Planning a 5-Day Cruise in Vietnam? Here’s What to Know

Forget the bustling crowds and typical tours—embrace a new way to explore Vietnam with a 5-day cruise in Vietnam. On this journey, you’ll move past the usual tourist spots and delve into the real Mekong Delta, a land where river life thrives amid traditional villages, vibrant markets, and lush, expansive rice paddies. This adventure isn’t just about scenic views; it’s an immersion into Southeast Asia's heart and soul.

1. Popular Destinations For A 5 Day Cruise in Vietnam

Phnom Penh

Start or finish your journey in Cambodia's cosmopolitan capital; a former "Pearl of Asia" brightening up with colonial architecture, a vibrant riverside, and the historic Royal Palace that greets the wonders of the Mekong as an ideal gateway. Here, local life pulses to another rhythm, intensely interweaving old and new in fascinating ways.

Chau Doc

Being a culturally diverse city, Chau Doc discloses the strong influence of Vietnamese, Cham, and Khmer. The floating villages further reveal, along with the local pagodas, living on the river quite differently than the rest.

Tra Vinh

Off the tourist trail, Tra Vinh boasts a mix of green landscapes, traditional Khmer temples, and serene visiting the perfect stopping place for those who want to experience quiet, authentic Mekong Delta moments.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap, known for the ancient Angkor Wat temples, forms a fine ending to any 4-night cruise in Mekong. The city itself is armed with night markets, artisan workshops, and plenty of spots to relax and unwind after your river adventure.

2. Top Cruises and Budget Guide for Your Mekong Adventure

Heritage Line – Jayavarman & Jahan

• Overview: Heritage Line is a symbol of elegance and sophistication on the Mekong river cruises, vessels Jayavarman and Named after Cambodian royalty evocative of the French colonial style with Asian accents, perfectly suited to lavish an upstream or downstream all-inclusive cruise in style.
• Specifications: Jayavarman is 57 meters long with 27 cabins, whereas Jahan is 70 meters long with 26 spacious cabins.
• Cabins: Each cabin reflects colonial splendor in its own right, with private balconies and a sitting area for river views.
• Dining: The dining room commands a combination of Western and Asian fusion cuisine using wine. Guests can also have open air dinners on the sun deck.
• Experiences: Both cruises offer mini golf, a luxury spa, daily tai chi, and traditional Apsara dance performances. You will also be able to attend cooking classes that introduce the local flavors.
• Price Range: From US$2,000 to US$2,500 per person for a 5 day cruise, depending on the season and the cabin selected.

Victoria Mekong Cruises

• Overview: Victoria Mekong Cruises is reputed for combining comfort and cultural richness, with an emphasis on eco-friendly spacious designs and immersive activities connecting travelers with local life along the Mekong Delta.
• Specifications: A 35 meter yacht hosts up to 35 guests for a more intimate experience.
• Cabins: Deluxe suites have private verandahs, large panoramic windows, and tasteful, eco sensitive materials
• Dining: This property offers farm to table cuisine inspired by the lively markets of the Mekong Delta. Savor river views with sunset cocktails at the rooftop bar.
• Experiences: Experiences include village visits, floating markets, cultural dance shows, and opportunities to plant rice in the delta's paddies. A pool offers pure indulgence onboard, with spa services and evening entertainment on request.
• Price Range: $1,500 - $2,200 per person all inclusive including meals, excursions, and select beverages.

Mekong Eyes Classic & Explorer

• Overview: Built from a classic rice barge converted into a comfortable riverboat, it ideally caters to family or small group tours with coziness and family friendly facilities.
• Specifications: Mekong Eyes Classic is 39 meters long with a total of 15 cabins, while Mekong Eyes Explorer features 8 cabins in all with a warm and cozy atmosphere.
• Cabins: The rooms have been constructed in a way that comfort is guaranteed. They are decorated with wood, traditional for this region, but still one can find here anything of modern use. Family suites can be interconnected with private balconies.
• Dining: Meals are prepared daily to bring forth the best of regional specialties and fresh seafood. Dinner on the open deck is ideal for stargazing with family.
• Experiences: These include cooking demonstrations, workshops on local crafts, and guided excursions to floating markets and remote villages for both children and adults.
• Price Range: From fairly affordable to most families, from around $1,200-$1,800 per person, with children under 12 receiving discounts.

Aqua Mekong by Aqua Expeditions

• Overview: Aqua Mekong is the essence of luxury on a 4-night cruise in the Mekong, fully complemented with uncompromising service, exclusive excursions, and Michelin starred fine dining. It is for the elite, offering an ultra high end experience for travelers. Pritzker Prize winning architect Jean-Michel Gathy designed Aqua Mekong.
• Specifications: At 62.4 meters, featuring 20 suites, Aqua Mekong pushes the total number of guests to 40 guests with an excellent crew to guests ratio.
• Cabins: Deluxe suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious bathrooms with rain showers, and bespoke interiors that present comfort in style.
• Dining: The dining offers dishes curated by the Michelin starred Chef David Thompson with Khmer and Vietnamese specialties, paired with an extensive wine list.
• Experiences: Guided, private excursions include kayaking through remote tributaries, bike rides through rural villages, and gourmet picnics. Amenities: outdoor pool, library, screening room.
• Price Range: From $4,000 to $5,000 per person, fully inclusive of all gourmet dining, activities, and premium beverages.

