River Cruises in Gieng Island

Vietnam’s Hidden Gem on the Mekong

Nestled gracefully in the Tien River, Gieng Island is a serene haven steeped in Catholic heritage, shaded by banyan trees, and enduring river culture. Accessible only by boat, it exudes an old-world charm, enchanting visitors from the first moment. On a Mekong River cruise, Gieng Island is one of southern Vietnam’s most soulful and spiritually resonant destinations.

The island offers a tapestry of landscapes and stories from the colonial-era architecture of its famed Gieng Church to peaceful canals lined with flowering orchards. Life unfolds slowly here, inviting you to witness generations of craftsmanship, prayer, and community, unchanged by time. Whether you’re sailing past its shores or docking for a walking tour, Gieng Island captivates with authenticity.

Mekong River: Lifeline of Southern Vietnam

Mekong River cruises in Southern Vietnam unveil a vibrant world of floating markets, lush rice paddies, and timeless riverside villages, offering a deeply immersive glimpse into the region’s rural heart.

Other Mekong River Cruise Locations Along the Journey

My Tho

River cruises in My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, reveal shaded canals, lush orchards, and Buddhist temples. This bustling town blends colonial charm with traditional river life and offers a perfect launchpad into Vietnam’s southern heartland.

Ben Tre

Known as the "Land of Coconut," river cruises in Ben Tre explore coconut candy workshops, sleepy backwaters, and vibrant local markets. Paddle through mangrove-lined creeks and discover the artistry behind traditional mat weaving.

Cai Be

Famed for its floating markets, river cruises in Cai Be combines colonial-era villas with bustling river commerce. Visit local workshops crafting rice paper and pop rice and experience life on the water, where trade flows like the current.

Vinh Long

Set between two branches of the Mekong, Vinh Long immerses you in orchard farms, homestays, and riverside craft villages. It’s a place to slow down and experience the Delta’s rural rhythms and warm hospitality.

Can Tho

The cultural and commercial capital of the delta, Can Tho, features the famous Cai Rang floating market, colonial boulevards, and dynamic riverside promenades. It’s a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity.

Chau Doc

Near the Cambodian border, Chau Doc unveils a rich spiritual mosaic of Buddhist temples, Cham mosques, and hilltop shrines. Visit fish farms and soak in panoramic views from Sam Mountain’s sacred summit.

Tan Chau

Quiet and authentic, river cruises in Tan Chau explore silk weaving villages, artisanal blacksmiths, and lotus-filled backwaters. The town exudes a peaceful charm where craftsmanship and nature thrive.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

A vibrant metropolis and cruise embarkation point, Ho Chi Minh City offers colonial architecture, cutting-edge cuisine, and a gateway to the delta’s serenity. Discover a city of contrasts where old and new collide.

Frog Lake

This biodiverse wetland sanctuary offers a peaceful stop on select cruises. Surrounded by lotus flowers and tall grasses, Frog Lake attracts migratory birds and local wildlife, creating an enchanting setting for nature photography and eco-tours.

Cat Ba Island (Viet Hai)

Often linked via extended cruise itineraries, Cat Ba Island presents rugged coastlines, jungle-clad hills, and access to Lan Ha Bay’s karst scenery. The isolated Viet Hai village offers insight into traditional island life.

Cruising the Mekong River to Gieng Island

Cruising the Mekong is a feast for the senses—every curve in the river revealing floating markets, stilt villages, Buddhist temples, and rice fields that stretch to the horizon. Gieng Island offers a distinct spiritual tone, with its French-era Catholic church, schoolchildren biking along levee roads, and quiet family altars glowing at dusk.

Itineraries weaving through this part of the delta allow travelers to truly connect with Vietnam’s heritage, from traditional crafts in Ben Tre to sacred sites in Chau Doc and the vivid market life of Can Tho. The vibrant culture, the scenery is unforgettable, and the people are warm and welcoming at every stop.

Themed and Length-Based River Cruise Itineraries

Short Cruises (3–5 Days)

Short itineraries, perfect for limited-time travelers, might begin in Ho Chi Minh City and reach as far as Can Tho or Cai Be. Expect highlights like the Cai Rang floating market, orchard visits in Ben Tre, and tranquil moments on Gieng Island’s shaded riverbanks.

Medium Cruises (6–9 Days)

These immersive routes offer a deeper dive into the Delta’s spiritual and culinary world. Guests often explore Tan Chau’s silk weaving villages and Chau Doc’s hilltop pagodas and enjoy leisurely meals onboard as the sun sets over lotus ponds.

Long Cruises (10+ Days)

Extended itineraries may combine Vietnam and Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat. Gieng Island becomes a midpoint of calm contemplation between bustling capitals, offering insights into Vietnam’s lesser-seen riverside life.

Special Interest Cruises

• Culinary Cruises: Join onboard cooking classes, Cai Be market tours, and Vinh Long garden-to-table dining.
• Wine and Tea Cruises: Enjoy local fruit wines, jasmine teas, and pairings during evening tastings on deck.
• Christmas & New Year Cruises: Celebrate the season with festive Vietnamese flair, lantern-lit temples and local holiday dishes.
• Art and History Cruises: Under Mekong skies, visitors can visit ancient temples and colonial landmarks and attend lectures by regional historians on the deck.

Onboard Experience: Comfort Meets Culture

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

Mekong riverboats range from boutique vessels with just 8–12 cabins to more spacious ships with lounges, sun decks, and small spas. Most are designed for comfort, relaxation, and panoramic views of the river landscape.

Cuisine and Wine

Onboard menus blend Vietnamese flavors with international cuisine. Expect caramelized catfish, mango salad, and pho, often paired with local wines or French varietals. Meals are freshly prepared and usually include cooking demonstrations.

Excursions and Enrichment

Daily excursions include rickshaw rides, market tours, temple visits, and artisan workshops. Cultural enrichment ranges from Vietnamese music performances to lectures on river ecology or local religion.

Target Traveler Types

• Couples: Romantic sunsets, candlelit dinners, and serene river scenes create an ideal setting for connection.
• Families: Some ships welcome older children and offer soft adventure experiences like biking and kayaking.
• Solo Travelers: Smaller ships foster community while offering ample space for quiet reflection.
• Luxury Seekers: High-end cruises deliver spa treatments, private balconies, and bespoke excursions with five-star service.

Discover Gieng Island’s Timeless Soul

“As your boat drifts past the riverbanks of Gieng Island, where lanterns sway in the dusk light and church bells echo gently across the water, you feel something rare—a sense of presence, peace, and connection. Here, the Mekong tells stories not just of nature and culture, but of the heart. Let Gieng Island awaken your spirit to the river’s quiet magic.”