RV La Marguerite – Vietnamese Elegance on the Mekong
Launched in 2009 and managed by Rivages du Monde, the RV La Marguerite sets the standard for luxury cruising between Vietnam and Cambodia. This elegant vessel blends modern comfort with cultural discovery, making it a favorite among discerning travelers.
Highlights:
- Spacious cabins with panoramic views of the Mekong
- Exclusive suites featuring private jacuzzis
- 14-day itineraries that balance cultural exploration with leisure
- Must-see stops: Tonlé Sap Lake, the Mekong Delta, and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
On board, guests can immerse themselves in Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions with cooking classes, live cultural performances, and expertly guided excursions. For French-speaking travelers in particular, the RV La Marguerite offers a seamless blend of comfort, authenticity, and discovery.
RV Mekong Pandaw – Colonial Charm
Built in 2003, the RV Mekong Pandaw evokes the golden age of river cruising with its elegant colonial-style design and intimate atmosphere. With only 24 teak-wood cabins, it offers a refined yet authentic experience on the Mekong.
Highlights:
- Large panoramic windows that open directly onto the river
- Expansive sundeck perfect for soaking in the ever-changing landscapes
- Warm, friendly ambiance paired with attentive service
Ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, elegant journey, the Mekong Pandaw combines timeless charm with the comfort of modern river cruising.
RV Indochine – The CroisiEurope Experience
Operated by CroisiEurope, the RV Indochine carries just 48 passengers, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere with a highly personalized touch. This elegant vessel blends modern comfort with the charm of traditional river cruising.
Highlights:
- Spacious 16 m² cabins, each with outside views
- Air-conditioned lounge-bar and refined dining room
- 11- to 14-day itineraries linking Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap
- Enriching excursions to pagodas, floating villages, bustling markets, and the legendary Angkor temples
The RV Indochine is a wonderful choice for travelers who want to uncover the cultural treasures of the Mekong while enjoying the comfort and reliability of a modern European-operated cruise.
Aqua Mekong – Five-Star Luxury
Launched in 2014 and designed by British architect David Hokinson, the Aqua Mekong sets the standard for luxury on the river. More than just a cruise ship, it is a floating boutique hotel, offering an experience of elegance, sophistication, and world-class service.
Highlights:
- Contemporary suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and all modern comforts
- Professional, multilingual guides (including French) for insightful excursions
- Exclusive cultural discoveries: remote temples, riverside villages, and rare Mekong wildlife
- Exquisite dining curated by top chefs, rivaling Michelin-starred restaurants
The Aqua Mekong is the ultimate choice for discerning travelers who want to blend adventure with luxury. Every detail is designed for comfort and authenticity, making it one of the most exceptional ways to explore the Mekong.
Bassac – Tradition and Authenticity
The Bassac fleet is made up of three charming boats inspired by traditional Mekong rice barges, carefully transformed into comfortable cruise vessels. Unlike large luxury liners, Bassac offers an intimate experience where guests can truly immerse themselves in the slow rhythm of river life.
Highlights:
- Cozy cabins with soundproofing, private bathrooms, and air conditioning for restful nights
- Smooth and peaceful navigation through hidden waterways and small branches of the Mekong Delta
- Rustic charm blended with comfort, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere
- Personalized excursions, often including visits to floating markets, local villages, and fruit orchards
For travelers who want to step away from the crowds and enjoy an authentic, human-scale journey, Bassac is the perfect choice. It’s less about luxury and more about connection with the land, the river, and its people—a true immersion into the daily life of the Mekong Delta.
Toum Tiou – Colonial Intimacy
With only 10 cabins, the Toum Tiou 1 is a boutique riverboat that offers one of the most intimate cruise experiences on the Mekong. Designed in refined French colonial style, it captures the charm of a bygone era while providing the comforts modern travelers expect.
Highlights:
- Private en-suite cabins with air conditioning and tasteful décor
- Panoramic restaurant and lounge bar, ideal for enjoying meals while watching riverside life unfold
- Shaded wooden deck where guests can relax, read, or simply take in the tranquil scenery
- Friendly and personal service thanks to the small number of passengers
Perfect for couples and honeymooners, Toum Tiou is all about romance and coziness. The slower pace and small size allow it to dock at places inaccessible to larger ships, making every stop more authentic and personal.
Mekong Eyes – Handcrafted Elegance
The Mekong Eyes Classic, once a traditional rice barge, has been meticulously transformed into a stylish wooden cruise ship that showcases Vietnamese craftsmanship at its finest. With just 14 elegant cabins, it strikes the balance between comfort, charm, and intimacy.
Highlights:
- Spacious cabins with river views, blending woodwork with modern amenities
- Onboard restaurant serving freshly prepared Vietnamese specialties
- Family-friendly atmosphere with a warm and welcoming crew
- Flexible itineraries, from overnight trips in the Mekong Delta to longer journeys toward Cambodia
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the Mekong Eyes offers a relaxed yet authentic cruise experience. Its smaller size allows guests to venture into quieter canals and villages, making it a favorite for those who want to go beyond the surface of Delta life.
Song Xanh Sampan – A Private Experience
For travelers seeking total exclusivity and intimacy, the Song Xanh Sampan fleet is the ultimate choice. These traditional wooden sampans, often with just one or two bedrooms, are designed for private cruises, making them ideal for couples, honeymooners, or small families.
Highlights:
- Dedicated crew ensuring personalized service and flexibility
- Meals served onboard or in traditional local homes, adding a cultural and authentic touch
- Unique activities such as cycling along country paths, rowing through narrow canals, and visiting riverside villages
- Several models available, from smaller sampans for couples to larger ones for families
Sailing on a Song Xanh Sampan feels like having your own private floating villa. Every moment is tailored to your preferences, whether it’s stopping for a sunset dinner onshore, exploring hidden corners of the Delta, or simply drifting in peace. It’s a truly off-the-beaten-path journey that lets you connect deeply with the Mekong and its people.
Conclusion: Which Mekong Cruise Should You Choose?
Whether you opt for a five-star luxury journey like Aqua Mekong or RV La Marguerite, or a more authentic adventure aboard Bassac or Song Xanh Sampan, one thing is certain: sailing the Mekong is an experience like no other.
👉 For even more options, check out the Mekong River cruises offered by Vietnam Découverte, specialists in tailor-made travel in Southeast Asia.
