At a glance
- Most Mekong River cruises sail between Vietnam and Cambodia, stopping at key destinations like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat via overland transfer), Ho Chi Minh City and lesser-known gems such as Tan Chau and Kampong Cham
- The biggest differences between Mekong cruises are: ship style, group size and the level of cultural immersion on offer
- Expect itineraries to feature a blend of historic temples, floating markets, village visits and poignant wartime landmarks, with some cruises offering more active excursions or specialist themes
- While most Mekong sailings are geared toward adult travellers, there are options tailored specifically for adventurous families
What makes a cruise ‘the best’?
At World of Cruising, we know that no two travellers are exactly the same. That’s why our ‘best for…’ guides aren’t one-size-fits-all. After all, one person’s dream Mekong cruise might be a total nightmare for someone else.
Instead, our travel experts look beyond the basics, weighing up details like shore excursions and the dreaded solo supplement. The result? Honest, tailored recommendations to help you find a Mekong cruise that fits your travel style.
Best for over-50s: Viking Cruises
Why this cruise line?
Viking needs no introduction to the discerning over-50s crowd. With its signature blend of understated elegance, seamless logistics and high-end cultural programming, it’s a natural choice for travellers seeking insight and relaxation.
Viking Saigon feels like a boutique hotel afloat – all smart blond woods, regional artwork and ravishing floor-to-ceiling views. Expect civilised no-fly packages from the UK, attentive service and a relaxed pace designed with your comfort in mind. Days unfold with temple visits, floating markets and guided strolls through rural villages, while onboard lectures and film nights add welcome cerebral depth.
Expect no casinos, no gimmicks, just grown-up immersion with Viking’s trademark polish.
What are the standout excursions?
A cyclo tour – picture something between a three-wheeled bike and a taxi – through Phnom Penh, a visit to the Royal Palace, and guided sampan boat expeditions along the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta.
How much does it cost?
From around £3,500 per person for a 15-day cruise including flights, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks with meals and tips.
Browse offers: Viking Cruises
Best for solo travellers: Pandaw
Why this cruise line?
For solo travellers who insist on authenticity, Pandaw is hard to beat. These small ships – teak decks, brass fittings and all – drift back in time as they navigate rarely seen stretches of the Mekong.
The intimate sailings (just 24 to 30 guests), open-seating dining and sociable excursions ensure you’ll swiftly get acquainted with your fellow travellers and always feel part of the gang. Better still, Pandaw often waives or reduces that dreaded single supplement.
There’s a feeling of genuine exploration to be had here – the routes venture deep into Cambodia and Vietnam, and the onshore experiences skew towards real-life immersion over polished, well-trodden spectacle.
What are the standout excursions?
Visits to remote river villages, markets and temples not accessible to larger ships, plus hands-on cultural experiences like rice-paper making or monk blessings.
How much does it cost?
From around £2,700 per person for a 10-night cruise, including shore excursions, soft drinks and tips.
Browse offers: Pandaw
Best for families: Aqua Expeditions
Why this cruise line?
To be sure, not all river cruises are intended for families. But Aqua Mekong confidently rips up that rulebook. This design-forward ship welcomes children aged seven and up, with interconnecting suites, private-guided excursions and a reassuringly flexible approach that caters to changeable family needs.
It’s an expedition ship at heart but still rocks its fair share of five-star polish: think spa treatments, movie screenings and a plunge pool with a view. Guides tailor daily outings to suit younger minds, and there’s plenty of downtime for board games, wildlife-spotting or cooking demos.
Educational without ever being bone-dry, this is high-end adventuring made wonderfully kid-friendly.
What are the standout excursions?
Cycling through riverside villages, kayaking along peaceful tributaries and eye-opening interactive cultural visits with local artisans and musicians.
How much does it cost?
From around £5,500 per person for a seven-night cruise, including gourmet meals, drinks, excursions, laundry and transfers.
