Best Vietnam River Cruises 2024 & 2025

The Mekong River it’s the heart of Vietnamese culture, offering travelers a deeply immersive and personal way to connect with the country’s authentic spirit. Here, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to the best Vietnam river cruises, showcasing standout cruises, top deals, and itineraries so you can embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

1. Why Choose a River Cruise in Vietnam?

Nothing stirs your spirit of adventure like any one of the Vietnam river cruises. The cruise is something unique, and incomparable to any other travel style, as it submerges into the core of Vietnam's river culture. It showcases the natural scenic beauty of the nation from the waters while affording relaxation moments, reflective, and cultural insight. Travel styles in river cruising range from luxury to budget friendly or adventurous itinerary. Each style comes with its unforgettable excursions, from cycling through emerald paddy fields to the exploration of concealed temples and vibrantly colorful floating markets.

2. Top Mekong River Cruise Itineraries

Classic Mekong Delta Cruise

Classic Mekong Delta Cruise usually goes from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and offers travelers insight into the vibrant culture and historic landmarks of the Mekong. This cruise will include colorful floating markets, visits to the local villages, and temple exploration. Cruises usually range from 3 to 7 days in this area, so because of this, it turns out to be perfect for those who want to plunge into the special atmosphere of the Mekong Delta. Ideal excursions include cooking classes in Cai Be, artisan workshops, and day trips to the famed floating markets of Can Tho.

Upper Mekong Exploration

Less traveled is the Upper Mekong Exploration from Saigon to Cai Be, Vinh Long, and Chau Doc, mantled with promises of authentic cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Higher into local life goes this route, showcasing less visited destinations and one-on-one encounters with the residents of the Mekong. These usually take from 7 to 10 days, and some of the excursions on an Upper Mekong Exploration Cruise include a visit to temples and cycling tours around rural villages to see the Cu Chi Tunnels; remnants of times past.

Combined Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise

This is a very exciting itinerary whereby the ultimate best of each is combined in a Combined Vietnam and Cambodia cruise. Besides, this cruise allows passengers to see both highlights of Vietnam's Mekong Delta and Cambodia's Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. Suggested time differences range between 10-14 days in which excursions are combined with rich history and contrasted cultures, including historic site visits, cooking classes, and scenic boat touring along the Mekong.  This cruise itinerary captures the diversity of the two nations one a very unique, multifaceted adventure.
For each itinerary:

Maps: A diagrammatic representation of the journey with destinations pinpointed.

Excursions: This means a variety of activities where the beauties and culture of the area are shown, temple tours, floating markets, or participating in interaction with cooking classes.

3. Choosing the Right Vietnam River Cruise

Vietnam river cruise will be best if the travel style, budget, and the right amenities are correctly balanced. Here's a breakdown of some key factors to consider in making that perfect choice:

• Budget Options: From ultra luxurious to very affordable, Vietnam offers river cruises to suit every pocket. While luxury cruises boast amenities and services that are refined, in general, budget options will provide quality excursions and experiences.
• Cruise Line Reputation: Consider other travelers' reviews of the company. Well established companies provide excellent service and take great care in ensuring that their clients are satisfied. You can research feedback regarding cruise lines that do extensive sailing in the Mekong, popular ones being Lotus Cruises and Viking River Cruises.
• Ship Size and Amenities: The size of the ships varies, with larger vessels offering onboard spas, pools, and sundecks, while smaller ships can go further up the Mekong to more remote parts, offering a different look at lessened landscapes.
• Cabin Types and Inclusives: Avail cabin types that suit your comfort needs. Many offer river facing cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows so that you may sit in the privacy of your cabin and enjoy the passing scenery.
• Onboard Dining and Cuisine: The quality of dining onboard can make or break your experience. Most Vietnam river cruises boast locally sourced cuisine, everything from fresh fish down to regional specialties like pho and spring rolls. A few cruises even offer cooking classes onboard.
• Sustainability and Responsible Tourism Practices: Most are now adopting properties of eco friendliness to ensure that their impacts on the local environment remain positive. Just find those cruises that embrace sustainable tourism in support of the local communities through eco friendly practices and fair employment.

4. Best Vietnam River Cruise Deals for 2024 & 2025

Are you looking for an unforgettable voyage along the rivers of Vietnam for an unbeatable price? Find here a curated selection of the best offers and special promotions on Vietnam river cruises 2025. Learn about everything from early booking discounts to last minute specials, and find an exclusive package that takes your Vietnam River cruise to a completely new level.

Current Cruise Deals

• By Cruise Line: Every company has its special deals that no one else can offer. For instance, Lotus Cruises often has early bird discounts on its Mekong Delta cruises, while Viking River Cruises will often offer all inclusive packages including excursions, meals, and cultural activities.
• By Itinerary: Take advantage of special offers on teeming routes such as the Mekong Delta cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh or the combined Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong River Cruise. Both are reminders of rich history with scenic landscapes on immersive cultural experiences that remain with guests for their lifetime.
• By Travel Dates: Travel during the shoulder season in April, May, September, and October, when river scenes are in bloom, and cruises may be less expensive.

Top Ways to Find the Best Deals

• Flexibility with Travel Dates: Being flexible with dates opens more avenues for discounting on any Vietnam river cruise.
• Book Early or Last Minute: Early booking secures the best cabins, while last minute deals, if you are spontaneous enough, can attain unbeatable prices.
• Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Generally, a tour in April to May or September to October will promise better prices, finer landscapes, and fewer crowds on the Mekong River Cruise.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Almost every major cruise line in this world has newsletters that offer special deals. The best way for you to receive the latest offers directly into your inbox is to sign up for them.

5. Essential Tips for Planning Your Vietnam River Cruise

Once you have found a great Vietnam river cruise deal, some necessary preparations are needed to ensure your time is as smooth and memorable as possible. Here are the key tips that will make your journey as enjoyable as possible:

Pre-Departure Advice

• Visa Requirements: All guests will need a visa to enter Vietnam. If your cruise includes Phnom Penh or Siem Reap the recommended visa requirements for both countries should be checked.
• Vaccinations: Check with your doctor about the vaccinations recommended for traveling in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Common ones include Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
• Packing Essentials: Light and airy cotton clothes, sunscreen, rain gear jacket, and insect repellents. For visits to any temples, please wear appropriate clothes covering your shoulders and knees.
• Currency Exchange and Tipping: The VND is the official currency for Vietnam, and Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel as well as the USD. Use small changes to tip local guides and crew members on board.

Onboard Tips

• Enjoy the Amenities: Many of the Vietnam river cruises offer you luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and entertainment onboard. Now, make full use of these and enjoy cosmopolitan, laid back days on the river.
• Engage with Local Guides and Crew: Guides and crews on a local level know the region where they belong. It would be great to ask them questions regarding their history or various customs that exist in that area.
• Respect Local Customs: Traditions abound in Vietnam. The respect shown by bowing to elders, and dressing modestly at sites considered sacred, will be greatly appreciated by locals and will further enhance your Vietnam river cruise experience.

6. Conclusion

A Vietnam River Cruise is an adventure that brings culture, scenery, and holiday activities together in comfort from a floating hotel. Whether it is the bustling markets of the Mekong Delta or the history laden riverbanks of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will travel in style.

Why wait? Start planning your  Vietnam cruise today and submerge yourself into an authentic adventure across the globe, to one of the most mesmerizing destinations. From stunning landscapes to gourmet delights, from cultural treasures, your Vietnam river cruise tour awaits!