Mekong Eyes Explorer

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh

Guide: English speaking
Departure: Cai Be Pier
Launched in: 2016
Cabins: 16
Star Rating: 4-Star
Cruise operator: Mekong Eyes

Discover the waterways connecting Southern Vietnam and Cambodia aboard Mekong Eyes Explorer, a boutique river cruiser offering a distinctive way to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Its 3- or 4-night itineraries follow the northern Mekong River routes, revealing the quieter side of the Mekong Delta through winding canals, lively riverside communities, and scenic landscapes that larger vessels cannot easily reach.

The cruise features 12 Superior Cabins and 4 Suites, combining comfortable accommodation with thoughtful details inspired by local craftsmanship. All Superior Cabins are located on the outside of the vessel, while the Suites occupy the upper deck and feature private balconies. Natural materials, handcrafted furnishings, and regional design influences create a warm atmosphere that reflects the cultural character of the Mekong.

On board, the panoramic restaurant provides an inviting setting to enjoy international cuisine and Vietnamese and Cambodian-inspired regional flavours. Large windows open to the river breeze, while the bar and outdoor lounge offer relaxed spaces to unwind, enjoy a refreshing drink, and share the day's experiences. Above the bridge, the outdoor bar area provides sweeping views of the passing river scenery.

The spacious sundeck, furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and sunbeds, is ideal for enjoying the sunshine and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks. Guests can also spend their leisure time with board games, books from the onboard library, or a selection of films.

Combining intimate accommodation, local character, and access to less-travelled waterways, Mekong Eyes Explorer offers a memorable river journey between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Mekong Eyes Explorer route map

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Mekong Eyes Explorer Itinerary

4 Days

Day 1: Panoramic River Cruise

Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to Can Tho or Cai Be, depending on your cruise itinerary. Around midday, board your traditional wooden river vessel and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink while familiarising yourself with the onboard facilities and settling into your cabin.

As the cruise begins, savour lunch while watching the ever-changing scenery of the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, go ashore for a leisurely guided walk through a local village, passing fruit orchards or rice fields along the way. Meet local residents and sample seasonal fruits and regional produce.

Return to the boat to relax on deck or enjoy a drink at the bar as the sun sets over the river. After a delicious dinner on board, settle in for a peaceful overnight stay on your floating hotel in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Day 2: River Life and Floating Markets

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of life along the Mekong River as the cruise sets off at around 06:30 for an early-morning journey. Watch local communities begin their day, from drying exotic fruits to working at traditional boatbuilding yards, while enjoying breakfast on board.

After breakfast, take a smaller sampan boat to explore the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta's busiest trading hubs. Depending on your itinerary and travel date, you may instead discover the waterways around Cai Be by sampan or on foot. Observe the colourful trade in fresh fruits and vegetables, interact with local vendors, and experience the lively atmosphere of river commerce.

The excursion may also include visits to local candy and cake-making workshops, traditional houses, lush orchards, and boatbuilding yards. For a closer look at rural life, explore narrow canals by rowing sampan, cycle through the countryside, or take a walk around a nearby town.

Return to the main cruise for lunch as the vessel continues along the river. In the afternoon, enjoy another shore excursion to an exotic riverside village before dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Day 3: Discover the Rural Mekong Delta

Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise travels through the peaceful morning scenery of the Mekong River. Depending on your route, visit Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho or explore the Cai Be area by foot or small sampan.

Continue into the Delta's quieter waterways, where lush orchards, fertile fields, and traditional riverside communities reveal a more intimate side of life in Southern Vietnam. Take the opportunity to photograph the local scenery and observe the daily activities that shape this distinctive river region.

Disembark at the pier in the late morning, around 11:00–11:30, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, transfer by bus or car to Chau Doc, travelling through the Mekong Delta's rural landscapes from a different perspective.

Arrive in Chau Doc and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Cross the Border to Cambodia

Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and board a speedboat for the journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Enjoy the river crossing as you travel towards the Cambodian capital, the gateway to further adventures in the country, including visits to the famous temples of Angkor Wat.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, your Mekong Delta cruise journey comes to an end.

If you wish to continue exploring Cambodia, additional arrangements can be made for a tour of Angkor or other destinations. A return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City can also be organised upon request.

Inclusions

Road transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the cruise embarkation port
Accommodation in a cosy double or twin cabin, plus a double or twin room at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc
English-speaking guide on board the cruise and during shore excursions
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Mineral water provided in the cabin
Complimentary tea and coffee
Shore excursions and activities as outlined in the itinerary
Speedboat transfer from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, accompanied by a Mekong Eyes guide
Transfer from the pier to your hotel in Phnom Penh

Exclusions

Drinks other than the complimentary mineral water in the cabin and tea/coffee
Tips and gratuities
Cambodian visa fee

Guests are advised to check the latest Cambodian visa requirements applicable to their nationality before traveling.

Mekong Eyes Explorer Cabins

Superior Cabin

The Superior Cabins offer a comfortable and welcoming retreat, with 12 m² of thoughtfully arranged space and panoramic windows overlooking the river. Guests can enjoy the passing scenery from the privacy of their cabin while relaxing in a cosy setting designed for an overnight river cruise.

Each cabin features convertible twin or double beds, an in-room safe, bathrobes, slippers, and spa-branded amenities, providing essential comforts throughout the journey.

Area: 12 m²
View: Panoramic River View
Bedding: Double or Twin

Upper Deck Suite

Located on the upper deck, the spacious 20 m² Suites provide an enhanced onboard experience with the added luxury of a private balcony. Guests can enjoy open river views from their own outdoor space or unwind on the panoramic daybed while watching the scenery drift by.

Each suite includes all the amenities available in the Superior Cabins, combining practical comforts with extra space and a more exclusive setting.

Area: 20 m²
Location: Upper Deck
View: Panoramic River View
Highlights: Private Balcony, Panoramic Daybed