RV Mekong Pandaw

• Overview: The RV Mekong Pandaw maintains the real deal of a classic river cruise experience through its heritage from Britain. Ideal for history lovers, it takes that history in and provides an insightfully captivating experience.
• Specifications: This 60 meter length yacht has 24 cabins that also can accommodate up to a maximum of 48 guests, thus giving it an intimate feeling.
• Cabins: The spacious cabins in handcrafted teak and brass with private balconies are a combination that evokes a charming, historic ambiance of colonial style.
• Dining: Onboard dining includes a range of Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. Well, outdoor dining on deck allows you to have breakfast as the river scenery drifts by.
• Experiences: The guided visit to ancient temples, fishing villages, and the world renowned Angkor Ban village are the high spots of the experiences. Evening hours activities include guest lectures trying to allow familiarity with the history and culture of the region.
• Price Range: Priced from $1,800 to $2,500 per person, depending upon cabin type and season.

La Marguerite by Lotus Cruises

• Overview: La Marguerite offers a mid range level with added elegance, complemented by a charming mix of traditional design and modern luxury.
• Specifications: Couple this with the fact that this 71 meter cruise ship has only 46 rooms, and you come to appreciate its wide spaces without compromising intimacy.
• Cabins: Each is individually designed with French colonial style furnishings, with a private balcony, extended sitting areas, and bedding using luxurious bed linen for ultimate comfort.
• Dining: The restaurant serves a fusion of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Western cuisine. For special occasions, a candle lit dinner can be reserved on the sun deck.
• Experiences: That range from foodie temple trips, and cycling among villages to evening cultural performances onboard.
• Price Range: More affordable, from $1,200-1,800 per person.

3. Popular Itinerary for the 5-Day Cruise in Vietnam

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh to My Tho

Your journey begins as we set sail from Ho Chi Minh City. Right after the warm welcome, board your cruise boat and head deep into the Mekong. Enjoy local life on the river unfolding before your very eyes. Lunch is served on board while cruising along riverside villages and abundant landscapes.

Day 2: Vinh Long & Can Tho

Early start for the optional visit to probably the most famous floating market of Cantho, the Cai Rang floating market. While the dawn breaks, the vendors at this early morning market start selling their fruits, flowers, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, visits to some workshops in Vinh Long will include rice noodles and reed roofs; lunch will be at a local restaurant set amidst greenery.

Day 3: Chau Doc & Tra Su Sanctuary

Today we head to Chau Doc, where we will visit the Cham villages and discover some of the local temples. Later today, we visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary unique ecosystem in the Mekong teeming with bird life, flora, and peaceful waterways that feel a world away from the modern pace.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Arrive in Phnom Penh and start an exciting city tour which will include the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. Enjoy Khmer dance in the evening the ideal way to wrap up a day filled with culture and history.

Day 5: The Journey to Siem Reap

As we approach Siem Reap, there will be plenty of time to unwind on the deck and watch the shady jungle landscape pass by. Bracing for a great farewell in Cambodia's iconic town of ancient temples, a visit to the incredible Angkor Wat is in store.

4. Mekong Delta Cruise FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. What should I know about responsible tourism on a 5-day cruise in Vietnam?
The option would be to select only those Vietnam cruises that involve the local communities to ensure the tours are culturally sensitive and sustainable.

2. How can I respectfully interact with local communities along the Mekong?
Smile, greet locals with a warm welcome, dress modestly, and always ask for any photographing

3. Is the food on board different from what’s available on land?
Both local dishes and Western food are provided during cruises, and the ingredients are freshly bought from the local markets.

4. What about the language barrier?
Most of the Mekong Cruises include bilingual guides; besides that, basic phrases in Vietnamese or Khmer will make communicating with the locals way easier.

5. How should I prepare for the weather on a 5-day cruise in Vietnam?
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropics, including sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight rain jacket.

6. What’s the best way to book a 5-day cruise in Vietnam?
The best offers, in particular for luxury cruises, can be obtained when booking early with a reliable agency or directly with the cruise operator.

5. Conclusion

One thing is certain: a 5-day cruise in Vietnam will be nothing like any trip you've ever taken. From the pulsating scenes of Phnom Penh to the ancient wonders of Siem Reap, the Mekong Delta is magical, revealing itself bit by bit, day by day. As a final thought, remember the Vietnamese saying: "Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn." It roughly translates to "A day's journey brings wisdom," and on the Mekong, this adage turns out to be only too correct day in and day out, full of stories, encounters, and memories that last longer.