Drier period · Nov–Apr
The earlier dry-season months are often preferred for sightseeing, while late-season afternoons can be very hot. Lower water can change landings and require longer transfers; check the current route.
A river like no other
The river is the journey
A lower-Mekong cruise connects Vietnam’s delta waterways with Cambodia’s river towns and cultural sites. Smaller-boat visits and shore walks reveal working villages, markets and changing landscapes, while seasonal water levels shape the route and any travel toward Tonlé Sap.
Classic lower-river programs link Vietnamese delta ports with Phnom Penh and other Cambodian stops. Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap may involve land transfers, depending on the ship and season. Upper-Mekong journeys in Laos are distinct trips, not an extension automatically included in a Cambodia–Vietnam cruise itinerary.
Choose by the actual embarkation point, border arrangements and daily program rather than the destination headline. Tonlé Sap access and some channels depend on water level, and road transfers can replace planned river sections. Compare included cultural visits, small-boat outings, walking demands and the confirmed entry points before arranging flights and visas.
When to go
ベストシーズン：季節と天候
Heat and humidity are typical, with a broadly drier period from November to April and wetter conditions through much of May to October. River height affects channel access, and Phnom Penh is only a central reference.
Wetter period · May–Oct
Rain often falls in bursts and the landscape becomes greener. Higher river levels may open different channels, but access and timing remain variable; confirm the ship’s seasonal program and transfers.
快適な旅 · 平均最高気温
1月
Comfortable
32°
2月
Comfortable
34°
3月
Humid / rain
35°
4月
Very hot
36°
5月
Humid / rain
35°
6月
Humid / rain
34°
7月
Humid / rain
33°
8月
Humid / rain
34°
9月
Humid / rain
33°
10月
Humid / rain
32°
11月
Comfortable
32°
12月
Comfortable
31°
Typical planning pattern only. Weather and river levels vary by reach and year; this is not a forecast or a guarantee of departures.
Day & night temperatures in Phnom Penh
日中の最高気温夜間の最低気温
Nature along the banks
川沿いの野生動物
Riverbanks, islands and wetland pockets provide habitat for birds, but the Mekong basin covers far more than the cruise route. Northern dolphin pools and protected lake wetlands need specific excursions; wildlife sightings are not promised on a lower-river sailing.
Birds
Asian Openbill
Birds
Asian Palm Swift
Birds
Black-capped Kingfisher
Birds
Black-crowned Night Heron
Birds
Black-winged Kite
Birds
Chinese Pond Heron
Birds
Collared kingfisher
Birds
Common Kingfisher
Birds
Common Moorhen
Birds
Great Egret
Birds
Greater adjutant
Birds
Greater Coucal
Wildlife is wild: sightings depend on the stretch of river, season and time of day.
Every stop tells a story
計画する価値のある岸上エクスカーション
Examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual site names, entrance fees and transfers in your ship's day-by-day program.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Royal Palace
The palace complex introduces royal and religious heritage in the Cambodian capital. Dress requirements, visiting hours and access to individual areas depend on local rules.
Phnom Penh
Wat Phnom
A hilltop Buddhist temple associated with the city’s history. The visit involves steps and local religious etiquette; confirm inclusion and follow your guide’s instructions.
Vietnamese delta
Châu Đốc
A border-region river town linked to markets and nearby communities. Market activity and smaller-boat outings vary, so check the current excursion rather than expecting a fixed scene.
Vietnam
Cái Bè waterways
Canals, orchards and local workshops provide a glimpse of delta livelihoods. Floating-market activity has changed over time; confirm what the present program actually visits.
Vietnamese delta
Sa Đéc
A working delta town with markets and historic buildings. Walking tours and house visits depend on access, local arrangements and the ship’s confirmed shore program.
Separate Siem Reap extension
Angkor temples
The temple region is reached by land or separately arranged travel, not a standard river-ship landing. Confirm extension nights, transfers and admissions before booking.
Life in the delta
Markets, farms and workshops reveal everyday river-based livelihoods, with locally arranged visits rather than guaranteed access to specific households.
Khmer and Vietnamese heritage
Temple and city visits connect two countries’ distinct histories and cultures; your guide and confirmed port program shape each day.
Changing waterways
Seasonal river height affects channels, landing points and transfers, making flexible planning essential for the actual itinerary and travel dates.
Choose the stretch before the cabin
Which Mekong route is right for you?
Route names vary between operators. Compare the actual moorings, sites and sailing time, not just the start and end town.
Cambodia–Vietnam cruise
A cross-border lower-Mekong journey links Phnom Penh and Vietnamese delta ports, often with land connections to major cities. Confirm the entry points, embarkation location and included transfer arrangements before choosing flights.
Vietnamese delta focus
Shorter regional programs explore delta towns and smaller waterways without necessarily visiting Cambodia. Compare actual ports, local boat outings and the overnight ship program; not every delta tour is an overnight cruise.