Browse offers: Aqua Expeditions
Best for couples: Heritage Line
Why this cruise line?
If you feel like being wooed by Southeast Asia at its most enchanting, The Jahan is the only ship you should have eyes for. Operated by Heritage Line, this romantic vessel channels old-world opulence with its four-poster beds and mosaic-tiled spa.
Suites come with private balconies, and candlelit dinners under the stars are practically compulsory. But it’s not all swooning and sensational scenery: you’ll also enjoy deeply enriching excursions and onboard talks that open up the cultural stories of the Mekong region.
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or just each other, The Jahan makes it unforgettable.
What are the standout excursions?
Unforgettable temple visits to Angkor (with overland transfers), traditional water blessings and a sunset cocktail hour while anchored mid-river.
How much does it cost?
From around £4,000 per person for a seven-night cruise, including meals, excursions and onboard activities.
Browse offers: Heritage Line
Best for luxury: Scenic
Why this cruise line?
True luxury means never having to lift a finger. Right? Scenic Spirit is Scenic’s elegant flagship on the Mekong: a plush, all-suite vessel with butler service, à la carte dining, free-flowing champagne and some of the largest cabins on the river.
Everything, from excursions and laundry to sundowners and spa treatments, is included, which makes it all feel satisfyingly seamless. With just 68 guests, it’s wonderfully private, and the high staff-to-guest ratio ensures you’re never without a fresh towel or a thoughtful gesture.
This is indulgent travel without the fluff; just impeccable service and space to breathe.
What are the standout excursions?
Private blessings with monks, immersive village visits and gala dinners in ancient temples.
How much does it cost?
From around £5,800 per person for a seven-night journey, including flights, drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and butler service.
Browse offers: Scenic
Best for foodies: Avalon Waterways
Why this cruise line?
Avalon doesn’t just serve regional cuisine – it positively eats, sleeps and breathes it. On Avalon Saigon, the culinary focus is evident everywhere: in daily menus designed with local chefs, open-seating dining that fosters shared tastes and shore excursions that delve into Vietnam and Cambodia’s intriguing food scenes.
However, there’s no tiresome formality here – just smart, elegant service and a relaxed, contemporary feel. With only 36 guests, it’s a personal experience too, where market visits turn into cooking classes and mealtimes are a genuine highlight.
Pro tip – come hungry.
What are the standout excursions?
Market shopping with the chef, onboard Vietnamese cooking demos and tasting tours of Ho Chi Minh City street food.
How much does it cost?
From around £2,900 per person for a seven-night cruise, including excursions, regional wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and tips.
Browse offers: Avalon Waterways
Best for adventure: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Why this cruise line?
For those who prefer temple treks to sun decks, Uniworld’s Mekong itineraries strike a pitch-perfect balance between plush comfort and thrilling exploration. The Mekong Jewel – an all-suite, sustainably built vessel – serves as a serene home base while guests are whisked into the heart of Southeast Asia’s most compelling cultural landscapes.
Uniworld’s flair lies in its detail: hand-carved finishes, personalised service, and a guest count small enough (maximum 68) to keep things personal. But this isn’t just boutique luxury for its own sake – the line’s Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries delve deep into the region’s complex history, with immersive excursions that lean into discovery and reflection.
It's a dream for culturally curious travellers who want five-star surroundings with a dose of adrenaline, and who don’t mind swapping flip-flops for sturdy walking shoes.
What are the standout excursions?
Expect everything from Phnom Penh’s sobering Killing Fields tour to Vespa rides through Ho Chi Minh City and sunrise visits to the pre-Angkorian temples of Kampong Cham. Daily options allow for as much (or as little) adventure as you like.
How much does it cost?
Prices typically start from £4,300 per person for a 13-day sailing including shore excursions, unlimited drinks, airport transfers and gratuities.
Browse offers: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Here's what else you should know before booking your Mekong River cruise:
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