Mekong Princess Cruise: River experiences & Tours

Mekong Princess: A River Cruise Like No Other

The Spirit of Boutique Luxury

Imagine yourself immersed in a sumptuous, intimate escape along the world’s most famous river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong. The boutique Mekong Princess river cruise awaits you. This Mekong Princess river cruise offers far more than just comfort—it invites you into a world of heritage, hospitality, and carefully handcrafted elegance floating on the water.

Handcrafted in 2015 in Ho Chi Minh City, this 5-star cruise ship was lovingly built using French colonial architecture, intricate brass finishes, and local teak wood. With only 14 suites and a capacity of just 28 passengers, the Mekong Princess Cruise promises genuine exclusivity and one-on-one attention on every mile of your journey.

Ship Highlights at a Glance

Category	Details
Ship Name	Mekong Princess Cruise
Operator	Viet Princess Cruises Corporation
Built	2015 in Saigon, Vietnam
Design Style	French Colonial, hand-finished teak & brass
Total Guests	28 guests
Total Suites	14 all-suite cabins, all with floor-to-ceiling French balconies
Decks	2 main decks: Mekong Deck & Bassac Deck
Crew-to-Guest Ratio	Nearly 1:1 for highly personalized service
Service Style	Harmonious blend of Vietnamese warmth and Cambodian grace

International Recognition & Trust

The Mekong Princess Cruise has received significant recognition from the international travel fraternity:

• Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024 – Top 10% of experiences in the world
• Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025 – One of the Top 9 Best River Cruise Lines in Asia Pacific

These recognitions confirm what our visitors insistently comment on in Mekong Princess cruise reviews: this is a river experience based on genuine cultural connections, upscale comfort, and unmatched hospitality.

Onboard Experience

Step into another world, where soft light filters through colonial-style windowpanes and the scent of freshly cut orchids fills the air. On the Mekong Princess Cruise, passengers enjoy:

• Private suite rooms with full Mekong River views
• Indochine Restaurant: elegant dining with French-Indochine inspired cuisine
• Ramvong Lounge: gentle conversation, afternoon tea, evening cocktail hour
• Princess Spa: holistic treatments with Bodia Spa  products
• Sundeck: sunrise meditation and sunset storytelling
• Every day cultural activities: cooking shows, dance performances, craft talks

Upstream Journey: Ho Chi Minh City To Siem Reap

Day 1 – Thursday: Ho Chi Minh City → Embarkation (Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Arrive at your hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
• Car transfer to Saigon Port, where the opulent Mekong Princess Cruise awaits.
• Welcome aboard with refreshing cold towels and tropical welcome drinks.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard at the Indochine Restaurant.
• As the ship sails away from the city, relax and observe the transformation from the city skyline to rolling countryside.
• Begin your discovery of the Mekong Delta’s intricate network of canals.

Evening

• Relax with sunset cocktails on the Sun Deck.
• Relish a gourmet dinner of Vietnamese-Cambodian fusion dishes.
• Relax in your opulent suite for the evening, with floor-to-ceiling views of the river shining under starry skies.

Day 2 – Friday: Ben Tre & Can Tho (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning – Ben Tre

• Disembark to go on a countryside tour in Ben Tre, the coconut capital of Vietnam.
• Take a ride on a local xe lam (three-wheeled) along quiet village roads.
• Visit a traditional coconut candy factory.
• Take a sampan to glide along lush canals bordered by mangroves and nipa palms.

Afternoon – Can Tho

• Travel upstream to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta.
• Join an onboard lecture on Vietnam’s history and colonial legacy.
• Disembark at Can Tho, stroll along the riverfront, and visit Zihuang Pagoda (Chua  Ong).
• Enjoy a welcome unicorn dance performance by local artists.

Evening

• Free time to wander riverside or relax onboard.
• Dine onboard as the ship spends the night in Can Tho.
  

Day 3 – Saturday: Can Tho & Hoa An Village (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning – Cai Rang Floating Market

• Wake up early and take a sampan boat to the Cai Rang floating market.
• Observe local farmers selling fruits and vegetables off their boats; the high bamboo poles carry their produce.
• Drink fresh coconut water and tropical fruits.
• Visit a rice noodle workshop and observe how Vietnam’s famous dish is made.
• Visit a local daily wet market that is full of activities.

