The Mekong River is one of the longest and most important rivers in Asia. It runs through six countries and plays a huge role in daily life, farming, fishing, and trade. In Vietnam and Cambodia, the river is full of activity, tradition, and beautiful scenery. A trip on the Mekong is a chance to see local life up close, visit quiet villages, and learn how people live along the water.

If you're wondering whether a Mekong River cruise is worth it, we think it is. You get to travel slowly, enjoy nature, and explore two countries without packing and unpacking every day. It’s also a great way to understand the real Southeast Asia beyond the cities and tourist spots.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the 5 Day Mekong River cruise: itinerary, price, and tips so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

What to see on a 5 Day Mekong River Cruise?

A 5-day Mekong River cruise lets you explore one of the most interesting and important rivers in Southeast Asia. The Mekong is not just a waterway but a lifeline for millions of people in Vietnam and Cambodia. Every day, you’ll see new scenes on the river and on land. Even though cruise itineraries can vary a bit depending on the company and the season, there are many common things you can expect to see.

You’ll visit local villages where people make products by hand, like mats, bricks, or rice paper. Many of them welcome visitors and show how they work. It’s not staged—this is really how they live.

You’ll also see floating markets and fish farms, especially on the Vietnamese side. In the early morning, the river gets busy with boats selling fruit, vegetables, and other goods. Fish farms look like floating houses with nets underneath, and they play a big role in the economy.

In Cambodia, cruises often stop at rural islands where people still weave silk by hand. These islands are quiet, and you can walk through fields, meet locals, and visit Buddhist temples.

You’ll sail past green landscapes, palm trees, stilt houses, and small boats. Sometimes, kids wave from the shore or fishermen cast their nets. These moments are simple but meaningful.

Cultural visits are part of the experience, too. In towns like Sa Dec or Chau Doc, you might visit temples, pagodas, old French houses, or markets. In Phnom Penh, some cruises include a tour of the Royal Palace, National Museum, or Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

You’ll also see how life changes between Vietnam and Cambodia in the architecture, language, religion, and pace of life. Even though the river connects the two countries, each side feels different.

What is the best Mekong River Cruise?

There are many cruise companies on the Mekong, and the best one for you depends on what kind of experience you want. Some focus on luxury, others on culture and comfort. Some well-known ones we think are worth considering:

Aqua Mekong

This is one of the most luxurious options on the river. The ship is sleek and modern, with spacious cabins, a spa, a gym, and top-quality food. Aqua Mekong offers 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Their excursions include biking, kayaking, and guided village walks. If you want a high-end, all-inclusive trip with a small group and top service, this might be the best choice—but it comes with a price.

Opinion: It’s not cheap, but the service and comfort are hard to beat. Great if you want to cruise in style.

RV Amalotus

RV Amalotus is a charming, colonial-style ship with wooden interiors and spacious cabins. It’s operated by Pandaw or through some luxury travel agencies. The itineraries are usually 7 nights, but shorter versions may be available. You’ll get guided land tours, cultural shows, and comfortable accommodation with good dining.

Opinion: A solid mid- to high-end option. More traditional than Aqua Mekong, but still very comfortable.

Heritage Line (Jayavarman and Jahan)

These two ships stand out because of their design. The Jayavarman offers a mix of French colonial style and Khmer culture, while the Jahan is a blend of British and Indian colonial style. They offer 4-, 5-, and 7-day cruises between Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. Heritage Line pays attention to cultural details, and their guides are usually excellent.

Other Options

Some more budget-friendly cruises use smaller boats or focus just on the Vietnam side. These may offer a 1- or 2-night Mekong experience from Can Tho or Cai Be, but they don’t go all the way to Cambodia. These are okay if you’re short on time, but they miss the full journey.

Tip: If crossing the border is important to you, make sure your cruise includes the full route to or from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Best 5-Day Mekong River Cruise Itinerary

This 5-day journey starts near Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and ends in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. You’ll travel by boat through small villages, floating markets, riverside temples, and local farms.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho Port – Embarkation

You’ll start your trip from Ho Chi Minh City. A transfer will take you to My Tho Port, which is about 2 hours away from the city. My Tho is a peaceful town at the edge of the Mekong Delta. This is where you’ll board the river cruise ship.

Once you check in, the crew usually gives a welcome drink and a safety briefing. Then the cruise begins. You’ll sail on one of the many branches of the Mekong River. From here, everything slows down. You’ll see small fishing boats, stilt houses, and wide green landscapes.

This first afternoon is usually relaxed. Some cruises may include a short walk or visit to a nearby village, but most people just enjoy watching the river from the deck. Dinner is served onboard. You’ll stay overnight on the boat.

Day 2: Binh Thanh or Sa Dec – My An Hung

Today you’ll get to visit real delta villages. The exact locations can vary slightly, but most cruises include stops at Binh Thanh Island or Sa Dec, and later My An Hung Village.

In Binh Thanh, locals grow water hyacinths and make mats by hand. You can watch how they do it and even try weaving if you want. You’ll also see rice wine production and how people live along the river.

If your cruise stops in Sa Dec instead, expect a more town-like experience. This is where the French writer Marguerite Duras once lived, and you can visit her former house. There’s also a lively market with fish, fruit, and snacks.

In the afternoon, the boat usually visits My An Hung, a small farming village. Locals often welcome visitors with music and traditional performances. You can ride bicycles around, taste fruits from the orchard, and see how villagers raise pigs or grow vegetables.

