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Mekong Princess

tour fromVietnam & Cambodia
Mekong Princess Mekong Princess Mekong Princess 52
  • Guide Guide: English speaking
  • Departure Departure: Saigon port & Kampong Cham
  • Launched in Launched in: 2015
  • Cabins Cabins: 14
  • Star Rating Star Rating: 4-Star
  • Cruise Operator Cruise Operator: Viet Princess Cruises

Discover the charm of Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the Mekong Princess, where the journey along the Mekong River becomes an experience in its own right. From vibrant riverside communities to tranquil waterways and captivating cultural encounters, each voyage offers a distinctive perspective on life along this legendary river. Whether travelling upstream or downstream, explore our itineraries to find the journey that best suits your travel plans.

About Mekong Princess

Launched in 2015 and built in Saigon to international design and safety standards, the Mekong Princess combines elegant styling with a focus on comfort and onboard service. Measuring 63 metres in length and 10 metres in width, the vessel accommodates up to 28 guests in 14 luxurious suites.

Powered by two 480 HP Doosan marine engines, the ship reaches a maximum speed of 11 knots (approximately 20 km/h), with an average cruising speed of 8 knots (around 15 km/h). Its intimate capacity and thoughtfully designed facilities create a relaxed setting for exploring the Mekong River.

Bassac Deck – Upper Deck

The Bassac Deck features eight beautifully appointed suites, including two Angkor Suites, two Tonle Suites and four Apsara Suites, each offering exclusive amenities. Guests can unwind on the sundeck's comfortable chaise lounges or retreat to the spacious Ramvong Lounge after a day of excursions. Both spaces provide inviting settings to relax and admire the ever-changing river scenery.

Mekong Deck – Main Deck

The Mekong Deck accommodates four Saigon Suites and two Junior Suites, equipped with modern comforts for a pleasant stay. This deck also brings together several key onboard facilities, including Princess Spa for restorative treatments, a well-equipped fitness centre for daily workouts, and the Indochina Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences.

Sundeck – Relax with Panoramic River Views

The observation deck offers comfortable chaise lounges and shaded seating areas, making it an ideal place to enjoy the scenery throughout the day. Attentive staff are on hand to serve refreshing drinks, from freshly squeezed juice during sunrise to a favourite cocktail as the sun sets over the Mekong. It is also an excellent spot for photography and quiet moments in the open air.

Ramvong Lounge – A Welcoming Place to Unwind

With its spacious, air-conditioned interior and large windows overlooking the river, the Ramvong Lounge is designed for relaxed socialising. Guests can gather with fellow travellers to share stories, reflect on the day's discoveries or simply watch the landscape drift by. Complimentary refreshments include local spirits, local beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks and bottled water.

Indochina Restaurant – A Refined Dining Experience

The intimate Indochina Restaurant seats up to 30 guests and serves three meals daily, combining buffet selections with à la carte dining. The culinary experience reflects the international character of the cruise: the Hospitality Director is originally from Europe, while the onboard Head Chef is from Cambodia. The hospitality team consists of Khmer staff who speak English fluently, bringing warm service and local character to every meal.

Princess Spa – Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Located on the Mekong Deck, Princess Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments designed to help guests relax and recharge during their cruise. Using high-quality, all-natural Bodia Spa™ products, experienced therapists provide a range of massages and facials, with treatments tailored to individual preferences. It is an inviting retreat for restoring both body and mind between shore excursions.

Fitness Centre – Stay Active on the River

The onboard fitness centre features modern exercise equipment in a comfortable, well-appointed setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to work out while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Mekong River, making it easy to maintain a fitness routine without missing the scenery along the way.

Mekong Princess route map

Mekong Princess
Click to enlarge

Mekong Princess Itinerary

  • 8 Days Upstream Journey - Saigon to Siem Reap
  • 8 Days Downstream Journey - Siem Reap to Saigon

Sail Upriver into the Heart of Indochina

Embark on an unforgettable upstream voyage aboard the Mekong Princess, travelling from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City through the waterways of the Mekong Delta and into the cultural heart of Cambodia. Along the way, discover the traditions, landscapes and communities that have flourished along the river for generations.