Afternoon – Hoa An Village

• Travel to rural Hoa An Village through rice transport canals.
• Meet a family of conical hat weavers and observe them weaving.
• Travel in xe loi (motorcart) along peaceful countryside roads.
• Walk through fields and orchards, saying hello to farmers on the way.

Evening

• Return to the Mekong Princess Cruise.
• Unwind over dinner on board as the river drifts you into evening calm.

Day 4 – Sunday: Gieng Island & Hong Ngu (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning – Gieng Island

• Sampan ride to Gieng Island, renowned for traditional sampans built by hand.
• Tour local families that continue to construct sampans by hand.
• Xe loi ride to Phanxico Monastery, a French colonial Gothic spire church.
• Mango orchard float and shaded canals cruise.

Afternoon – Hong Ngu

• Visit Hong Ngu, a riverside village on the Cambodian border.
• Intermingle with Vietnamese people who weave krama scarves, the linchpin of Khmer and Vietnamese culture.
• Attend a Hoa Hao Buddhist temple, one of the indigenous religions conceived along the Mekong.

Evening

• Return aboard the ship and enjoy a cooking demonstration by the Executive Chef.
• Mekong Princess sets sail overnight towards Cambodia at the border.

Day 5 – Monday: Phnom Penh Arrival (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning – Border Crossing

• While Cambodian immigration is handled by a ship, relax and sit back on the Sun Deck.
• Partake in a tropical fruit tasting (mangosteen, lychee, rambutan).
• Relax with a spa treatment or massage as the ship enters Cambodia’s quiet part of the Mekong.

Afternoon – Phnom Penh by Cyclo

• Arrive at Phnom Penh and explore the city through a cyclo (pedicab).
• Tour the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and diamond-adorned Maitreya.
• Stop at the National Museum, with Angkorian artifacts and Khmer culture.

Evening

• Dinner onboard while enjoying Cambodia’s capital river view.
• Overnight at Phnom Penh port.

Day 6 – Tuesday: Phnom Penh – Choeung Ek & Tuol Sleng (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning – Remembering Cambodia’s Past

• Overnight coach transfer to Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), a sacred memorial ground.
• Memorial Stupa contemplation and tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21).
• Discover Cambodia’s bittersweet 20th-century past.

Afternoon – City Time

• Personal time: visit local markets, cafes, temples, or simply relax onboard.
• Optional spa treatment or leisure time on deck.

Evening – Cultural Performance

• Return ship for watching traditional Apsara dance performance, retelling Khmer legend in elegant movement.
• Dinner under soft lighting, Cambodian strength celebrated.

Day 7 – Wednesday: Angkor Ban Village (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Learn about Cambodia’s riverine culture and geography in a morning lecture at the Ramvong Lounge.

Afternoon – Angkor Ban

• Visit Angkor Ban, one of the few villages to have escaped the ravages of war.
• Tour century-old wooden houses and a village monastery, where monks’ blessings are bestowed.
• Meet locals and schoolchildren; share stories and moments of cultural connection.

Evening

• Return to the ship and enjoy the final dinner onboard.
• Mekong Princess Cruise sails to Kampong Cham for the last overnight.

Day 8 – Thursday: Kampong Cham → Siem Reap (Breakfast)

Morning

• Enjoy a farewell breakfast buffet at the Indochine Restaurant.
• Disembarkation at Kampong Cham Port.
• Motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap.
• Expected arrival at your hotel by noon.

Downstream Journey: Siem Reap To Ho Chi Minh City 

Day 1: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham (Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• You’ll be picked up at 7:00 A.M from your hotel in Siem Reap by our Impress Travel guide.
• Transfer by comfortable motor-coach through Cambodia’s countryside to Kampong Cham, where your luxurious Mekong Princess Cruise begins.

