Mekong Luxury River Cruising Guide

Are you planning a holiday of a lifetime, perhaps to commemorate a special occasion? Then look no further than a luxury Mekong cruise. Aboard a five-star ship with first-class accommodation, dining and service, you’ll discover not only two captivating countries but a more pleasurable way to travel.

What To Expect On A Luxury Mekong Cruise

The Mekong River stretches almost 3,000 miles from China through Burma, Thailand and Laos into Cambodia and Vietnam. Embark on a luxury cruise that focuses on the latter two countries, and you’ll set sail on an adventure that allows you to spend time in vibrant cities, explore world-famous landmarks and learn more about intriguing cultures.

If you’re interested in holidays to Vietnam, a luxury Mekong cruise is an exhilarating and memorable way to see the country’s highlights, before travelling in stylish comfort into neighbouring Cambodia, where more wonders await. Mekong river cruises are a perfect way to get an insight into local communities, their traditions and unique way of life.

You can expect first-class accommodation throughout your trip, not only in Vietnam and Siem Reap but also aboard the luxurious river cruiser – the Riviera Alba. There’s a choice of staterooms and suites onboard.

The price of your Mekong cruise includes return flights from the UK and transfers as well as several tours and shore excursions.

Life Aboard the Luxurious Riviera Alba

Built exclusively for Riviera, Riviera Alba is our first ship outside of Europe. Welcoming just 50 guests in 25 beautifully appointed suites, each of Riviera Alba's suites is designed to reflect the Mekong region's charm.

Designed with a low draft, which means the ship sits higher in the water and can navigate shallower channels, the vessel is ideal for exploring the waterways between Vietnam and Siem Reap. The ship’s refined interiors, panoramic windows and open-deck spaces invite guests to relax and take in the ever-changing riverside scenery.

On board, guests enjoy a high crew-to-guest ratio and attentive service. Days are enriched with authentic Asian and international cuisine in the main restaurant, leisurely dips in the pool and jacuzzi, or indulgent treatments at the spa. For quieter moments, the lounge bar offers a serene vantage point.

Dining onboard is outstanding, as you’d expect. Early risers can enjoy morning tea or coffee on the sun deck before a generous breakfast. Buffet lunches are informal, while dinner is mostly a table d’hôte menu with a choice of starter and main course. The bright restaurant on the second deck, where fine linens cover the tables, accommodates all guests in one sitting. Complimentary soft drinks, local beer and wine are served with evening meals, and tea, coffee and bottled water are available throughout the day.

Luxury Cruise: Vietnam To Cambodia Itinerary

Travellers have two options when choosing a Mekong river cruise. You can start your voyage in Vietnam and travel upstream to Cambodia, or sail downstream on a Mekong river cruise from Cambodia to Vietnam. The route you opt for depends on your preference and cruise availability.

Concentrating on the former, a 16-day luxury Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong river cruise begins with three nights in the lively city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Here, an introductory tour takes guests to the Reunification Palace and a local market. A trip to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, a poignant reminder of the US-Vietnam conflict, will be on the itinerary too.

On day five, it’s time to board your luxury Mekong cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. On the journey upstream, you’ll visit local villages and cottage industries along the Mekong as you glide along this fascinating stretch of river.

The ship also docks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s dazzling capital – known as the Paris of the East during colonial times. On a fun sightseeing rickshaw ride, you’ll see many of the city’s charming buildings, as well as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Continuing upstream after another afternoon at leisure in Phnom Penh, the cruise glides into Kampong Cham. You then bid the crew farewell and head to another excellent four-star hotel for a stay in Siem Reap.

It’s from here you’ll get the chance to see a much-anticipated UNESCO-listed site, the magnificent temples of Angkor. Watching them appear through the rising morning mist is an experience you’ll never forget.

Highlights Of A Luxury Mekong Cruise

Holidays to Cambodia and time spent in touring Vietnam are memorable thanks to the countries’ awe-inspiring scenery and spectacular sights. When onboard a river cruise, Mekong highlights also include the journey itself.

A leisurely cruise, luxury accommodation, fine dining and immaculate service will undoubtedly appeal to the discerning traveller. But it’s when you first catch a glimpse of stilt-house villages and rice paddy fields, that the appeal of a luxury Mekong cruise in delivering an up-close-and-personal experience of river life becomes apparent.

One of the pleasures of river cruising is waking up somewhere different every morning and exploring new waterborne worlds.

As darkness falls, spend time with other like-minded passengers and appreciate a choice of superbly executed Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, as well as other international classics. Onboard evening entertainment is often arranged too, perhaps a traditional performance by Apsara dancers or a recital of Mekong music. With a nightcap in hand, there’s no better end to the day.

As you can see, a luxury Mekong cruise aboard the elegant Riviera Alba is a delightful way to enjoy a holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia. Memorable days are spent observing life along the river and soaking up rich cultures, with treasured evenings being a time to unwind and relax. What more could you ask?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.