Explore the coconut groves and winding canals of Ben Tre, witness the lively trade of Cai Rang Floating Market, and encounter traditional Khmer craftsmanship in riverside villages near the Cambodian border. In Phnom Penh, delve into Cambodia’s royal heritage and complex history before continuing to Angkor Ban, where centuries-old wooden houses and Buddhist traditions preserve a glimpse of the country’s past. Combining enriching shore excursions, regional cuisine and elegant onboard comforts, this journey offers a distinctive way to experience Vietnam and Cambodia.

From the City to the Mekong

Your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where a guide will accompany you from your hotel to Saigon Port. Upon arrival, step aboard the elegant Mekong Princess, where a welcome drink and cool scented towels set the tone for a relaxing voyage.

After settling into your suite, watch as the bustling city gradually gives way to greener landscapes and the intricate network of waterways that sustain life throughout the Mekong Delta. As the vessel leaves the urban skyline behind, enjoy your first impressions of the river and the peaceful scenery unfolding along its banks.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Discovering the Coconut Country

Begin your exploration in Ben Tre, a province renowned for its coconut plantations and traditional rural lifestyle. Travel by xe lam, a vintage three-wheeled vehicle, along shaded village roads to a local coconut candy workshop. Here, discover how familiar ingredients are transformed into the region’s much-loved sweet delicacies.

Continue aboard a traditional sampan, navigating narrow canals framed by coconut palms and lush vegetation. This peaceful journey offers an intimate look at the waterways that connect local communities and shape daily life in the Mekong Delta.

Return to the ship and continue towards Can Tho, enjoying the changing river scenery along the way.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Experience the Mekong at Dawn

Rise early for an excursion by sampan to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s best-known traditional trading hubs. As the morning unfolds, boats gather on the water to exchange fresh produce and everyday goods, creating a lively scene that reflects the region’s enduring river-based commerce.

Look for the tall bamboo poles displayed on many boats, a traditional way for vendors to advertise the products they sell. As you move between the trading vessels, enjoy fresh coconut water and seasonal tropical fruit while observing the market’s distinctive rhythm.

After the excursion, return to the Mekong Princess and continue the journey upriver.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Traditional Weaving and Spiritual Heritage

Continue towards Hong Ngu, a riverside community near the Cambodian border where traditional Khmer craftsmanship remains an important part of local life.

Visit a village where artisans weave krama, the colourful checked scarves widely associated with Khmer culture. The craft reflects the long-standing cultural connections between communities on both sides of the Vietnam–Cambodia border. Guests are welcomed into a community that, according to the cruise operator, had limited contact with Western visitors before the Mekong Princess began calling here.

The excursion also includes a visit to a local Hoa Hao religious temple. Hoa Hao is a Vietnamese religious movement influenced by Buddhist traditions and has a strong presence in the Mekong Delta.

Later, return to the ship and continue towards the Cambodian border. While the vessel completes the necessary border formalities, enjoy a live cooking demonstration led by the Executive Chef, offering an introduction to the flavours featured throughout the cruise.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Arrival in Cambodia and Khmer Heritage

As the voyage continues into Cambodia, take time to enjoy the tranquillity of the river and the facilities aboard the Mekong Princess. During the border-crossing process, the Executive Chef hosts a tropical fruit presentation on the Sun Deck. Discover the distinctive flavours of regional fruits such as mangosteen, lychee and rambutan while enjoying the fresh river breeze.

The day also offers opportunities to unwind on board. Indulge in a spa treatment, relax with a drink in the lounge or simply watch the Cambodian riverbanks pass by.

