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MEKONG RIVER CRUISES

Discover the hidden worlds on the Mekong River

If you're travelling to South East Asia and want to immerse yourself in the rich culture, what better way to do so than on a Mekong River cruise.

The Mekong River is the 12th largest in the world, it winds its way from Southwest China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before it reaches the vast delta of Vietnam.

With an estimated length of 4,350km, there are many places to visit and embarking on a river cruise with Pandaw allows you to experience these remote towns and villages in a way like no other. From the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, (formerly Siagon) to the sleepier town of Luang Prabang in Laos. From the majestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to the multi-cultural town of Jinghong in China's Yunnan Province; we can take you there.

Meet local artisans and dancers, learn about the history from the natives themselves, and with Pandaw you can do it in comfort and style. The dining experience allows you to sample the local cuisine and is cooked using ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

Your staterooms are elegant and spacious and come with added extras such as fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos, slippers and spa-branded amenities to make your stay that little bit more special. Whilst your peace and serenity are of utmost importance to us, when you're not onshore meeting the locals you can enjoy cultural performances, cooking demonstrations or a themed movie night.

Longer Expeditions

Classic Mekong

A cruise on the Mekong River is like no other river cruise you will experience. The river runs along the border of such varied countries, from the bustling cities of Vietnam to the calm towns of Cambodia. This 8 day Upstream cruise begins in either Saigon or Siem Reap, travelling through the mangroves to the border of Cambodia. Discover Phnom Penh by cyclo, why not book an extension and set sail to explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Angkor.

Rivers : Mekong River, Tonle River

Ships : RV Bassac Pandaw, RV Mekong Pandaw

from US$3,358.80 per person

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

The Laos Mekong

This 10 night Mekong cruise explores 3 countries; Laos, Thailand and Burma. We make our way past breathtaking jungle scenery and lone riverside, tribal villages to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its buzzing night market and Buddhist temples.

Rivers : Mekong River

Ships : RV Champa Pandaw, RV Laos Pandaw, RV Sabaidee Pandaw

from US$4,316.40 per person

No Single Supplements on selected dates

Deeper and Further on the Mekong River

Go deeper into the Mekong Delta and further up the main Mekong River than on other river cruises on offer. This pioneering route is very much aimed at Pandaw club members who seek more immersive experiences in the countries Pandaw ships ply and wish to spend more days in the comfort and lively atmosphere of our beautifully crafted ships.

Ships : RV Mekong Pandaw

from US$4,800 per person

New ten night Mekong itinerary

Shorter Expeditions

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

3 or 4 NIGHTS

This 3 or 4 night cruise starts its journey in either the lively city of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap where you can explore the impressive Angkor Wat. Start your day early with sunset views on one of the most picturesque parts of the Mekong River.

from US$1,919.50 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

Saigon and Phnom Penh Short Cruise

If you're travelling in South East Asia and want to experience the towns and villages the Mekong has to offer from the water why not choose a short 3 or 4 night Mekong river cruise over sitting on a hot and stuffy bus journey? Our 3 or 4 night cruise is a great way to see these phenomenal places in a unique way.

Combination Cruises

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong

Rivers : Halong Bay & The Red River, Mekong River

Ships : RV Angkor Pandaw, RV Champa Pandaw

from US$7,970.40 per person

The Full Mekong, Four Country 21 Night Combo Cruise

For the first time, join Pandaw on an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North. Combining our two 10 night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in this special four country expedition. Sailing all of the navigable stretches of this mighty river, you will learn about how one river can support a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures, all from the comfort of our locally crafted Pandaw vessels.

This combo cruise includes flight from Saigon to Vientiane and one night accommodation in Vientiane between cruises within the price of your ticket.

Rivers : Mekong River, Mekong River, Tonle River

Ships : RV Champa Pandaw, RV Mekong Pandaw

from US$10,075.60 per person

Land & River Tours

Classic Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

Explore all the wonders of Southern Vietnam and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia in this new extended river & land tour from Pandaw. Combining our timeless 7-night river expedition between Saigon and Siem Reap with specially selected pre and post-cruise tours to enhance your journey, it has never been easier to book your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure with Pandaw.

from US$4,387.50 per person

New Land & River adventures

Best of Laos & Northern Thailand

Explore the beauty and culture of Laos and Northern Thailand with Pandaw on our new and exclusive river and land tour. Experience all that Laos has to offer along the scenic and serene upper Mekong where local life remains unchanged for centuries aboard your expertly crafted and luxuriously comfortable small Pandaw vessel. We also venture high into the mountains of Northern Thailand to discover the rich culture and diversity of the hilltribe peoples that have inhabited this area for centuries. This unforgettable 16 night adventure is sure to be the trip of a lifetime..

