Cruises to Vietnam and Thailand: How to Plan in 2025?

Cruising the seas and rivers of Vietnam and Thailand is a unique way to experience the culture and natural landscapes. Unfortunately, there is no direct cruise connecting the two countries. Cruising majestic Mekong River is the most recommended to Thailand and Vietnam via Laos and Cambodia. Alternatively, it is also a good choice riding international Cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong crossing Thailand and Vietnam.

Learn how to plan your cruise to Vietnam and Thailand with the latest guide answering the most concerned questions. We’ll walk you through the route along the Mekong River, and other options for enjoying a Vietnam and Thailand trip on the water.

There Is No Direct Cruise to Thailand and Vietnam

There are no direct cruises from Thailand to Vietnam. The two best options for boat travel between the countries are the route along the Mekong River or joining a sea cruise.

The Mekong River cruise is an in-depth experience of the mysterious river. It travels from Thailand, through Laos and Cambodia, then arrives in Vietnam. There’s no better way to see such a diverse range of cultures and landscapes in Southeast Asia, with idyllic scenes of riverside life and pristine natural environments.

The other popular route is a cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. The cruise travels along the coast, stopping in major ports like Koh Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. You’ll see the beautiful beaches and coastal scenery and have a chance to explore the top attractions in the major cities.

One of international cruises to Thailand.

The Most Recommended Mekong Cruise from Thailand to Vietnam via Laos & Cambodia

The main route that runs from Thailand to Vietnam does not actually start in Thailand since the Mekong only runs along the border separating Thailand and Laos. However, there is no cruise that runs all the way from the Golden Triangle to the Mekong Delta, so it has to be done in stages.

Travelers need to make the trip in short boat rides, passing through Laos and Cambodia until finally reaching Vietnam after an incredible journey.

The route map of Mekong cruise from Thailand to Vietnam via Laos and Cambodia.

Day 1: Huay Xai to Pakbeng
After leaving Chiang Rai for Chiang Khong, you cross the border to Huay Xai, just inside Laos. As you drift along the river, the jungles of Laos and Thailand on either side soon give way to rolling hills, and by lunchtime, you will dock along the river to explore the local Laotian villages. In the afternoon, your cruise continues near the small town of Pakbeng, where the boat stops for the night.

Day 2: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
After a good night’s sleep, the boat cruises near Luang Prabang in Laos, the hills turn to mountains, which slowly get bigger. In the afternoon, just after lunch, you will be taken on small boats across the river and into the famous Pak Ou Caves. The caves are a revered Buddhist shrine in Laos filled with hundreds of Buddhist statues. After a few hours, you will reach to Luang Prabang for the night.

Pak Ou Cave in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Day 3: Luang Prabang to Ban Mouang
Around lunchtime, you will reach the newly built lock that is part of the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant. From the lock, you will continue down to the Kmu Tribal Village at Ban Park Bor, where you can stretch your legs for the afternoon before continuing on to the next stop at Ban Mouang.

Day 4: Ban Mouang to Vientiane
The trip continues from Ban Mouang to Vientiane, passing through the French Administrative town of Pak Lai, with its colonial buildings and bustling markets, where you can stop off for an hour to explore. In the last night, you will have a farewell dinner on the boat enjoying the view of Vientiane.

Day 5: Flight to Siem Reap
You will need to get a flight from Vientiane to Siem Reap, as it is not possible to travel most of the Mekong along the Laos border with the Thai provinces of Sakon Nakhon and Ubon Ratchathani due to waterfalls and rapids. It is also not possible to cross the border between Laos and Cambodia along the river.

The beautiful sunrise of Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Day 6: Siem Reap to Tonle Sap by car; Chong Khneas to Kampong Tralach
Board the ship in Siem Reap at the northern end of the Tonle Sap Lake and sail down the lake to the first stop at the floating village of Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap River. Continue on down the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach, where you will moor for the night.

Day 7: Kampong Tralach to Neak Loeung
Your journey continues in the morning, heading south along the Tonle Sap River until you reach the Mekong again, just to the north of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Most tours stop in Phnom Penh for an afternoon before heading to the border and mooring at Neak Loeung for the night.

Day 8: Neak Loeung to My Tho
The day begins with a short trip to the border, where you will spend around 2-3 hours while your passports and visas are checked for entry into Vietnam. Once complete, you will cross the border on the river and follow the upper reaches of the Mekong Delta as far as My Tho.