Continue with a visit to the National Museum of Cambodia, travelling by cyclo through Phnom Penh. Housed in a distinctive red sandstone building, the museum presents an important collection of Khmer art and archaeological treasures. Explore sculptures and artefacts spanning different periods of Cambodian history, including pre-Angkorian works and religious imagery associated with the civilisation that produced Angkor Wat.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Remembering Cambodia’s Past and Celebrating Its Culture

In the morning, travel by private coach to Choeung Ek, one of Cambodia’s most significant Killing Fields memorial sites. This solemn visit offers an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime and their lasting impact on the Cambodian people.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Phnom Penh at your own pace. Browse local markets, visit temples, discover the city’s streets or return to the ship to relax and enjoy its facilities.

As evening approaches, return to the Mekong Princess for a cultural performance featuring traditional Apsara dancing and Cambodian folk dances. Through graceful movements, intricate gestures and traditional music, the performance introduces guests to Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage and the enduring traditions passed down through generations.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

A Glimpse of Traditional Cambodian Life

After breakfast, gather in the Ramvong Lounge for an informative presentation about Cambodia’s geography and the communities whose lives are closely connected to the Mekong River.

In the afternoon, go ashore at Angkor Ban, a village known for preserving many of its traditional wooden houses, some several centuries old. Unlike many communities affected by the destruction of the Khmer Rouge era, Angkor Ban retains an important part of its architectural and cultural heritage.

Begin at the local Buddhist temple, where saffron-robed monks offer blessings through traditional chants. Continue through the village’s quiet lanes to visit a local family and learn about everyday life, household traditions and the challenges faced by residents.

This visit provides a meaningful opportunity to experience rural Cambodia beyond its better-known tourist destinations and gain a deeper appreciation of the communities along the Mekong.

Meals: As advised by the cruise operator.

Disembarkation and Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast at the Indochine Restaurant, with a selection of tropical fruits, freshly prepared dishes and pastries to begin the day.

The Mekong Princess arrives at Kampong Cham, where you disembark and transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap. Along the way, watch the Cambodian countryside unfold, with sugar palms, rural fields and traditional stilt houses punctuating the landscape.

Arrival at your hotel in Siem Reap is expected around noon, marking the end of your eight-day Mekong River journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Meals: Breakfast.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in a luxury suite with onboard amenities and complimentary minibar
  • Daily meals, complimentary beverages as specified by the cruise operator
  • All scheduled shore excursions, entrance fees and port charges
  • Round-trip transfers between designated locations in Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap and the cruise embarkation/disembarkation points, as applicable
  • English-speaking guides, VOX listening devices and motorcoach transportation where applicable
  • Cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, fruit tastings and onboard entertainment
  • Wi-Fi in public areas, fitness facilities, library and games
  • Shipboard and shoreside gratuities
  • Additional Butler Services and suite benefits according to the booked suite category

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Transfers not specified in the included transportation services
  • Visa fees
  • Premium wines, spirits and champagne
  • Personal expenses and onboard gift shop purchases
  • Onboard spa and massage treatments, except benefits specifically included with the booked suite

Embarkation and Cruising on the Mekong

At 7:00 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Siem Reap for a transfer by motorcoach to Kampong Cham, a journey of approximately five hours. Upon arrival, board the elegant RV Mekong Princess and enjoy lunch on board.

After embarkation, attend a safety briefing in the Ramvong Lounge before spending the afternoon relaxing as the ship cruises along the Mekong River. In the evening, gather for a traditional Cambodian welcome dinner.

The vessel then sails to Angkor Ban, where it remains overnight.

Onboard activity: A presentation by your host introducing Cambodia’s geography and life along the Mekong River.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Discover Rural Cambodia and the Capital

Begin the morning with a visit to Angkor Ban, a traditional Cambodian village where local customs and community life remain an integral part of daily living. Visit the village pagoda and receive a special blessing from local monks, then continue to a family home to learn about the residents’ way of life. The excursion also includes a visit to a local school, where you can observe classroom activities and meet the children.

Return to the ship and sail towards Phnom Penh, docking at the city’s central port.

In the afternoon, explore the Cambodian capital by traditional cyclo. Ride along the riverfront and visit the Independence Monument and Wat Phnom before continuing to the National Museum of Cambodia. Its extensive collection of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artefacts offers insight into the artistic achievements and history of the former Khmer Empire.

