Name: Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Northbound)
Brand: Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Ho Chi Minh City

Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.

Day 2

Vinh Long

Day 3

Châu Đốc

Days 4-5

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Day 6

Angkor Ban

Day 7

Kampong Tralach

Kampong Tralach is less a town than a rural riverbank commune, where ox-drawn carts still ply dirt roads and monasteries overlook rice fields. It’s a place where the river narrows. Most visits centre around Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a pagoda set amidst rice paddies and accessible via a bumpy cart ride through the countryside. The temple itself is modest but atmospheric, with fading murals and curious children often peering through doorways.What sets Kampong Tralach apart is the glimpse it offers into Cambodian village life. You can see homes on stilts, monks walking barefoot and families gathering under raised wooden porches. There are no big landmarks here, but for many, Kampong Tralach is often a highlight for its authenticity.

Day 8

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Day 1

Ho Chi Minh City

Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.

Day 2

Vinh Long

Day 3

Châu Đốc

Days 4-5

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Day 6

Angkor Ban

Day 7

Kampong Tralach

Kampong Tralach is less a town than a rural riverbank commune, where ox-drawn carts still ply dirt roads and monasteries overlook rice fields. It’s a place where the river narrows. Most visits centre around Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a pagoda set amidst rice paddies and accessible via a bumpy cart ride through the countryside. The temple itself is modest but atmospheric, with fading murals and curious children often peering through doorways.What sets Kampong Tralach apart is the glimpse it offers into Cambodian village life. You can see homes on stilts, monks walking barefoot and families gathering under raised wooden porches. There are no big landmarks here, but for many, Kampong Tralach is often a highlight for its authenticity.

Day 8

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

Avalon Saigon

Since first taking her maiden voyage on the Mekong River, the Avalon Saigon has been praised for delivering an intimate cruise experience as part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships®.