Choosing the Best Mekong River Cruise for You
The differences between Mekong ships that matter more than the brochure photos.
Get Mekong Cruise QuotesHow to Judge the Best Mekong River Cruises
Most ships on the lower Mekong are small, carrying dozens of guests rather than hundreds, and many are designed in a colonial or Indochine style with teak, rattan and large windows. The best Mekong river cruises for you come down to a handful of practical differences.
Cabin size and balcony
Some ships have French balconies or full balconies; others have large windows. Cabins on newer ships tend to be bigger.
Group size ashore
Smaller ships mean smaller sampan groups and easier landings.
What is included
Hotel nights, Angkor touring, internal flights, drinks and tips vary widely.
Low-water plan
Ask how the line handles the dry season, when Siem Reap is reached by road or flight.
Lines With 2026–27 Mekong Departures
| Line | Notes from their 2026–27 programs |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | Siem Reap–Ho Chi Minh City cruises, including on AmaDara, with departures listed into December 2027 |
| Emerald Cruises | Opened its 2026–2027 Southeast Asia river season for booking |
| Uniworld | Mekong Jewel programs linking Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi |
| Scenic | Siem Reap–Ho Chi Minh City departures listed into late 2027 |
| Avalon | Long Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand programs with a Mekong cruise |
| Aqua Expeditions | Departures from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; flights to Siem Reap when low water closes the Tonle Sap |
APT and several regional operators also sail the river. Ship assignments change, so treat this as a starting list and see the Official River Cruise Directory for every line.
Picking a Cabin
Because the ships are small, the differences between cabin categories are mostly about size, deck and the type of window or balcony rather than location. Upper decks have the best views of riverbank life but may feel more engine vibration on some older vessels; lower decks sit closer to the water. Suites on the newer ships add sitting areas and larger bathrooms, and a few vessels have a small number of cabins for solo travelers. Air-conditioning is standard and essential.
Ask too about the public spaces: an open-air sundeck with shade, a covered lounge with good views forward and a spa or small pool make a real difference on a hot afternoon. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can tell you how each Mekong ship handles these details.
Watching the fares? Cruising for Less explains every discount you may qualify for, and the Mister Cruise newsletter sends river offers as they are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best Mekong river cruises?
The best one is the one whose ship size, cabin, included touring and land program match your trip. A luxury suite matters less to some travelers than a smaller group ashore or an included Angkor stay.
Are drinks and tips included?
It depends on the line and the fare. Some include drinks with meals or all day; some include gratuities; others add them. Compare the inclusions, not just the headline fare.
Compare Mekong Ships for Your Dates
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare cabins, inclusions and land programs across the Mekong lines for your travel window.
Compare Mekong Cruises