River tourism is a strength of the western river region. The appearance of high-class yachts on the Mekong River has created a new feature in the floating life of the people in this region and brought a new form of discovery tourism to visitors. The Mekong River brings back old images of Vietnam from the war that dominated the news in our years. Today, the Mekong continues to be a lifeline for many people living in Southeast Asia, and several cruise lines now offer Mekong river cruises in Cambodia and Vietnam. The number of river cruise lines operating along the Mekong River has increased significantly, which will lead to more choices and lower prices for cruise ship travelers. Please read through the article below for your reference about Mekong River Cruises Vietnam Reviews!
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Does the Mekong River Cruises run through Vietnam?
The Mekong River originates in the mountains of Tibet and passes through China before passing through five other countries in Southeast Asia. The river is about 2700 miles long, making it the 10th longest river globally (or 12, depending on how rivers are measured). Leaving China, the Mekong River flows through Myanmar (Burma) before forming part of the border between Laos and Thailand. It then flows into Cambodia and enters Vietnam’s East Sea near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.
Mekong River Cruise in Cambodia and Vietnam.
In these two countries, much of the Mekong’s route passes through lush rural landscapes, small villages and cities, and towns whose names are perhaps unfamiliar to Westerners. However, the river passes through Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and passes near Siem Reap, the gateway to the ruins at Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer.
Most Mekong River cruises run between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, so except for Ho Chi Minh City, visitors have to take short flights from these cities to where they board the riverboat. The cruises focus on the history and culture of the area, and all include time near Siam Reap at Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Mekong River can be low during the dry season from January to May/June, so those traveling during those months will use a coach to see many attractions, depending on the size and manuscript of the ship. Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, which ships must navigate to Siem Reap, is usually navigable from November to August due to shallow water.
Most river cruises depart or disembark in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), one of the fascinating cities in the world. Seeing thousands of motorbikes on the street and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels are worth trying.
So, let’s take a look at some Mekong River Cruises Vietnam Reviews below for your reference.
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- Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary – an attractive destination for tourist in Ca Mau
Aqua Mekong Cruise
Aqua Mekong, a spectacular presence on the Mekong River, features renowned architect Noor Design’s modern architecture and interiors. The 20 large, air-conditioned suites on the Mekong river cruises ship have full-length windows with excellent views of the ever-changing Mekong countryside. The 2015 Asia Hotel Design Awards also awarded Aqua Mekong the prestigious Gold Award in the Architecture/New Build category.
On-board guests engage on an exciting voyage of local tastes with a dining experience designed by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson as the Aqua Mekong tracks a luxury route through Cambodia and Vietnam. The ship’s bar menu, designed by renowned spirit specialists and cocktail makers Proof & Co, follows a similar regionally focused concept.
Aqua Mekong ensures the highest safety, luxury, and exclusivity for offshore trips since Aqua Expeditions owns and manages the Mekong River’s sole private fleet of launch boats. The four ergonomically designed launch boats take visitors on highly tailored day tours to historical sites, temples, and towns rich in history, spirituality, and craftsmanship.
Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel.
Cruise duration: 5 days/ 4 nights, and 8 days/ 7 nights.
Price range: from $2,650.
The Jayavarman Cruise
In Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships, the magnificent Jayavarman is the father. This ship was named after the most revered monarch of Angkor, a devoted Buddhist who reigned from 1181 to 1218. This superb Mekong River cruises ship resembles a floating art exhibit because of its exquisite woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs, and Vietnamese lacquer paintings. Guests are reminded of the local arts and culture everywhere they go.
Jayavarman mixes the art deco beauty of 1930s France with the enchantment of Indochina as it travels the Mekong between My Tho, the Mekong Delta’s entry gate, and Siem Reap Cambodia. Jayavarman has 27 nicely furnished cabins and measures 57.8 meters/190 feet from bow to stern. Jayavarman is as big as it is gorgeous, with three and a half decks. In the Henry Mouhot Lounge, guests may view Khmer antiquities, mingle in the Club 1930 Bar, dine in the exquisite Indochine Dining Hall, and relax with spa treatments in the Apsara Spa. On the upper sun deck, there is a Jacuzzi pool with excellent views of the passing delta.
Jayavarman is a name to remember when it comes to outstanding service, comfort, and style. This stunning yacht is an unforgettable way to see some of Asia’s most gorgeous landscapes. Life on the Jayavarman is a series of great experiences. Allow the cruise to paint the vision of romance, majesty, and mystery that you will become when you board the Jayavarman in your mind’s eye. New views and sensations are waiting to be discovered around every corner and every river bend aboard this magnificent ship.
Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Cruise duration: 4 to 8 days.
1. The Lost Civilization | Saigon – Siem Reap or vice versa | (8 Days – 7 Nights).
2. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (5 Days – 4 Nights).
3. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap to Phnom Penh only | (4 Days – 3 Nights).
4. Pearl Of The Orient | Saigon – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (4 Days – 3 Nights).
Price range: from $405.
The Jahan Cruise
The Jahan is Heritage Line’s most romantic cruise vessel, plying the languid, swirling waterways of the Mekong. This beautiful vessel was named after the Indian emperor Shah Jahan. He governed the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658 and is considered a brother of The Jayavarman in Heritage Line’s “family” of these Mekong River cruises ships. Shah Jahan was a strong supporter of architecture and the arts, and he oversaw the creation of several famous landmarks, including India’s brilliant Red Fort and Kashmir’s famed 777 gardens. The Jahan, which echoes the luxurious boats of British India, is named after this educated emperor. The interior and exterior decorations, which display the abilities of local woodworkers, weavers, and artisans, have been lavished.