Day 9: My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City
Finish your cruise with the short journey from My Tho through the Mekong Delta to the Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, where you will disembark.

Experience the rickshaw in Ho Chi Minh city.

International Cruise Itinerary from Singapore to Hong Kong via Thailand & Vietnam

A 12-day international cruise will take you from Singapore to Hong Kong, with stops in some of the best locations in Thailand and Vietnam.

Day 1-3: Singapore to Koh Samui
Depart from Singapore and spend a full day on the seas before arriving in Koh Samui. Disembark to visit the island’s beautiful beaches and eat fresh seafood at coast restaurants.

Day 4-7: Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
After sailing overnight, you’ll awake to Bangkok. Spend two days in Thailand’s capital, visiting the best sites like the Grand Palace and Temple of the Dawn. Enjoy another full day on the open waters on the way to Ho Chi Minh City, and then disembark to explore the vibrant southern city. Tour the colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the bustling markets to try delicious street food.

Day 8-11: Hue to Hanoi
Travel up the south and central coast to arrive at the imperial city of Hue. You can visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City and then try Hue's famous royal cuisine. After sailing overnight, you’ll arrive in Vietnam’s capital for two days to discover the tourist attractions of Hanoi. Cycle through the winding alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and see iconic sites like the One Pillar Pagoda.

Day 12-13: Sail to Hong Kong
The final stretch is another day on the open waters sailing east to Hong Kong. Arrive in the morning at the famous port city before moving on to your next destination.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

November to January Is the Best Time to Cruises to Thailand and Vietnam

Most of the region experiences a two-season climate, with some overlapping times when you can find the best weather for traveling Southeast Asia on a cruise. Along the Mekong River, the dry season runs from November to April, with November to January being particularly good across the region.

The rainy season across the region has ended by the beginning of November, and while the dry season has started, the land is still lush and green from the rains, and the river is still slightly swollen from the monsoon. From February to April, the weather across the region tends to start getting hotter, and it can be uncomfortable for travel. The river starts to dry up a little during this period.

While the dry season is the best time to take a Mekong cruise, it is possible to take it in the wet season, and since the rain usually falls in the late afternoon and evening, you may not find yourself confined to your cabin as much as you thought.

Riding Mekong cruise in rainy season.

Practical Travel Tips for Your Cruise to Thailand and Vietnam

- There are a large number of ships that run the two main stretches of the Mekong, and for the stretch from Huay Xai to Vientiane, it is important to pick your ship carefully, as many of the boats that run the route along the Upper Mekong are little more than barges that overcharge and have no accommodation.
- Find a decent cruise boat that has cabins included and that does not require you to stay in hotels along the river, as the hotels give a kickback to the boats to only stop at their own dock for the night.
- Some parts of the river cruise can leave you cold and shivering, especially in the period of the dry season, from November to January. Make sure that you bring a warm coat to wear when the weather gets cold, normally in the evenings and early mornings.
- The Lower Mekong is much more commercial than the Upper, and the boats that run the routes from Siem Reap and Saigon or Saigon to Stung Treng are a little more expensive than those of the Upper Mekong. Look for a reputable company rather than just the cheapest, as many unregistered boats will offer their services for a private cruise.
- Most travelers can use the visa-on-arrival system to enter Thailand and Laos. Cambodia and Vietnam’s e-visa systems are the most convenient for smooth entry at border crossings.
- Mekong River cruises typically cost between 285-700 USD per day, depending on the level of luxury. This price includes onboard accommodations and onboard meals. International cruises cost around 200 USD per day.
- Make sure to book early to secure the cruise you want. At peak times, tours fill up quickly.

24 Days Best of Vietnam Cambodia Laos and Thailand Tour with Beach Relaxing

Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Bangkok – Khao Sok – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket – Phi Phi Island - Phuket

Conclusion

Plan a cruise to tour Thailand and Vietnam for a unique experience of the landscapes and culture of Southeast Asia. Mekong River cruises wind their way through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and international cruises sail along the coast, stopping at top destinations.

The rivers and coasts are a big part of local culture, and you’ll be immersed in breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. Contact us to take Mekong cruise to Thailand and Vietnam via Cambodia and Laos for your memorable Southeast Asia travel experience.