The Mekong River, 4,500 km long and the backbone of Indochina, has become an exotic destination for travelers seeking a unique river cruise experience.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 73 – June 2025
It is on this legendary river that CroisiEurope, Europe's largest river cruise line, invites you to experience an exclusive boutique cruise, offering travelers the opportunity to delve into the soul of Southeast Asia through a comprehensive itinerary. This 11-day, 10-night adventure, evocatively named "From the Mekong Delta to the Temples of Angkor," connects two of the region's great civilizations: Vietnam and Cambodia, blending history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
From the Mekong Delta to the Temples of Angkor:
The journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the vibrant metropolis of southern Vietnam. Before embarking on the cruise, passengers explore the charms of this dynamic city, visiting the lively Chinatown, where the bustling markets and centuries-old pagodas create a unique atmosphere.
Essential stops in this city include the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, as well as the Cholon district, the capital's major center for Chinese merchants, with a visit to its market and the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Another must-see is the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive testament to the country's recent history, offering insight into the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during the war.
Once aboard, the cruise ship sails through the waters of the Mekong Delta, stopping at vibrant towns like My Tho, Vinh Long, Cai Be, and Sa Dec. These places offer an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese rural life, with floating markets where tropical fruits and fresh flowers create a vibrant tapestry of colors and aromas, and stilt houses that blend seamlessly into the river landscape. Local artisan workshops and pagodas add a cultural and spiritual touch to the journey.
Crossing the border into Cambodia, the cruise ship docks in elegant Phnom Penh, the country's capital. Here, travelers can explore the city by tuk-tuk, discovering its architectural gems: the opulent Royal Palace, with its Silver Pagoda covered in pure silver mosaics, and other buildings that reflect Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. To complete the visit, the S21 Museum, a former detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime, solemnly commemorates the dark chapters of Cambodian history.
A cruise on the Mekong offers an authentic cultural immersion in one of the most captivating regions on the planet.
The route continues to lesser-known but equally fascinating villages like Koh Chen and Kampong Chhnang, where rice paddies and traditional craft workshops transport travelers to a world of simplicity and hospitality. The area's floating villages, with their houses and schools swaying gently on the river, are a vivid reflection of the close relationship between the communities and the Mekong.
The grand finale of the trip is Siem Reap, gateway to one of the world's most important archaeological treasures: the temples of Angkor. During guided tours, passengers will explore the main monuments of the ancient Khmer Empire: the imposing Angkor Wat, a national symbol and UNESCO World Heritage Site; the mysterious Ta Prohm, where tree roots intertwine with ancient stones; and the magnificent Angkor Thom, with its famous faces carved into the rock.
The experience is completed with cultural shows and walks on Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest lake in Asia, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its ecology, flora and local fauna, with an ecosystem that harbors unparalleled natural and human wealth.
Extensions to Prolong the Adventure
For travelers who want to extend their stay and continue exploring, CroisiEurope offers two extensions. The first, a 4-day extension, takes travelers to the legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a flight to Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, you'll visit its most iconic landmarks before embarking on a cruise among the iconic limestone islands. Kayaking, cave exploration, and visits to floating villages make this leg of the trip a spectacular finale.
The second extension, a 7-day extension, expands the journey to the cultural heart of Vietnam. It includes stops in historic Hue, the former imperial capital with its palaces and mausoleums, and in charming Hoi An, a trading port that preserves unique architecture with Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. This trip also culminates with a cruise through Halong Bay and a final immersion in Hanoi.
Two ships to choose from.
Comfort and European hospitality are guaranteed thanks to the two exclusive ships that CroisiEurope deploys on this route. The RV Indochine I, with its French colonial aesthetic and elegant teak wood construction, offers an intimate atmosphere for 48 passengers. Its outside cabins with private balconies and panoramic restaurant allow you to enjoy the scenery at all times. Meanwhile, the RV Indochine II, a 5-anchor ship, stands out for its sophistication and capacity for 62 passengers. Its spacious 20 m² cabins with private balconies, a swimming pool on deck, and exquisite cuisine elevate the experience to an exceptional level of refinement.
Both ships are designed to offer a serene and carefree cruise: free Wi-Fi on board, full board with drinks included, and all excursions organized by local experts. Passengers can relax on the sundeck as the Mekong unfolds its ever-changing landscapes, from floating markets to verdant banks dotted with pagodas and traditional villages.
CroisiEurope's Mekong River cruises offer a true cultural immersion in one of the most captivating regions on the planet. Travelers can forget about the logistics: from guided tours and stays in select hotels along the river to meals in local restaurants where you can savor the rich Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, everything is arranged by CroisiEurope.
This experience combines the best of Asian hospitality and European comfort, ancient history and everyday life, lush nature and the majesty of Angkor. A trip to remember for a lifetime.
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