Mekong Luxury River Cruising Guide
Enjoy first-class accommodation, dining and service on a luxury Mekong cruise through the heart of South-East Asia.
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 four-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 Saigon and Siem Reap (your start and end destinations) but also aboard the luxurious river cruiser – the RV La Marguerite. There’s a choice of staterooms and suites onboard.
The price of your luxury Mekong cruise includes return flights from the UK and transfers as well as several tours and shore excursions. It also includes gratuities for the ship’s crew and the services of an experienced tour manager.
Life Aboard The Luxurious RV Mekong Prestige II
The RV Mekong Prestige II is one of the most popular river cruise ships on the Mekong River. The four-star vessel enjoys a contemporary Asian décor throughout and caters for just 64 passengers with 32 spacious cabins across three decks. A 30-strong team of crew members provide attentive service. The luxury cruiser has an airy restaurant, an inviting sun deck, a plunge pool, and a small spa and fitness room.
Beautifully decorated accommodation is provided too, courtesy of 28 staterooms and four suites. All cabins are air-conditioned and have full-length panoramic sliding doors leading to a private balcony so you can enjoy the ever-changing river views. All rooms feature an en-suite bathroom with a shower, two armchairs and a coffee table, a writing desk and a personal safe.
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 15-day luxury Journey on the Mekong begins with two nights in the lively city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Here, an introductory tour takes guests to the Reunification Palace and bustling Ben Thanh 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 four, it’s time to board your luxury Mekong cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. On the journey upstream, you’ll visit Tan Chau – a town famous for its high-quality silk production – and Cao Dai Temple, the centre of a unique indigenous religion, which is a fascinating combination of Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese Confucianism, Christianity, Islam and spiritualism.
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 crosses the Tonle Sap – East Asia’s largest lake which is critical to Cambodia’s biodiversity. The ship then glides into Siem Reap, you bid the crew farewell, and you head to another excellent four-star hotel for three nights.
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. A highlight will be a trip on the Tonle River, a Mekong tributary that remarkably changes its direction of flow between wet and dry seasons. The ecosystem is home to around 20,000 plant species and 1,200 types of birds. Look out for crocodiles and turtles.
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 RV Mekong Prestige II 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.