Advice: If you're walking instead of biking, you won’t need hiking shoes, but sandals with straps are a good idea. Most paths are flat but can be dusty or muddy. Bring some small cash in case you want to buy handmade souvenirs.

Day 3: Chau Doc – Border Crossing – Enter Cambodia

In the morning, you’ll dock in Chau Doc, a town near the border with Cambodia. This day usually has more activities. First, you’ll visit a floating market, where people sell fruits, flowers, and dishes on the water. Then, you’ll hop on a van and head to Long Son Pagoda atop Sam Mountain, a must when visiting Chau Doc.

After lunch, the boat sails to Vinh Xuong, the Vietnamese border checkpoint. You’ll go through immigration formalities here. The process is usually smooth, but it may take 1–2 hours. You stay on the boat during this time.

Once you cross into Cambodia, the river becomes a bit wider and quieter. You’ll spend the rest of the day sailing toward Phnom Penh. You can enjoy a soothing Khmer massage or try your hand at a cooking class onboard.

Day 4: Koh Oknha Tey – Preah Prosop (Cambodia)

Today you explore Koh Oknha Tey, also known as “Silk Island.” The island is known for traditional silk weaving. You’ll see how silk is made from silkworms, dyed, and woven into fabric using wooden looms. This island is quiet and peaceful, with mango trees and wooden houses on stilts.

Later, the boat sails to Preah Prosop, one of the oldest villages along the Mekong. You can walk through the village, visit a Buddhist temple, and talk to the monks if they’re available. There’s not much tourist infrastructure here, which makes it feel authentic. People live simply and follow the rhythm of the river.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Disembark

Your cruise ends in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. After breakfast, you’ll disembark. Many cruises offer an optional half-day city tour. If it’s your first time in Phnom Penh, we recommend you join it.

Some stops may include:

• Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

• National Museum

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

• Russian Market

These places give you insight into both the beauty and the difficult history of Cambodia. You can also explore the riverside area, which has cafés, street food, and a nice promenade.

How much does a 5 Day Mekong River cruise cost?

The cost of a 5-day Mekong River cruise can vary a lot depending on the cruise line, the season, the type of cabin, and what’s included in the package. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what to expect.

Luxury Cruises

High-end options like Aqua Mekong, The Jahan, or Jayavarman usually cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per person for a 5-day itinerary. These cruises offer spacious rooms, fine dining, high staff-to-guest ratios, and extras like spa services, private shore excursions, and sometimes even onboard lectures.

You’ll get what you pay for—great service, well-planned activities, and lots of personal space. These cruises also tend to include airport transfers, all meals, guided tours, entrance fees, and even drinks or laundry in some cases.

Our take: These cruises are best if you want comfort, privacy, and a stress-free experience without thinking about any extra costs

Mid-Range Cruises

Options like the RV Amalotus or other ships operated by companies such as Pandaw or Lotus Cruises usually cost $1,500 to $2,500 per person for 5 days. You’ll still get good service, air-conditioned cabins, all meals, and guided shore excursions. The ships might not have the same level of luxury or space as the high-end ones, but they’re very comfortable.

Advice: If you're looking for a balance between comfort and value, this category is a solid choice.

Budget or Shorter Cruises

If you book a shorter Mekong Delta cruise that only covers Vietnam (like from Cai Be to Can Tho), prices can go as low as $200 to $500 per person for 1 or 2 nights. These usually use smaller wooden boats and focus on local life. They won’t include the Cambodia section or the same level of amenities.

Important: These are not true 5-day cruises and won’t cross the border, but they’re a good introduction to the Mekong if you’re on a tight budget or short on time

What’s Usually Included

Most 5-day cruises include:

• Accommodation

• All meals on board

• Daily excursions

• Tour guides

• Entrance fees

• Transfers between Saigon and the port

Flights, visas, drinks, tips, and spa services are usually extra unless clearly stated. Always double-check what’s included before you book.

What is the best month to cruise the Mekong River?

You can cruise the Mekong River all year round, but the best time to go is between November and February. This is the dry season, with lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and less rain. The river is still full from the recent rainy season, which makes sailing smooth and the scenery lush and green.

November to February (Best months)

• Cooler and drier weather (around 25–30°C or 77–86°F)

• Less chance of heavy rain

• Clear skies, great for photos

• Comfortable for walking and excursions

Our advice: Book early if you're traveling during these months—this is peak season and cruises sell out fast.

March to May (Hot and dry)

• Temperatures start rising (30–38°C or 86–100°F)

• Some days can feel very hot, especially in Cambodia

• Fewer tourists, so some discounts might be available

Tip: Stay hydrated and plan for early morning excursions when it's cooler.

June to October (Rainy season)

• Expect daily showers, usually in the afternoon or evening

• The river is at its fullest and most scenic

• Fewer crowds and lower prices

Conclusion

A 5 Day Mekong River cruise is a rewarding way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll travel at a slow pace, visit places most tourists never see, and experience the rhythm of daily life on the river. There’s something peaceful about waking up to the sound of the water, having breakfast as you sail past floating houses, and walking through villages that still hold on to their traditions.

We hope this guide has helped you understand what a Mekong journey is really like. If you’re ready to experience the Mekong for yourself, Vietnam Original Travel is here to help. Our travel agency offers carefully selected cruises, clear prices, and personal advice based on real experience. Let us help you find the best option for your 5 Day Mekong River cruise—with the right itinerary, the right ship, and the right support from start to finish.

>>> Top 10 Most Luxurious Mekong Cruises In Vietnam and Cambodia