From Vietnam to Cambodia: A Journey Along the Mekong River

From Vietnam to Cambodia – A Journey Along the Mekong River

A river journey from Vietnam to Cambodia moves at an easy pace, passing floating markets, small towns, and temples along the way. It offers a clear view of daily life on the Mekong and how the river links both countries.

Daily scenes along the Mekong waterways

1. Is the Mekong Delta, Vietnam and Cambodia, Worth Seeing?

Exploring the Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia offers a journey through two cultures connected by one river. It is one of the most enjoyable itineraries in Southeast Asia, with each section revealing its own culture, landscape, and way of life.

1.1. The Mekong Delta – Vietnam’s Living Waterways

In southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a land of rivers, canals, and rice fields.
Life happens along the water at floating markets, craft villages, and fruit gardens.
Travelers can explore by boat, bike, or on foot, meeting locals and seeing how daily life moves with the river. It’s a gentle, authentic side of Vietnam that feels both lively and peaceful.

Floating market in the Mekong Delta

1.2. Cambodia – Heritage and Timeless River Scenes

As the Mekong enters Cambodia, the river slows and widens. It passes through Phnom Penh’s old streets before heading north toward Siem Reap, where temples rise beside quiet villages and wide open waters.
Golden pagodas and floating homes reflect Cambodia’s deep spiritual life and lasting connection to the river.

A Vietnam to Cambodia river cruise lets travelers witness this flow between two cultures from Vietnam’s vibrant delta to Cambodia’s serene heritage linked by one continuous waterway.

Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap

2. Cruising from Vietnam to Cambodia

2.1. The Mekong Delta – Gateway to the River

Route: Can Tho – Chau Doc (Vietnam)

On a journey from Vietnam to Cambodia, the route from Can Tho to Chau Doc is one you shouldn’t miss. Can Tho captures the spirit of the Mekong Delta where boats gather at floating markets and the river carries the rhythm of everyday life.

Visiting a local cacao farm in the Mekong Delta.

Along the way, stop by small workshops to see how locals make coconut candy, puffed rice, and Vietnamese chocolate at a nearby cacao farm. The road to Chau Doc winds past green rice fields and quiet canals, with fishermen casting nets and children waving from stilt houses. As the sun sets over Sam Mountain, it feels like the perfect farewell to the Delta before continuing toward Cambodia’s timeless landscapes.

It’s a warm and gentle start to the river journey, full of color and life before crossing the border into Cambodia.

Discover more with our 14 days highlights of Vietnam.

2.2. Crossing into Cambodia – Phnom Penh

Route: Chau Doc → Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

The route from Can Tho to Chau Doc is one of the most popular sections for travelers heading from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Can Tho shows everyday life on the river boats trading at floating markets, small workshops making local snacks, and quiet canals leading out of the city.

The road to Chau Doc runs past rice fields and stilt houses, where fishermen work along the canals and children wave from the riverbanks. As the day ends, the view of Sam Mountain at sunset marks a calm and scenic moment before crossing into Cambodia.

It’s a smooth and simple way to begin a Mekong journey, giving travelers time to see rural life up close before continuing north.

A quiet path over the fields

2.3. The Upper Mekong – Journey to Siem Reap

Route: Phnom Penh → Kampong Cham → Siem Reap

Leaving Phnom Penh, the cruise moves north as the Mekong becomes wider and slower. Along the riverbanks are small villages, rice fields, and pagodas with golden roofs. A stop in Kampong Cham gives travelers a chance to visit local markets and quiet temples.

The journey ends in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can explore temple complexes, watch Apsara dance performances, or spend time walking through the ancient grounds.

From floating markets in the Delta to the temples of Cambodia, this route shows how the Mekong links different landscapes and communities along its path.

The timeless grace of Khmer culture along the Mekong.

You may also like our journey: 21-Day Cultural Odyssey Through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos

3. How do you get from Vietnam to Cambodia?

There are several ways to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia by air, road, or water. Each offers a different glimpse into the region, but nothing compares to experiencing it along the Mekong River.

Flight: The quickest way, with daily routes between Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.
Bus or Private Car: Ideal for travelers who enjoy a scenic road trip, passing through border towns and rural landscapes.
Mekong River Cruise: The most immersive and signature way to connect the two countries offering slow travel, riverside life, and a deep sense of Mekong culture on both sides of the border.

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Cruising from Vietnam to Cambodia isn’t just about crossing a border it’s about following the flow of the Mekong, where daily life, history, and culture come together. Along this river, every sunrise feels like a new story waiting to be discovered.