Ships : RV Laos Pandaw

from US$6,687.60 per person

Mekong River Ships

RV Bassac Pandaw

RV Champa Pandaw

RV Laos Pandaw

RV Mekong Pandaw

RV Sabaidee Pandaw

River cruise stops.

Cruising The Mekong

Golden Triangle

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang

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The trip was fantastic - I loved it. What a nice way to travel

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Mekong River Cruises

Why Cruise The Mekong?

The mighty Mekong is one of the planet’s most spectacular waterways and southeast Asia’s longest river, coursing 2,700 miles through six countries. From the Tibetan Plateau source to the Mekong Delta , the timeless Mekong River reveals incredible contrasts of landscapes and biodiversity, along with riverside destinations rich in culture, ethnicity, and history – best experienced on one of our curated portfolio of overnight Mekong River cruises.

Explore the Lower Mekong River on the best river cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring converted rice barges and traditional-style sampans, enthralling voyages that both cruise the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and meander across the border into captivating Cambodia . Alternatively, adventure seekers can now cruise the Upper Mekong River , a relatively uncharted, pristine, stunning region of northern Laos, where an unhurried riverine life transports passengers back in time.

Mekong Cruises

Our hand-picked portfolio of Mekong River cruise ships and small boats has been carefully chosen to include remarkable vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers in the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.

Mekong Princess

Aqua Mekong

Bassac Pandaw

Mekong Navigator

Laos Pandaw

Champa Pandaw

Indochina Pandaw

Sabaidee Pandaw

Victoria Mekong

Mekong Destinations

Cambodia Mekong Cruises

Laos Mekong Cruises

Vietnam Mekong Cruises

Mekong experiences.

Luxury Cruises

Family Cruises

Adventure cruises.

Honeymoon Cruises

Charter Cruises

Solo Cruises

Cruise packages.

Our custom Mekong River tours seamlessly combine expedition cruises with bespoke land tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-sellers below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ho Chi Minh

14-day tour from $10,450 usd.

Highlights of Laos

14-day tour from $5,275 usd.

Angkor Wat & Mekong River Cruise

10-day tour from $3,425 usd.

Classic Vietnam

14-day tour from $5,125 usd.

Upper Mekong & Southern Laos

14-day tour from $5,650 usd.

Best of Vietnam

10-day tour from $2,900 usd.

Cambodia's Lake, Rivers & Mountains

14-day tour from $5,075 usd, travel guide.

Want to know more about cruising the Mekong River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Mekong River travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

Mekong,Delta,Landscape,With,Vietnamese,Woman,Rowing,Boat,On,Nang

19 Best Places To Visit In The Mekong Delta

Floating Markets of the Mekong River

Upper Vs Lower Mekong – What’s The Difference?

When Is The Best Time To Do A Mekong River Cruise?

7 Interesting Facts About The Mekong River You Never Knew

Where Is The Mekong River?

Do i need a visa to travel to the mekong river.

The Mekong River traverses multiple countries, so your visa requirements will depend on the cruise you want to take and your point of entry into the countries you will visit.

If you are taking a cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, you will only need to acquire a Vietnam visa on arrival – your Cambodian visa will be stamped in your passport during the cruise.

However, if you are taking the downstream cruise and entering Vietnam on the river from Cambodia, most likely you will need to get your Vietnam visa before your cruise, while the Cambodian visa can be easily acquired on arrival at the airport.

If you are cruising the Upper Mekong, you can get the Laos visa upon arrival at the airport or at the Thai border crossing, if your cruise starts in Huay Xai.

Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Or Malaria Tablets Ahead Of Travel?

Some travelers start taking malaria tablets before traveling to the Mekong River, but it is not a requirement. Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. You may also want to take precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss Near The Mekong River?

