Vietnam and Cambodia by River
Visas, money and manners for a cruise that crosses a border by water.
Get Mekong Cruise QuotesOne Cruise, Two Countries
A Vietnam Cambodia river cruise crosses an international border by water, which few river trips in the world do. The crossing itself is easy — the crew handles most of the formalities while you watch the river — but the paperwork starts at home.
Before You Go
- Passport — check validity and blank pages well before departure; both countries are strict.
- Vietnam — apply only through Vietnam’s official e-visa portal, not look-alike agency sites.
- Cambodia — use Cambodia’s official e-visa system or follow the line’s instructions for obtaining the visa during the cruise.
- Health — ask your doctor about vaccinations and anti-mosquito measures well in advance.
- Insurance — medical evacuation cover matters on remote rivers; see Cruise & Travel Insurance.
Rules change; our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise confirm the current requirements for your nationality when you book.
Culture Notes for Both Countries
Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas, temples and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and remove shoes where asked. Ask before photographing people, especially monks and children. Bargaining is normal in markets but friendly; a smile goes further than a hard line.
Vietnam’s south and Cambodia feel different within a day: from the motorbike buzz and coffee culture of the delta to Khmer pagodas, sugar palms and a slower pace. The guides on board bridge both, and many programs add Ho Chi Minh City’s war-history sites and Phnom Penh’s memorials with context.
Visiting Phnom Penh’s Memorials
Most itineraries offer a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge, and to the Choeung Ek memorial outside the city. They are sobering places that explain much about modern Cambodia, and the guides treat them with great care. They are usually optional; some travelers choose a palace and market morning instead, and that is entirely understood. Dress respectfully and keep voices low on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need visas for a Vietnam Cambodia river cruise?
U.S. citizens need permission to enter both countries. Vietnam issues e-visas through its official government portal, and Cambodia has its own official e-visa system. Some lines help with the Cambodian side; always confirm the current process with us before you travel.
What money should I take?
Vietnam uses the dong and Cambodia the riel, but U.S. dollars are widely used in Cambodia. Clean, undamaged small bills are useful for tips and markets in both countries.
Is it safe?
Read the U.S. State Department pages for Vietnam and Cambodia before you go. River cruise programs are escorted and well organized; the usual city precautions with bags and phones apply.
Get Help With the Details
From visas to flights between Hanoi and Saigon, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise plan the whole Vietnam and Cambodia trip around your river cruise.
Plan My Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise