Mekong River cruises

Cai Be sits in the heart of the Mekong Delta’s agricultural belt, where the river branches into a maze of canals. The town is best known for its floating market – once bustling with wholesalers in wooden boats, now quieter but still well worth a visit. River cruises often stop for sampan boat rides along narrow waterways lined with water palms, followed by visits to small workshops where rice paper, coconut candy and puffed rice are made by hand. These cottage industries have supported local families for generations and are pillars of the local economy.On land, the Catholic cathedral with its riverside bell tower reflects French colonial influence, while nearby orchards showcase some of the Delta’s tropical produce. Cai Be isn’t polished – that’s part of the appeal. It's an authentic look at life along the Mekong, and it feels detached from the tourist trail.

Sa Dec is a riverfront town with colonial charm and character. Once an important river port under the French, its villas and flower markets hint at past wealth. Marguerite Duras, whose semi-autobiographical novel The Lover was set here. Some river cruises include a visit to her former family home, now a museum surrounded by banyan trees and yellow stucco walls.Today, Sa Dec is better known for its horticulture – with rows of nurseries growing bonsai and blooms – and its vivid riverside market where you'll find fruit, live fish, lotus roots and more. The market lanes are narrow, chaotic and colourful. It's best to visit the market with a local guide who can decode the produce and point out street snacks. Boats tie up right at the edge of the old town, allowing easy access to quiet temples, Chinese clan houses and colonial relics.

Tan Chau sits near the Cambodian border, where the river begins to broaden and the pace slows. Though it sees fewer tourists than other ports, it’s often included on Mekong itineraries for its authenticity. The region is home to both Khmer and Cham communities, and many excursions visit traditional stilt villages or silk workshops where weaving still happens on wooden looms.Cruise excursions may also include a trishaw ride through town, taking you from traditional markets to quiet residential streets where dogs doze in the shade. There’s not a lot to “see” in Tan Chau in the conventional sense, but that’s part of the charm: it's rural and largely untouched by modern tourism.

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.

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.

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.

Emerald Cruises offers a modern, relaxed, super-premium all-inclusive cruising experience, with contemporary and elegant ships and bucket-list destinations. Onboard, guests are able to dine at four all-inclusive and unique outlets, enjoying free-flowing alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. Flexibility is key, with its range of shore excursion packages, and every aspect of the trip is taken care of – including flights and transfers.

Known for its river cruises, CroisiEurope also offers ocean voyages on two small ships. Guests boarding the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans (formerly Silversea's Silver Discoverer) can follow in Napoleon's footsteps, visit the hilltop villages of Balagne, and enjoy dinner at a traditional inn. Meanwhile, the 197-guest La Belle de l'Adriatique offers itineraries that take in local traditions.

Viking is the largest river cruise line operators in the world, with a fleet of 76 ships running sailings across four continents on an army of award-winning ships. The river arm of Viking is just one of Viking's cruise options, the super-premium Norwegian ocean cruise line known for its superlative cruise experience, small ships with Scandi-chic interiors and fantastic destination and cultural enrichment programme. On the river, Viking offers cruisers the chance to sail in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US, offering facilities like sundeck swimming pools, relaxing Aquavit terraces and well-stocked libraries. Continually making new additions and expanding, Viking has recently upped its Nile river cruise game with two new ships, and also sails the Mississippi river. The cruise line also champions themed cruises, taking passengers to the likes of the Passion Play at Oberammergau and offering exclusive pre-and post-cruise land tours.

Riviera Travel is one of the oldest and most reliable river cruise operators in the world, with 40 years of experience running guided and escorted tours, a land and water all around the world, including river cruises. Riviera Travel operates a unique cruising experience, partnering with local guides and experts to create a programme of guided tours and river cruises, bringing like-minded travellers together and offering a selection of authentic and bespoke travel experiences. The operator runs river cruises on European waterways like the Danube, Rhine and Douro, but also the Nile, Mekong and Yangtze. Championing escorted tours and guided holidays, Riviera Travel line also specialises in solo travel, providing a safe, friendly and social environment for travellers going it alone.

APT Travelmarvel brings expertise, knowledge and luxury to the party. From Europe to Asia, you are guaranteed the best accommodation, the highest-quality meals, and unique must-see locations. Flexibility is the name of the game. APT Essential River Cruises ensures that a great balance of sightseeing and leisure time creates the freedom to explore at your own pace, without missing out on bespoke destinations and exclusive culinary experiences. You won’t be disappointed!

Uniworld is one of the most luxurious river cruise lines in existence, operating a fleet of 13 unique, opulent and lavish six-star river ships. The company was founded in 1976, becoming part of the Travel Corporation in 2004 – a group which also includes luxurious Red Carnation Hotel. The cruise line operates on the waters of Europe, Arica and Asia, and each Uniworld ship is inspired by its destination.

Scenic River Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise operators in the world. It’s the cruise line behind the innovative and super luxurious yacht-style ship Scenic Eclipse, a ship that revolutionised the cruise industry when it launched. That same level of luxury can be had on its fleet of river ships. The cruise line offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring amenities like spas, terraces, panorama lounges and spacious cabins with private butlers.

Tauck is a super-premium river cruise line offering small, intimate sailings on the waterways of Europe. The cruise line launched in 1992, offering luxurious and all-inclusive river cruises on the likes of the Danube, Rhine and Rhone. With many awards under its belt, the cruise line owns it when it comes to European river cruising, heading away from crowded tourist hotspots and off the beaten track.

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.

Luxury cruise line, AmaWaterways, has a fleet of 23 custom-designed, five-star river ships which sail to destinations all over the world, across Europe, Asia, and Africa.On board AmaWaterways, passengers can learn Thai Chi as they sail the Mekong river, or enjoy sunrise yoga on the serene waterways of Europe.