Afternoon

• Embark the elegant vessel and enjoy a welcome lunch onboard.
• Attend a safety briefing and introduction in the Ramvong Lounge.
• Relax on your first leisure cruise while the ship sails towards Angkor Ban.

Evening

• Enjoy a Cambodian Welcome Dinner with local cuisine.
• Onboard lecture: “Cambodia’s Geography & Life Along the Mekong."
• Overnight dock at Angkor Ban.

Day 2: Angkor Ban – Phnom Penh (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Visit Angkor Ban Village, one of the few villages to have endured the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
• Enjoy a blessing ceremony by the local monks at the pagoda.
• Drop by a wooden village house and say hello to the local villagers.
• Drop by the village school and socialize with students in their classroom.

Afternoon

• Mekong Princess Cruise sails downstream to Phnom Penh.
• Cyclo tour: Silver Pagoda, Moonlight Pavilion, and Royal Palace.
• On to the National Museum, the greatest collection of Khmer artifacts.

Evening

• Dinner on board and take a look at Phnom Penh’s night sky.
• The ship docks overnight at the Phnom Penh port.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Choeung Ek & S21 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Take a ride to Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) – a memorial site in remembrance of the victims of the Khmer Rouge.
• Visit the Memorial Stupa and learn about Cambodia’s tragic history.
• Go on to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – a school which was turned into a prison.

Afternoon

• Free time to stroll around Phnom Penh on your own: visit temples, bazaars, or enjoy a quiet café.
• Optional in-cabin spa treatments.

Evening

• Enjoy a cultural show: Apsara dance and Cambodian folk music.
• The Mekong Princess Cruise makes final preparations for entry into Vietnam.

Day 4: Gieng Island – Hong Ngu (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Complete Vietnamese immigration, then visit Hong Ngu, a village along the Mekong River.
• Explore krama weaving – ancient Khmer scarves still made by hand in stilt houses.
• Visit a Hoa Hao temple, a spiritual tradition born in southern Vietnam.

Afternoon

• Travel around Gieng Island on a sampan and xe loi (motorized trishaw).
• See the sampan-building workshops and the Phanxico Monastery with the Gothic style.
• Cruise continues to Hoa An, staying overnight.

Evening

• Spin stories over meals. The river drifts lazily as the ship anchors under starlight.

Day 5: Hoa An – Can Tho (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Visit Hoa An Village: travel xe loi over rice paddies and fruit orchards.
• Sail on a sampan along canals and observe rice milling operations.
• Visit a conical hat-making family, and try to make one yourself.

Afternoon

• The Mekong Princess Cruise sets off along inaccessible parts of the Delta to Can Tho.
• City tour: visit Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and witness a unicorn dance performance.

Evening

• Leisure time to explore Can Tho on your own or unwind onboard.
• Dinner onboard with the ship overnight-berthing in Can Tho.

Day 6: Can Tho – Ben Tre (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Sail by sampan to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market before breakfast.
• See the morning selling and buying of goods, boat to boat.
• Sample fresh fruit and coconut water.
• Visit a local noodle workshop and then return for a buffet breakfast.

Afternoon

• Settle formalities at the port and then sail downstream through the Bassac River, Mang Thit Canal, and other picturesque reaches.
• Anchor in Ben Tre Province – the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Evening

• Watch the Executive Chef present a fruit carving show.
• Dinner onboard as the ship drifts on serene waters.

Day 7: Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Morning

• Sampan ride through narrow creeks lined with mangroves.
• Take a ride on a local xe lam to a coconut candy workshop.
• Stroll through fruit orchards and sample tropical fruits.
• Board local sampans along Nipah palm-lined canals.

Afternoon

• Mekong River cruise, Cho Gao Canal, Vam Co River, Soai Rap, and into the Saigon River cruise.

