Quick answer
Mekong cruises between Siem Reap (or Phnom Penh) and Ho Chi Minh City run August to May; the dry season (November–March) is most comfortable, and high water from August to November lets ships reach Tonlé Sap lake. Myanmar's Irrawaddy sailings depend on current conditions.
- Cruise season
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
- Typical length
- 7–14 nights
- Main departure ports
- Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City
- Popular ports
- Siem Reap (Angkor), Kampong Cham, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho, Ho Chi Minh City
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 13
Why cruise here
- Angkor Wat pre-cruise
- Floating markets of the Mekong Delta
- Small, intimate ships
Weather by month in Phnom Penh
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 31 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Avg low °C | 22 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Rain days | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 7 | 3 |
Ports of call
- Siem Reap (Angkor)
- Kampong Cham
- Phnom Penh
- Tan Chau
- Sa Dec
- Cai Be
- My Tho
- Ho Chi Minh City
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing Mekong & Irrawaddy
European river cruises
- AmaWaterways
- Avalon Waterways
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- Scenic River Cruises
- Emerald Cruises
- CroisiEurope
Asian river cruises
Visas for Mekong & Irrawaddy cruises
Cambodia and Vietnam both offer e-visas to many nationalities, including Indian passport holders; Vietnam's e-visa is valid for up to 90 days.
Guides: Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Mekong & Irrawaddy?
The cruise season is Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec; the best months are January, February, March, November, December.
Do I need a visa for a Mekong & Irrawaddy cruise?
Cambodia and Vietnam both offer e-visas to many nationalities, including Indian passport holders; Vietnam's e-visa is valid for up to 90 days.
How long is a typical Mekong & Irrawaddy cruise?
Most are 7–14 nights, usually from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City.
Which cruise lines sail Mekong & Irrawaddy?
AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Scenic River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, CroisiEurope, Pandaw, Heritage Line, Aqua Expeditions, Scenic Spirit (Mekong), Mekong Kingdoms, Belmond Road to Mandalay and 1 more.