There are countless sites and attractions along the Mekong River , one of the reasons it is such a popular spot for river cruises. On the Lower Mekong, the floating markets in the Delta are a must-see. In the Upper Mekong, make sure to visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang.

What Is The Local Cuisine Like?

Traveling along the Mekong River gives you the chance to try all different kinds of local cuisines. Southeast Asian countries are famous for their noodles and rice in many variations, and – along the Mekong – the local fish.

Dishes aren’t spicy and there are many vegetarian options. You can expect freshly made dishes using local vegetables, herbs, and soy or fish sauce to accompany them.

Mekong food specialities to try include the elephant ear fish and local rice pancakes popular in the Mekong Delta, in Cambodia its Khmer cuisine, and in Laos the lard and sticky rice.

Is The Mekong River Safe?

The Mekong River is a safe location. The only thing of which to be aware is that parts of it may be polluted. However, this should not be an issue if you are on a Mekong cruise. Practice good water safety and common sense and there is no reason you shouldn’t have a safe trip.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Mekong River?

The most pleasant time of year for a Mekong River trip is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier (especially in the evening) with no rainfall.

Although, if you are interested in entering Tonlé Sap Lake by riverboat, you should aim for the end of the rainy season (August – mid November) when the water in the river is naturally higher making the lake accessible.

Is The Mekong River a Good Family Destination?

Taking a Mekong River cruise with kids is possible but most Mekong boats don’t allow kids younger than 7 years old on board. The Mekong Delta is an exciting destination for the whole family , with activities such as cycling, agricultural and cultural experiences, school visits, and ancient temple exploration.

Is The Mekong River a Good Honeymoon Destination?

The Mekong River can be a great honeymoon destination depending on your tastes, especially around its delta . With breathtaking sights, unique cultural experiences, romantic accommodations aboard luxurious riverboats, and serene riverine vistas, the Mekong is ideal for newlyweds who want a remote and adventurous honeymoon.

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Mekong river cruises

Discover natural delights and ceremonial cultures, as you explore Southeast Asia on a luxury Mekong river cruise.

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Explore the treasures of the Mekong River

Unveil three thousand years of history as you lose yourself in the lands of Southeast Asia. Board your Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony, and cruise the mystical Mekong River, delving deep into the traditions of Vietnam and Cambodia.

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Mekong River Cruises

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Bangkok : Thailand's busy capital city.
Ho Chi Minh City : the bustling city formerly known as Saigon in Vietnam
Luang Prabang : the spiritual capital of Laos.
Kuang Si falls three-tiered water that cascades off towering drops into turquoise pools.
Pak Ou Caves of Cambodia.
Laos : A country dominated by Buddhist architecture that reflects national spirituality.
Cambodia : Where you'll find a mix of temples and pagodas in traditional Buddhist or Hindu style.
Thailand : Home to some of our most active Mekong River cruises and unforgettably distinct cuisine.
Vietnam : Formerly ravaged by war, its breathtaking landscapes, jungles, and architecture now enjoy tranquility and peace.

The Best Time to Take a Cruise on the Mekong River

Best times to visit thailand, brief history of thailand, the giving of alms, thai religion, best time to visit laos, laos wildlife, lao cuisine, best time to visit myanmar, glimpse into myanmar culture, myanmar destination highlights, history of myanmar, vietnam overview, history of vietnam, vietnamese cuisine, brief introduction to siem reap, what was the khmer rouge, cambodia wildlife, cambodian cuisine.

AMA Waterways - operates ten trips on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. MS Amadara , the company's sole Mekong River cruise ship, features spacious staterooms and suites with twin balconies that invite the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia inside.
Lindblad Expeditions - explores Vietnam, Angkor, Saigon, and Cambodia down the Mekong River on board the 48-guest Jahan , a remarkable new riverboat that brings a degree of luxury to the Mekong previously dreamed of.
CroisiEurope - one of the most established and experienced river cruise lines, sails the Mekong aboard its luxury ships, the RV Indochine and RV Indochine II .
Aqua Expeditions - is the only Mekong River cruise line that provides complimentary flight extensions to Siem Reap during the low water season. Aqua Mekong , a luxury river cruise ship charts a path through the picturesque lower Mekong basin with expert guides on board.

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