Top Mekong Vietnam River Cruise 2026/2027

Vietnam Mekong cruises offer amazing experiences. They explore the charming Mekong Delta or even go further to Cambodia. 

These cruises often start in Vietnam’s fast-paced cities, ending in the more relaxed temple region (nice "slowdown" effect). They provide easier flight connections to Saigon.
Vietnam cruises are ideal if you prefer ending with a cultural highlight (Mekong Delta/Cambodia) and you’re flying into Vietnam first.

A Vietnam Mekong River cruise can last anywhere from 1 to 8 days, depending on your chosen itinerary.

• Short cruises (1 - 3 days) usually explore the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, with highlights like floating markets and local villages. 
• Mid cruises (4 - 5 days) visit the Mekong Delta and travel to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
• Long cruises (7 - 8 days) expand the exploration to Siem Reap, offering a deeper cultural journey through both Vietnam and Cambodia.

Australian citizens will need a valid visa for both Vietnam and Cambodia.

1. Vietnam Visa

We strongly recommend applying for a Vietnam e-Visa (62 AUD/person) in advance, preferably through a reputable agency such as BestPrice Travel.

NOTE: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. 

2. Cambodia Visa 

Cambodia offers a few convenient options depending on your cruise direction:

Upstream Cruise

Your cruise line will assist with visa-on-arrival processing at the water border.

• Cost: 77.5 - 116.25 AUD/person
• Required: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), 1 passport-size photo, cash for the visa fee.

Downstream Cruise

You will need to obtain a Visa on Arrival at one of Cambodia's international entry points.

• Available at: Major international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and certain land borders.
• Validity: 30 days (Tourist Visa - T class)
• Requirements: Passport (at least 6 months validity), 01 passport-sized photo, Visa fee (around 46.5 - 54.25 AUD/person), and completed visa application form (available at the airport/land border).

Here are the best Vietnam Mekong River cruises for Aussie tourists, based on customer reviews, prices, and services (transfer fees are not included in the price).

• Mekong Eyes Classic 3 days: Cai Be - Can Tho (from 543 AUD/pax).
• Heritage Line Jahan 8 days: Saigon - Siem Reap (from 4133 AUD/pax).
• RV Mekong Princess 3 days: Can Tho - Saigon (from 1310 AUD/pax).
• RV Mekong Navigator 5 days: Saigon - Phnom Penh (from 2165 AUD/pax).
• Song Xanh Sampan 2 days: Cai Be - Can Tho (from 637 AUD/pax).

A Vietnam Mekong River cruise can cost between 171 AUD and 504 AUD/pax/day. The price varies widely based on the cruise length, vessel type, and level of luxury.

Here are some prices for reference for different itineraries (transfer fee is excluded):

• Day cruise: From 171 AUD – 186 AUD/pax
• 2 – 3 day cruise: From 319 AUD – 1,279 AUD/pax
• 4 – 5 day cruise: From 1,904 AUD – 2,499 AUD/pax
• 7 – 8 day cruise: From 2,331 AUD – 6,690 AUD/pax

The best time to travel on a Mekong River cruise in Vietnam is from November to February, during the dry season. The weather is cooler, humidity is lower, and river levels are still high from the rainy season, making for smooth cruising and lush scenery.

March to April is also good, though it gets hotter. The rainy season (June to October) has vibrant landscapes, but there's a higher chance of showers and itinerary changes.