The ship remains docked in Phnom Penh overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cambodia’s History and Cultural Heritage

Travel by private, air-conditioned coach to Choeung Ek, one of Cambodia’s most significant Killing Fields memorial sites. Explore the grounds, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

On the return journey to Phnom Penh, stop at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly known as S-21. Once a school, the building was converted into a prison and torture centre during the Khmer Rouge period.

The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Phnom Penh. Discover the city at your own pace before returning to the Mekong Princess at the port. After the necessary departure formalities, the ship continues its journey towards Vietnam.

Before dinner, enjoy an onboard cultural performance featuring Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, alongside traditional folk dances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traditional Weaving and Island Life

After completing immigration procedures to enter Vietnam, visit Hong Ngu, an island community near the Cambodian border known for producing traditional Khmer scarves for export to Cambodia.

Observe local artisans weaving colourful scarves beneath their homes and discover the embroidery skills practised by other members of the community. The welcoming residents offer an authentic glimpse into local life in this border region.

Continue to a temple associated with Hoa Hao, a Vietnamese religious movement that originated in this area.

In the afternoon, board local sampans to explore Gieng Island. Take a short walk through a village where families build traditional sampans, then cruise along peaceful canals bordered by mango gardens. Travel by xe loi, a local motorised trishaw, to visit a Franciscan monastery.

The ship then sails towards Hoa An and anchors overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Local Crafts and the Culture of the Mekong Delta

Travel by boat to Hoa An Village, a peaceful community known for its flower gardens and traditional handicrafts. Visit local flower-growing gardens to discover the varieties cultivated in the area and learn how residents care for their plants.

Continue on foot to a local home, where you can meet the family and learn about their daily routines. Afterwards, travel by motorised trishaw to another village to visit families who make traditional conical hats. Observe their craftsmanship, chat with local residents and enjoy a walk through the rural landscape of rice fields and fruit trees.

In the afternoon, cruise through a quieter stretch of the Mekong Delta towards Can Tho, often regarded as the region’s principal city. Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour that includes Zihuang Pagoda, also known as Chua Ong, and a traditional unicorn dance performance.

Spend some free time exploring the city before returning to the ship for dinner. The vessel remains docked in Can Tho overnight.

Onboard activity: A presentation by your Vietnamese host on Vietnam’s past and present.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cai Rang Floating Market and Traditional Noodle Making

Set off early by sampan to explore Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s most famous trading centres. Watch as boats gather to sell fresh produce and essential goods to residents from surrounding communities.

Navigate between the busy vessels, observe the market’s distinctive trading traditions and enjoy fresh tropical fruit and coconut water while taking photographs of this lively riverside scene.

Before returning to the ship, visit a local noodle factory to see how traditional Vietnamese noodles are made.

After completing port formalities at Ninh Kieu Wharf, the vessel departs Can Tho and cruises downstream along the Bassac River. The route continues through Tra On, Nicolai Canal, Mang Thit Canal, Cho Lach and the Mekong River before the ship anchors overnight in Ben Tre Province.

Onboard activity: A fruit-carving demonstration and tropical fruit tasting hosted by the Executive Chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Coconut Candy, Tropical Gardens and Quiet Waterways

Begin the morning with a sampan excursion through narrow channels lined with mangroves and lush vegetation. Continue by xe lam, a traditional three-wheeled vehicle, to visit a local coconut candy workshop and discover the process behind this well-known Mekong Delta speciality.

Walk through a village to explore a fruit orchard, where you can see tropical fruits growing at different stages of maturity. Enjoy a tasting of fresh seasonal fruit before boarding small local boats to navigate narrow creeks bordered by nipa palms.

Return to the Mekong Princess and begin the journey towards Saigon. The vessel travels through the Mekong River system, passing Cho Gao Canal, the Vam Co River, Nuoc Man Canal, the Soai Rap River and the Saigon River.