This three-deck vessel features pleasant indoor and outdoor lounges, an outdoor bar, a small store, a dining room, workout equipment, and a steam room, as well as an outstanding spa. The Jahan has 26 elegantly designed staterooms on two decks, each with its private balcony, and measures 70 meters/230 feet from bow to stern.
Onboard the magnificent Jahan, experience the grandeur of a bygone era of travel. The exquisite craftsmanship of The Jahan and the delta’s vivid splendor will inspire you, much as Indian art and architecture impacted the Khmer and Cham traditions in the Mekong Delta.
The life on board the Jahan will be reminiscent of a royal saga. The early light rays flow across the balcony rustled from your rest to your well-appointed room. It’s as if you’ve been transported back in time to a period when royals slept in fanciful abodes and were awoken by the warm light of the sun — the day’s secrets are yet to be revealed.
Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Cruise duration: 4 to 8 days.
1. The Lost Civilization | Saigon – Siem Reap or vice versa | (8 Days – 7 Nights).
2. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (5 Days – 4 Nights).
3. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap to Phnom Penh only | (4 Days – 3 Nights).
4. Pearl Of The Orient | Saigon – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (4 Days – 3 Nights).
Price range: from $405.
RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise
The Tonle, based on the Pandaw II and formerly known as the Pandaw III, served in Burma for a year before being towed to the Mekong, where she has been in continuous duty between Saigon and Kampong Cham ever since. This ship is an old classic with a rich atmosphere thanks to her beautiful top deck saloon, observation decks, and formal dining room. In 2013, she was completely refurbished, with the number of cabins reduced to just twenty-eight to make room on the lower deck for a professional spa and library. She isn’t a little ship, but she has a shallow draft and can generally travel upriver into low-water places while other boats are trapped well below. The boat also provides high-quality mountain bikes for individual exploring.
The RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise travels from Saigon, a bustling French colonial port, across the vast delta, which is rich in human life and endeavor, to the beautiful countryside of Cambodia. After spending a full day in beautiful Phnom Penh, visitors will travel to the magnificent sites of Angkor to explore remoter rivers.
Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights.
Price range: from $592.
RV Amalotus Cruise
The RV AmaLotus recently restored for July 2016, is one of the most luxurious river cruises traveling the Mekong River. The RV AmaLotus allows you to make the most of its amenities thanks to its tremendous amount of room per visitor. Its small stature assures that you will have a personalized experience. The RV AmaLotus’ onboard accommodations offer uncompromising luxury, superb design, and the facilities of a great hotel. Whatever grade of suite you pick from the 54 staterooms, you’ll enjoy your luxurious five-star hideaway while cruising the Mekong.
Local performers share their cherished rituals and culture with you as you travel through the villages and towns along the Mekong River, providing a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life. Experience an intimate journey of Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the RV AmaMekong that travels beyond the tourist path. Each day will provide wholesome activities and experiences that will take you beyond the tourist traps and leave you with lasting memories.
Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), and Siem Reap (Cambodia).
Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights.
Price range: from $1,320.
Avalon Siem Reap
Avalon Waterways provides a fantastic combination of fascinating cultures, historic architectural treasures, and magnificent riverscapes and landscapes along the great Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. The trip focuses on intimate encounters with outstanding personalized service aboard the unique Suite Ships since more prominent isn’t necessarily better. The trip, which has a maximum capacity of 36 passengers, brings you closer to the must-see attractions and captivating sceneries of river life. The all-suite Avalon Siem Reap was created to provide the most fabulous Mekong River cruises experience possible.
No matter what, the staff embraces the concept of you first; They always provide excellent service that is warm and courteous, never stuffy, from the receptionist and bartender to the wait staff and room attendant! The ship, Avalon, becomes your home away from home.
It is also one of only two ships sailing from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, along with her sister ship, the Avalon Saigon (or vice versa). You will save hours of motorcoach travel time, allowing you to spend more time sailing down the Mekong River! Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by a professional Cruise/Tour Director and carefully selected Certified Local Guides who will ensure that no detail is ignored.
Ports of Embarkation: Saigon (Vietnam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia).
Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights.
Price range: from $1,320.
Song Xanh Sampan
Luxury may take various forms, including a high degree of comfort and the personal touches and attention to detail that distinguish between being a customer of a company and being a guest among friends. Song Xanh Sampan is a one-of-a-kind genuine private sampan intended for visitors seeking exclusive Mekong river cruises experiences. Five genuine sampans (2-3 cabins) are fully outfitted with exquisite bamboo and rattan furnishings, creating a charming ambiance.
Each sampan will carry a lovely rowing boat, flawlessly constructed for a deep investigation of the delta through countless tiny canals and arroyos along the route as private charter excursions for people, couples, and families with children. An overnight trip allows you to see a distinct side of the Mekong Delta, enabling you to wake up with the sun as rural life begins to stir. Travel low and slow on board the Song Xanh Sampan, a fully private and luxuriously comfortable vessel, through these most tranquil surroundings, including emerald green rice terraces, colorful fishing boats, and life on the riverbanks as it was decades ago. A candlelight supper in a century-old house and a cruise amid the colorful barges and vessels of the famous Cai Rang Floating Market are highlighted.
Piers of Embarkation: Cai Be (Vietnam), Can Tho (Vietnam), and Rach Gia (Vietnam).
Cruise duration: 2 days/ 1 night, and 3 days/ 2 nights.
Price range: from $325.