What is the best way to see Vietnam and Cambodia? Take a Mekong River Cruise

The best way to see the most of Vietnam and Cambodia is on a Mekong River cruise

One of the hottest new travel trends is taking a river cruise along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam is thought by many to be a country plagued by one of the U.S.’s worst wars. But it is more than that. It is a country lush with tropical landscape, fresh cuisine and friendly people.

Each of the river cruisetours (cruise plus land tour) offer something a little different. Each one offers a 7- or 8-day river cruise and hotel stays in the larger cities, with options that give you time to explore this fascinating culture and land. It’s a great way to see the Southeast Asia region within a two-week vacation. Read about all your river cruise options to explore this popular new destination.

Which river cruise line offer trips along the Mekong River?

Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking Cruises now offer river cruises along the Mekong River. Depending on the river cruise you choose, you have several options. All itineraries include Vietnam and Cambodia, but some include Thailand or Laos as well.

AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that offers a cruise-only option

AmaWaterways has an 16-day cruisetour that begins in Hanoi. You’ll board the AmaLotus on Tonle Sap Lake by Siem Reap, Cambodia.

As you glide down the Mekong River to your final destination of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam, you’ll pass the most amazing historical sites along the way. Excursions are included when you take the river cruise. You’ll be able to take a boat excursion to the wetlands in Kampong Chhnang, an oxcart ride in Kampong Tralach, an excursion to the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, a Trishaw ride in Tan Chau, a tour of a candy and rice paper workshop in Cai Be, and much, much more.  There are shorter 8-day cruises as well. AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that offers this option.

Avalon Waterways includes Bangkok, Thailand on their itinerary

Avalon Waterways offers a 14-day itinerary between Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. On the fourth day, you’ll board the RV Angkor for your 7-day river cruise. The boat is small, holding only 16 rooms on board.

Avalon includes a detour off of the Mekong River to Angkor Ban and Wat Hanchey. You’ll have an opportunity to get to know the people by walking through the village. And your day would not be complete without a water blessing from the monk.

Get blessed by a monk at the Angkor Wat

Uniworld caters to those looking for an intimate and luxurious way to see the Southeast Asia paradise

Uniworld’s 15-day itinerary begins in Ho Chi Minh City. Their itinerary is crafted to meet the needs of the expeditionary person. You’ll embark the River Orchid in My Tho for a 7-day river cruise.

Your cruise includes a detour to Wat Hanchey. After five port stops along the river, you’ll disembark at Kampong Cham, Cambodia. You’ll board a bus and see more of the interior of Cambodia on your way to Siem Reap. After two nights in Siem Reap, you’ll fly to Hanoi for two more nights in a luxury hotel.

Viking includes 14 fully escorted guided tours

On a Viking cruisetour you’ll enjoy you’re 15-day cruisetour with fully escorted guided tours and a focus on learning the history, culture, and ecosystem. Your journey begins with two days in Hanoi before you fly to Siem Reap for another two days. On the sixth day, you’ll board the Viking Mekong in Kampong Cham to embark on an 8-day Mekong River cruise. Your cruise ends in Ho Chi Minh City and includes two more nights in a luxury hotel. Prices begin at $3,499 per person.

Want more information on taking a Mekong River cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia?

Call a CruiseExperts.com agent now for pricing and to book your stateroom on a Mekong River cruise. We are here to answer any questions you may have about all your Vietnam/Cambodia cruising options, or other cruise destinations. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com

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Linda Brandt

Linda Brandt joined the team at CruiseExperts.com in November 2011. She has been working with the marketing team in many capacities. Her new role is to pass on the expertise of the agency to help travelers understand the world of cruising through blogging. She studied journalism and writing in college and was a writer for The Campus newspaper for two years at the College of the Sequoias. She is also currently working on her Bachelor’s degree.