The ship docks overnight at Saigon Port.

Onboard activity: A cooking demonstration led by the Executive Chef.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Farewell to the Mekong Princess

Enjoy a final breakfast buffet at the Indochine Restaurant before completing the disembarkation formalities.

At approximately 8:00 AM, leave the Mekong Princess at Saigon Port and transfer by motorcoach to Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel, with arrival scheduled for around 8:30 AM.

Your cruise concludes here, marking the end of an eight-day journey through the waterways, communities and cultural heritage of Cambodia and Southern Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

  • Luxury suite accommodation with complimentary minibar and standard in-suite amenities
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch, multi-course dinners, and specified complimentary beverages
  • All scheduled shore excursions, applicable entrance fees and port charges
  • Transfers between designated locations in Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City and the cruise embarkation/disembarkation points, as applicable
  • English-speaking guides, VOX listening devices and motorcoach transportation where applicable
  • Cultural performances, educational talks, cooking demonstrations and tropical fruit tastings
  • Wi-Fi in public areas, fitness facilities, library and games
  • Shipboard and shoreside gratuities
  • Additional Butler Services according to the booked suite category

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Transfers outside the transportation services specified by the cruise operator
  • Visa fees
  • Premium wines, spirits and champagne
  • Personal expenses and onboard gift shop purchases
  • Onboard spa and massage treatments, except benefits specifically included with the booked suite

Visa information: Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please check the applicable Cambodian entry regulations with the relevant authorities before travelling.

Important note: Cruise routes and excursions may change without prior notice.

Mekong Princess Cabins

Experience refined river cruising aboard the Mekong Princess, where French Colonial influences meet Vietnamese and Cambodian cultural details. Each suite offers its own distinctive character, combining elegant interiors, thoughtful amenities and inviting spaces to enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Mekong Delta.

Angkor Suite

Located at the forward section of the Bassac Deck, the two Angkor Suites are the most spacious accommodations aboard the Mekong Princess, each measuring 52 square metres (560 sq ft). Designed for guests seeking exceptional comfort and privacy, these suites feature sophisticated interiors and generous living space.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame panoramic river views, while French doors open onto a private veranda with a seating area, creating a perfect setting to relax and watch life unfold along the Mekong.

Angkor Suite

Tonle Suite

Inspired by Tonle Sap, a vital waterway in the Mekong region, the Tonle Suite blends French Colonial elegance with contemporary comfort. Located on the Bassac Deck, each 30-square-metre suite features exclusive amenities and a spacious, thoughtfully arranged interior.

Its graceful design and welcoming atmosphere provide an indulgent retreat after a day of discovering the riverside communities and cultural landmarks of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Tonle Suite

Apsara Suite

Reflecting Cambodia's artistic heritage, the Apsara Suite features decorative details inspired by the legendary celestial dancers of Khmer culture. Artwork depicting Apsara dancers and traditional motifs representing the balance between good and evil lend the interior a distinctive cultural identity.

Situated midship on the Bassac Deck, each suite measures 24 square metres and offers a comfortable space to unwind while enjoying the cruise experience.

Apsara Suite

Saigon Suite

The Saigon Suite celebrates Vietnam's cultural heritage through carefully selected decorative details. A painting of Queen Nam Phuong above the bed serves as a focal point, complemented by elegant lighting sourced from Bat Trang, a village renowned for its ceramics.

Measuring approximately 23.8 square metres (256 sq ft), the suite features floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a French balcony. Enjoy sweeping views of the Mekong River from the comfort of your private retreat.

Saigon Suite

Junior Suite

Inspired by the nostalgic charm of old Saigon, the Junior Suite combines a classic atmosphere with distinctive historical touches. Black-and-white photographs of Queen Nam Phuong create a striking visual feature, enhancing the suite's timeless character.

At approximately 20.1 square metres (216 sq ft), this intimate accommodation offers a peaceful setting with vintage-inspired details, ideal for guests who appreciate understated elegance and a sense of history.

Junior Suite