Cruise with Angkor extension
Some programs add a separately transferred stay near Siem Reap to visit Angkor. River access varies by season, so check road transfers, hotel nights and temple admissions in the confirmed combined itinerary.
Your floating hotel
Mekong river ships
Explore the Mekong river ships in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and confirmed day-by-day routes before choosing your dates and arranging the journey to the embarkation point.
10はMekong隻のリバークルーズ船を掲載しています。出発日が未定の船も一覧に表示されます。
Anouvong
20
Aqua Mekong
40
Indochine
48
Indochine II
62
Jayavarman
54
Mekong Navigator
68
Mekong Princess
30
The Jahan
52
Toum Tiou II
28Flights & arrival
How to get to the Mekong
Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap serve different journey arrangements. Match flights and visa entry points to the confirmed seasonal route; transfers may change when river levels alter boarding locations.
KTI
フライトゲートウェイ
Techo International Airport
Phnom Penh’s current international gateway, south of the city. Confirm the airport on your ticket and the transfer to the actual river embarkation point.
SGN
フライトゲートウェイ
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
The principal gateway for Ho Chi Minh City journeys. Traffic and outlying river ports can require additional transfer time; check your operator’s meeting instructions.
SAI
フライトゲートウェイ
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
Serves Angkor extensions but is not beside the cruise ports. Confirm the separately arranged land transfer and accommodation before linking it to your sailing.
VCA
フライトゲートウェイ
Can Tho International Airport
A regional delta gateway with more limited connections. Use only when the flights and transfer suit the actual confirmed Vietnamese embarkation point.
接続と乗り継ぎ
Before embarkation
Arrive at least one day before embarkation when possible, especially when connecting flights or onward ground travel are required.
Transfers
Confirm the exact ship mooring and whether airport or station transfers are included before arranging independent transport.
早めに到着して、出発に備えよう
Allow an overnight buffer before sailing. Flight, road and rail delays can affect connections; confirm your arrival plan and boarding time directly with the operator.
Before you set sail
少しの準備で大きな違いが生まれます
Pack for the shore days
- Light breathable clothing for humid shore visits
- A rain layer and dry bag for small-boat outings
- Shoes with grip for wet steps and uneven paths
- Sun protection and insect repellent as locally advised
- Modest temple clothing, entry documents and medication
Respect the destination
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where requested at temples
- Ask before photographing people or religious ceremonies
- Follow guide instructions at small-boat landings
- Avoid giving money or sweets directly to children
- Reduce plastic waste and never disturb river wildlife
Shore visits can involve humidity, uneven paths, steps and repeated small-boat transfers. Discuss mobility and health needs before choosing your ship and excursion program. Discuss dietary needs and ensure your travel insurance covers the complete journey.
Good to know
Mekong river cruise questions
When is the best time for a Mekong cruise?
Drier period · Nov–Apr: The earlier dry-season months are often preferred for sightseeing, while late-season afternoons can be very hot. Lower water can change landings and require longer transfers; check the current route. Wetter period · May–Oct: Rain often falls in bursts and the landscape becomes greener. Higher river levels may open different channels, but access and timing remain variable; confirm the ship’s seasonal program and transfers.
Which Mekong route should I choose?
Cambodia–Vietnam cruise: A cross-border lower-Mekong journey links Phnom Penh and Vietnamese delta ports, often with land connections to major cities. Confirm the entry points, embarkation location and included transfer arrangements before choosing flights. Vietnamese delta focus: Shorter regional programs explore delta towns and smaller waterways without necessarily visiting Cambodia. Compare actual ports, local boat outings and the overnight ship program; not every delta tour is an overnight cruise. Cruise with Angkor extension: Some programs add a separately transferred stay near Siem Reap to visit Angkor. River access varies by season, so check road transfers, hotel nights and temple admissions in the confirmed combined itinerary.
Are entrance fees and excursions included?
It depends on the ship and fare. Check the day-by-day program for sites such as Royal Palace and Wat Phnom; entrance tickets, guides, optional excursions like Angkor temples and tips may be extra.
What wildlife can I see on the Mekong?
The river’s recorded wildlife includes Asian Openbill, Asian Palm Swift, Black-capped Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron. Habitat and access vary by river reach; sightings are never guaranteed.
How physically demanding is the trip?
Shore visits can involve humidity, uneven paths, steps and repeated small-boat transfers. Discuss mobility and health needs before choosing your ship and excursion program.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Water levels, lock and bridge schedules, site opening hours and local authority rules can change mooring times and the order of visits.
What entry documents do I need for Mekong cruises?
Visa requirements depend on nationality and whether your itinerary enters Vietnam, Cambodia or both. Confirm passport validity and the permitted entry points for any e-visa, especially at river borders. Check each country’s official requirements and the operator’s confirmed crossing before applying; airport-only assumptions can cause problems on a cruise.
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Allow an overnight buffer before sailing. Flight, road and rail delays can affect connections; confirm your arrival plan and boarding time directly with the operator.
