun dip below the horizon. As it goes down, the sky changes into many lovely shades, like orange and pink. You can take lots of pretty photos and enjoy the magical moment. It is something that you will not soon forget.

As you can see, a Mekong River Cruise in Vietnam and Cambodia is full of incredible experiences. The following itinerary offers you an ideal trip to both countries just click and check it out right now!

5 Days Serenity Cruise Mekong River Cruise Upstream High Water

Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap – Siem Reap

How Many Days are the Best for the Mekong Cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia

When preparing for your cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River route, you will have to ask yourself, “How many days should I go?” 

If you are not sure of the answer, do not worry. We can help you answer that! 

The best cruise takes around 7 to 10 days. This time frame lets you explore many places, experience the culture, and fall in love with the beauty of everything you pass through.

But, of course, you can always go for a longer period of time. Many people decide to go for more than 14 days! If you choose to do this, you can explore the river and two countries to the fullest! 

No matter how many days you choose to be on the cruise, you can be sure that each day will be full of excitement. 

8 Days Lost Civilization Mekong River Cruise Downstream High Water

Siem Reap – Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc(Border Crossing) - Sa Dec - Cai Be - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh

When is the Best Time to Take the Mekong Cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia

To ensure you have an enjoyable time on your cruise, you need to select the right time. We recommend going in the dry season, which is from November to February.

During this period, the weather is cooler and more comfortable. So, you can explore destinations along the route without breaking a sweat. 

If you want to cruise when it is quieter and not too crowded, you should go when there are no big local holidays and festivals. On special occasions, many people are traveling, so popular spots along the route can get really cramped. 

We advise against traveling in April and May because it is very hot and humid during these months. It can be very uncomfortable for cruising, especially if you dislike scorching weather and feeling icky all the time. 

You should also avoid taking the cruise during the rainy season, which falls around June to October. It is a bad idea because the rain can make the Mekong River’s water rise and affect your cruise experience. It can be dangerous and not enjoyable. Even if there is no rain, the weather can be quite unpredictable. There can be lots of wind, for instance. This can interfere with your activities. 

See more on the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

4 Days Serenity Cruise Mekong River Cruise Downstream High Water

Siem Reap – Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey - Phnom Penh

Except for the Mekong Cruise, Ha Long Bay & the Red River are the Great Options

The Mekong River Cruise is a popular choice for cruising to Vietnam and Cambodia, but there are other options too.

Another option is going through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay is known for its breathtaking rocky shapes and blue-green waters. It is a special place that you will want to visit at least once. Via the Ha Long Bay route, you can see lots of amazing islands and islets.  

Moreover, Ha Long Bay’s peaceful atmosphere will let you escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can connect with Mother Nature and enjoy a relaxing retreat. 

If you are a nature lover and like to explore new things, you will not regret taking the Ha Long Bay cruise route. The experience will be like a dream come true. 

Click to view more attractive Ha Long Bay cruises. 

If you want another option, consider the Red River route. With this cruise, you can explore the northern part of Vietnam, which is filled with charming villages where people live in traditional ways. 

Besides seeing how locals live, you can enjoy the views of verdant rice fields and hills. There are many opportunities to take photos and experience cultural customs. This type of cruise is ideal if you are looking for unique experiences. 

This natural wonder, located in northeastern Vietnam, is renowned for its magnificent limestone islands and crystal-clear blue waters. Explore the islands, take a boat cruise, savor seafood – let us craft an unforgettable journey for you on the sea!

See more on top things you must know before taking a Vietnam cruise.

3 Days 2 Night Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Conclusion

Cruising to Vietnam and Cambodia is an awesome way to explore the two countries. No matter if you choose the classic Mekong River Cruise, the stunning Ha Long Bay, or the captivating Red River, you will surely have a great time! 

So, do not wait any longer! Gear up to set sail! Your extraordinary cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia awaits your coming.

For more details and customized itineraries, please feel free to contact us to tailor your Indochina tour!