- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
A truly unique and authentic Vietnam and Cambodian experience cruising the Saigon, Mekong Rivers and smaller river tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Petite and beautiful, Mekong Princess is one of the smallest river boats on the Mekong, designed in a luxurious French Colonial style, with only 14 suites, exceptional onboard service, cuisine and included shore excursions.
CRUISE
Itineraries
Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City – Embarkation
Arrival and Embarkation
Your journey begins in the heart Ho Chi Minh City. From your hotel, our guide escorts you to Saigon Port, where the Mekong Princess awaits. Cool towels and a welcome drink greet you as you step aboard this elegant vessel—your floating sanctuary for the days ahead. As the cityscape of Ho Chi Minh gradually fades into the lush countryside, we sail through a maze of life-giving arteries before entering the wide embrace of the mighty Mekong Delta.
Day 2
Ben Tre & Can Tho
Through Palm-Shade Water
Awakened to the peaceful hush of Bến Tre, the coconut capital of Vietnam, where two-thirds of all households grow the refreshing fruit. Upon arrival on land, the low hum of xe lam (a vintage three-wheeled Lambretta) carries us along shaded village roads to a local coconut candy workshop, where practiced hands turn simple ingredients into delicate confections. The morning concludes as we board a traditional sampan to explore the labyrinthine canals of Bến Tre, surrounded by lush mangrove forests and coconut palms.
Day 3
Can Tho – Hoa An Village – Hong Ngu
Greet Dawn as the River Stirs
As the sun begins to rise, we set off by sampan toward Cái Răng floating market—one of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritages. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with boats selling all kinds of fresh produce and goods. In a tradition as old as the water itself, vendors brandish tall bamboo poles strung with their goods to indicate what they have to offer. As your sampan glides between vessels, sip the Delta’s natural elixir—fresh coconut water—and savor slices of tropical fruit, sweet and chilled by the morning breeze.
Day 4
Gieng Island and Hong Ngu
Of Weave and Belief
In the afternoon, the journey continues to the island village of Hồng Ngự, not far from the Cambodian border. Here, underneath stilted homes, villagers weave krama—colorful Khmer scarves that have long bridged Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures. Visitors are welcomed with rare warmth—many here had never met Western travelers until Mekong Princess first docked. Our excursion ends at a local temple of Hòa Hảo, a spiritual Vietnamese religion with strong influence from Buddhism born along this very riverbank.
As the sun descends, we return to the Mekong Princess and sail toward the border, where we pause for formalities before continuing onward into Cambodia. Onboard, a special treat awaits: a live cooking demonstration by our executive chef, revealing the secrets behind the flavors you’ve been savoring.
Day 5
Phnom Penh
Morning Arrival and Border Crossing
Dawn spills gold across the water as the Mekong Princess approaches the Cambodian border. The river widens, its flow steady and serene—carrying us into a kingdom layered with ancient beauty and modern resilience. While the ship pauses for immigration procedures, take to the Sun Deck where our Executive Chef hosts a tropical fruit demonstration. Let the fragrance of ripe mangosteen, lychee, and rambutan mingle with the river breeze as you savor sweet tastes and watch the world pass gently by.
Day 6
Phnom Penh
A Morning of Shadows and Silence
The morning begins with a quiet journey beyond the city, as our private coach winds its way through the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The landscape softens as Choeung Ek comes into view. One of the Killing Fields, it remains a sacred scar upon Cambodia’s past. Here, you may walk in solemn reflection among the earth that silently bore witness to the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Day 7
Angkor Ban
Where the Past Still Lives
After breakfast, gather in the Ramvong Lounge for a thoughtful introduction to Cambodia’s geography and the ever-shifting rhythms of life along the Mekong. By afternoon, we step ashore into Angkor Ban—one of the few villages in Cambodia that survived the Khmer Rouge's destruction. Many of the original homes, which are several hundred years old, are still standing. Our excursion begins at the village temple, where saffron-robed monks chant soft blessings, their voices weaving peace into the afternoon light. We continue through the village’s quiet lanes to the home of a local family, where we learn about their daily lives and the challenges they face.
Day 8
Kampong Cham, Siem Reap
- 13 nights cruise and land package from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City with sightseeing
- 7-night Mekong Princess river cruise
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Siem Reap with sightseeing
- Full-day Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing tour
- Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cai Rang Floating Market experience
- Cyclo city tour of Phnom Penh
- Tuk Tuk and sunrise tour of Angkor Wat
- Visits to local villages and island communities throughout the Mekong Delta
- Included shore excursions throughout the cruise
Bonus offers:
- Save NZ$1,000 per couple on all July, August and September 2026 departures
On SALE until: 31 July or until sold out
Airfares are additional.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
Yes, we like to think we are.
In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
