Phnom Penh to Saigon via the Mekong Delta – 3 Days
Travel from Cambodia to Vietnam on one of the most scenic and rewarding routes in Southeast Asia. This three-day journey from Phnom Penh to Saigon via the Mekong Delta offers a wonderful mix of river life, cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes.
Begin in Phnom Penh, where you’ll board a speedboat and cruise down the Mekong River toward the Vietnam border. Arrive in Chau Doc, a charming riverside town known for its local markets, temples, and relaxed atmosphere.
From here, continue into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Cruise through peaceful canals lined with coconut palms, fruit orchards, floating homes, and traditional villages where daily life still centers around the water. It’s a side of Vietnam many travelers never get to see.
Along the way, enjoy authentic local encounters, fresh regional cuisine, and unforgettable sunsets over the river. Depending on the route, you may visit a lively floating market, explore narrow waterways by sampan, or stop at family-run workshops producing local specialties.
Your journey ends in vibrant Saigon, where modern energy meets colonial charm. This short Mekong adventure is a perfect way to combine Cambodia and Vietnam while experiencing one of Asia’s great river regions.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic speedboat journey from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc
- Explore the peaceful Mekong Delta waterways
- Visit floating markets and local villages
- Enjoy authentic culture and regional food
- End your trip in exciting Saigon
- Bali & Indonesia
- Bhutan
- Borneo
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Laos Tours
- Malaysia
- Mekong Tours
- Multi Country Mekong Tours
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Click to view suggestion list
What’s included
- Transfer from the hotel in Phnom Penh to the jetty
- Accommodation in cosy double or twin bedded cabins on the boat
- Accommodation in Victoria Hotel (twin or double)
- English speaking guide aboard the cruise boat and on side trips
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Mineral water placed in your cabin
- Free flow of tea and coffee
- Side trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- Speed boat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc
- Road transfer from Saigon
What’s not included
- Tips for boats, drivers
Itinerary ideas
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1
Around 12:00 PM, you’ll board a speedboat to cross the border into Vietnam. By 5:00 PM, the speedboat will arrive in Chau Doc, where you’ll be transferred to your cozy hotel with beautiful views (Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, Superior Room).
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2
In the morning, you’ll travel by car or bus to Cai Be or Can Tho. In the afternoon, you’ll board our ship and explore your cabin. Enjoy lunch while the boat cruises through the Mekong’s branches and canals. Relax on the sundeck or in the lounge and take in the beautiful views. On your land excursion, walk through orchards and rice fields, see how food is made, and watch locals build boats. End your day with a drink at the bar while watching the sunset over the water.
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3
The ship departs at sunrise as the Delta comes to life. In Cai Rang, board a sampan to explore the lively floating market filled with tropical fruits and vegetables, where you can sample and negotiate prices. Alternatively, you can explore the small channels of the Mekong Delta around Cai Be by sampan or on foot.
On the return to Saigon by shuttle, you’ll stop for lunch.
Accommodation options
The itinerary price includes suggested accommodation. However, My Way Travel are fully customizable, and a specialist can help you choose the best option for your preferences and budget.
What our clients say about us
Cynthia K
12 March 2025 ★★★★★My husband and I, along with five friends, thoroughly enjoyed our Heritage Line The Jahan Mekong River Cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon. The food was out of this world. I have celiac disease and Heritage Line knows how to take extra care with food preparation to keep people safe. Our outstanding travel agent set everything up for us, answered all of our questions and checked on us frequently. I highly recommend Heritage Line The Jahan and I highly recommend booking this unforgettable journey through a trusted travel advisor.
Clauda
8 January 2025 ★★★★★The entire crew was personable. Special shout outs to the Aqua Mekong cruise director and housekeeping manager. Rooms were clean. Food options were always delicious plus there was no way to ever be hungry! One of our group had dietary restrictions and there were always choices that worked. Evening entertainment was great and every night was something different. We did the Mekong River cruise so the daily excursions included time in local villages, markets, and cultural sites. We all had fun and appreciated the small ship experience.
Myskymama
17 April 2025 ★★★★★We went on a 7 day Mekong River cruise on the La Marguerite ship. Our twin room on the lower level was very nice, and the bed was extremely comfortable. Housekeeping twice a day with turndown service was fantastic. Dining was spectacular with buffet and menu choices, and the special dinner was magnificent. Each day the menus reflected local Mekong flavors. Service was extraordinarily good. Every evening a complimentary happy hour was offered, and the staff were always attentive. My traveling companion was gluten free and had many wonderful options at each meal. Excursions were very good, with gentle or more active tour choices and excellent local guides. This was one of the best cruise experiences I’ve ever had!
ColoradoJim
22 May 2025 ★★★★★The Jayavarman cruise was simply outstanding. Our tour director was on point at every turn, with clear instructions and follow-through every step of the way. The food was delicious, the wine and drinks were abundant, and the living quarters were attractive and clean. The day excursions were divided into more difficult, regular, and easy so everyone got to select their pace. This was our first true river cruise and we enjoyed every single moment of it.
Mandy
12 February 2026 ★★★★★Lovely cruise down the Mekong on Pandaw. Crew were very friendly, food was great, loved all the drinks and atmosphere on board. Loads of guided tours available and we visited some lovely places along the river. Very smooth journey with only slight changes due to river conditions, all handled perfectly by the crew whilst we were whisked off on an excursion. Great evening entertainment and our boat had a wonderful traditional charm throughout. Would definitely recommend.