Evening

• Participate in a lively chef’s cooking class demonstration.
• Farewell dinner while the Mekong Princess Cruise overnight anchors at Saigon Port.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Disembarkation (Breakfast)

Morning

• Enjoy your final breakfast buffet at the Indochine Restaurant.
• Final disembarkation at 8:00 A.M.
• Motor-coach transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Signature Suites & In-Room Luxury

Angkor Suite (52 m²) – The Most Spacious & Exclusive

• Location: Upper Deck – forward
• Balcony: Wraparound private terrace with panoramic views
• Special Features:

• • Personal butler service
  • Complimentary in-room massage
  • Curated wine selection
  • A separate living area and a king-sized bed
• Design: Elegant blend of Khmer motifs and colonial styling
• Ideal for: Honeymooners or luxury seekers craving privacy

Tonle Suite (30 m²) – Chic Khmer Ambiance with French Flair

• Location: Upper Deck – midship
• Balcony: Private French balcony
• Special Features:

• • Khmer wood paneling and artwork in traditional style
  • Queen bed and lounge seating area
• Design: Natural materials and earthy color tones
• Best for: Couples wanting a romantic but luxurious space

Apsara Suite (23 m²) – Graceful & Refined

• Location: Main Deck – midship
• Design: Cambodian furniture, colonial charm, handwoven silks
• Features: Queen-size bed, writing table, spacious bathroom
• Suitable for: Individual travelers or couples seeking elegant comfort

Saigon Suite (24 m²) – Bright & Elegant

• Location: Main Deck – rear
• Design: Vietnamese-inspired decor, natural light, soft textures
• Features: Large windows, queen bed, spa bathroom
• Suitable for: Guests looking for serenity and Vietnamese craftsmanship

Junior Suite – Bassac (24 m²) – Classic & Comfortable

• Location: Main Deck – front
• Design: Artisan décor, warm wood, high ceiling ambiance
• Features: Queen bed, snug sitting area, serene river views
• Good for: First-time cruisers, or anyone seeking ease and elegance

Children Policies

• Under 6 years (sharing bed with parents): 80% discount
• 6–12 years (sharing bed with parents): 40% discount
• 12+ years with extra bed: 25% discount
• Cruise is not suitable for children under 6 or guests with mobility impairments.

Included in the Cruise Fare

Dining & Entertainment

• Gourmet buffet breakfast & lunch, multi-course dinner
• Free soft drinks, local beer & spirits
• Shoeshine, fruit carving, cooking classes
• Free Wi-Fi in public areas

Shore Excursions

• Offboard daily with a maximum of 30 passengers/guide
• VOX headset equipment, shoe cleaning, and welcome towels
• Deluxe sampans and private motorcoaches

In-Room Amenities

• Complimentary minibar, orchid flowers, breakfast in-room
• Spa robes, LCD TV, hairdryer, air conditioning
• Butler (Angkor & Tonle Suites only)

Transfers

• From Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City to the boarding/disembarkation points

Book Your Mekong Princess Cruise with Impress Travel

Embark on a unique cultural odyssey aboard the Mekong Princess Cruise—a luxurious river retreat connecting Vietnam and Cambodia with craft experiences, five-star luxuries, and soul-stirring panoramas. From floating markets in Can Tho to golden stupas in Phnom Penh, every day on the Mekong Princess Cruise is replete with local encounters, fine dining, and riverside serenity. No matter if you follow the upstream route from Ho Chi Minh City or the downstream route from Siem Reap, Impress Travel Tailors your cruise completely to your satisfaction, very engrossing, and completely hassle-free from your initial inquiry.

As the official local agent of Mekong Princess Cruises, Impress Travel offers expert consultancy, best suite booking, and easy booking with full visa support, pre-/post-cruise tours, and add-ons such as the Delta Mekong Tours excursion. Leave your holiday in our experts’ hands with 15+ years of experience and 99% excellent reviews.

• Hanoi Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi
•  Hotline: (+84) 912 379 189
•  Email: info@impresstravel.com | hanoi@impresstravel.com | saigon@impresstravel.com

Conclusion

Let your story unfold along the Mekong Princess Cruise, where each river sunrise holds secrets and intimate moments. If you’re drawn to the drifting markets of the Mekong Delta or the enigma of Angkor Wat, or the timelessness of Halong Bay, Impress Travel is here to tailor an experience that’ll be yours, uninterrupted, and full of local richness. With insider knowledge, personalized add-ons, and earnest local support, you’re in capable hands from the first contact to your final farewell.