River cruises in Cambodia
Step aboard a Cambodian river cruise and drift into mystical Mekong journeys through ancient temples and living cultural traditions
River cruises in Cambodia offer a unique journey through the heart of Southeast Asia, blending cultural exploration with breathtaking scenery. Starting in Chau Doc or Tan Chau in Vietnam, these cruises traverse the iconic Mekong River, crossing into Cambodia to reveal a tapestry of experiences. Highlights include Kampong Chhnang, a vibrant riverside town known for its traditional pottery and floating villages, and Kampong Tralach, where visitors can explore serene countryside temples and experience ox-cart rides through lush landscapes. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, contrasts starkly with its regal palaces, poignant historical sites, and lively riverfront. Each stop unveils a different facet of Cambodia’s rich heritage, making these cruises an unforgettable way to discover the region’s cultural and natural treasures.
The Mekong River: Cambodia's Lifeline
The Mekong River, Southeast Asia's mighty artery, flows more than 4,000 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau to the Mekong Delta. It becomes a channel of culture, commerce, and captivating beauty in Cambodia. River cruises along the Mekong provide a front-row seat to daily Cambodian life, where floating markets, stilted villages, and ancient relics narrate a timeless story.
Phnom Penh: Cambodia's Captivating Capital
The capital city is often the heart of Mekong itineraries. Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts known for its French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and riverside promenade. Cruise excursions often include the opulent Royal Palace, the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the lively Central Market. Browse River Cruises in Phnom Penh
Angkor Ban: Time Capsule of Tradition
Angkor Ban is a rare village where time seems to have stood still. Wooden stilt houses, warm smiles, and unspoiled countryside offer a glimpse into traditional Khmer life. Guests often take walking tours through the village, where locals are happy to engage in conversation and invite you into their homes. | Browse River Cruises in Angkor Ban
Kampong Cham & Kampong Tralach: Spiritual Echoes and Colonial Heritage
Kampong Cham showcases Cambodia's lesser-seen charm with its fusion of French colonial remnants and active Buddhist temples. Visit the Wat Nokor temple or cycle across ancient bridges. In Kampong Tralach, ox-cart rides transport guests to rural pagodas surrounded by rice paddies—an immersive glimpse into Cambodia's agrarian heart. | Browse River Cruises in Kampong Cham
Kampong Chhnang & Tonle Sap: The Floating World
Located at the gateway to the Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Chhnang is famed for its pottery and floating villages. As your vessel glides into Tonle Sap—the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia—you'll witness entire communities afloat: schools, shops, and homes bobbing gently in harmony with the tides. | Browse River Cruises in Kampong Chhnang
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat: A Temple Odyssey
Although not directly on the Mekong, Siem Reap is a popular extension to Cambodian river cruises. It is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spiritual epicenter of the Khmer Empire. Many cruises include pre- or post-trip packages that allow guests to explore this sacred site at sunrise, when the light filters through lotus-topped towers. | Browse River Cruises in Siem Reap
Why Cruise the Mekong in Cambodia
- Immersive Culture: Witness monks chanting in ancient temples, artisans weaving silk, and villagers harvesting lotus blossoms.
- Incredible Cuisine: Onboard chefs prepare fragrant Cambodian dishes, such as amok curry and banana blossom salad, using fresh, local ingredients.
- Diverse Scenery: From jungle-wrapped ruins to bustling riverside towns, the views are ever-changing and always enchanting.
Special Interest Cruises
- Culinary Tours: Onboard cooking classes, market visits, and wine pairings with Cambodian cuisine.
- Art & History Cruises: Focused tours of Angkorian sites, museums, and artist workshops in Phnom Penh.
- Family Cruises: Interactive excursions like ox-cart rides and pottery-making classes in Kampong Chhnang.
- Luxury & Wellness Cruises: Onboard spas, yoga on deck, and sunset champagne toasts.
The Onboard Experience
Small Ships with Big Personality
Most Cambodian river cruises are aboard intimate vessels with 20 to 60 passengers. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, with teak wood accents, panoramic windows, and attentive service. Smaller ships allow access to hidden inlets and off-the-beaten-path villages.
Cuisine and Wine
Dining is a highlight, with menus spotlighting local flavors and international favorites. Freshwater fish, tropical fruits, and spices such as lemongrass and galangal are featured prominently. Regional wines and craft cocktails complement the fare.
Excursions and Enrichment
Daily excursions include temple visits, market tours, cultural performances, and artisan workshops. Onboard enrichment includes Khmer dance lessons, history lectures, and film screenings.
Types of River Cruise Itineraries in Cambodia
Short Cruises (3–5 Days)
Ideal for time-strapped travelers or as part of a multi-country tour, short cruises often focus on highlights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Expect visits to floating villages, short temple hikes, and guided market tours.
Medium Cruises (6–9 Days)
These itineraries delve deeper into the Mekong's rhythms, including stops at Angkor Ban, Kampong Tralach, and lesser-known monasteries. Onboard lectures provide cultural context; some voyages offer village homestays or evening dance performances.
Long Cruises (10+ Days)
Extended journeys often cover cross-border adventures from Vietnam to Cambodia. Guests may start in Ho Chi Minh City and sail to Siem Reap, experiencing a sweeping view of Mekong culture across two nations.
Who Loves River Cruises in Cambodia
- Couples: Romantic sunsets and private dining on deck.
- Solo Travelers: Easy camaraderie and personalized service.
- Families: Engaging activities and child-friendly guides.
- Luxury Seekers: Spa services, spacious suites, and VIP excursions.
Embrace the Spirit of the Mekong
"To cruise the Mekong in Cambodia is to step into a living storybook—where every bend in the river reveals a new chapter of history, every face offers a window into the soul of a resilient people, and every moment feels timeless."
Whether you're chasing the whispers of Angkor's ancient stones or sipping mango juice beside a floating school, a river cruise in Cambodia delivers more than scenery—it delivers connection. Come for the landmarks, stay for the humanity. Your journey through Cambodia awaits.
