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. Experience it aboard the Victoria Mekong Cruise, where you’ll see how the river connects two countries through daily life, culture, and timeless scenery.
Sail from Vietnam to Cambodia with Victoria Mekong Cruise
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
Sail the Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the Victoria Mekong Cruise, combining unique routes, boutique comfort, and deeply local experiences.
2.1. The Mekong Delta – Gateway to the River
- Route: Can Tho – Chau Doc (Vietnam)
The journey begins in Can Tho, where dawn lights up a maze of boats trading fruits, flowers, and the day’s first bowls of Hu Tieu at the city’s floating market. Step ashore to visit a small village and see how locals handcraft rice noodles, a humble skill passed down through generations.
Continue toward Chau Doc, where the Mekong slows and the countryside turns quiet. A visit to Tra Su Forest reveals a different side of the Delta, still green and alive with birdsong. Gliding through its flooded forest by paddle boat, you’ll find the calm rhythm that defines life on the river.
As the sun dips behind Sam Mountain, it’s a peaceful close to a day filled with color, flavor, and gentle discovery, the Delta at its most authentic.
Tra Su Forest
Discover more with our 14-day highlights of Vietnam.
2.2. Crossing into Cambodia – Phnom Penh
- Route: Chau Doc → Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Leaving Chau Doc, the road winds past emerald rice fields and quiet canals, a final glimpse of the Mekong Delta’s calm rhythm before crossing the border into Cambodia.
The landscape opens into wide plains dotted with golden pagodas and rural villages as you approach Phnom Penh, where the charm of old Indochina meets a lively riverside spirit.
In the afternoon, step aboard the Victoria Mekong Cruise and meet your friendly crew.
Golden hour on the Mekong
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.
Kampong Temple
You may also like our journey:
- 21-Day Cultural Odyssey Through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
- Mekong River Cruise: Discover the Timeless Charm of Southeast Asia.
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.
The 4-star Victoria Mekong Cruise.
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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.
Reach out to plan your trip with us, or become a partner with Vivu Journeys to bring the river’s story to more travelers.
Let’s celebrate! We’re proud to be named Vietnam’s Leading Destination Management Company 2025.
