Victoria Mekong Cruise Downstream 8 Days: Siem Reap to Saigon via Phnom Penh

The Victoria Mekong Cruise downstream is an 8-day, 7-night river cruise from Siem Reap in Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam, via Phnom Penh, the Cambodia–Vietnam river border and the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. You sail on the Victoria Mekong, a 35-cabin boutique ship for up to 70 guests with a private balcony in every cabin, an infinity pool and a spa. All meals, local drinks, house wine with lunch and dinner, guided excursions and the transfers Siem Reap – Kampong Cham and Can Tho – Saigon are included. Prices start from US$4,830 per person, twin share (Victoria’s published fare).

Good to know (October 2026): the ship does not reach Siem Reap or Saigon itself – a coach takes you from Siem Reap to the ship at Kampong Cham on day 1, and from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City on day 8 (you can also leave the cruise in Can Tho). Downstream sailings leave every second Wednesday – see the departure dates, including special fares from US$3,381. You enter Vietnam by river, so check your Vietnam e-visa before you travel. Cruise code VTE-VMK8D.

Victoria Mekong Cruise at a Glance

Why Sail Downstream: Siem Reap to Saigon

• Angkor first, Saigon last: see the temples of Angkor before the cruise, then finish in Ho Chi Minh City – ideal if your international flight leaves from Saigon or you continue north through Vietnam.
• Cambodia, then Vietnam: village life, Silk Island and two nights in Phnom Penh first; the floating markets and orchards of the Mekong Delta in the second half of the week.
• Two nights moored in Phnom Penh: time for the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Choeung Ek and an evening cocktail at Raffles Hotel Le Royal without rushing.
• A boutique ship: 35 cabins for up to 70 guests, every cabin with a private balcony; infinity pool, Green Lotus Spa, gym, cinema and mini-golf.
• Drinks and transfers included: local beer, soft drinks and house wine with meals, a daily cocktail, the coach from Siem Reap and the coach back to Saigon.

Downstream or Upstream? Compare the Two Journeys

Both directions visit the same places in reverse order and cost the same. The difference is where you start and finish – choose downstream if you want to end your trip in Saigon.

Which direction? Choose upstream if you want to finish at the temples of Angkor; choose downstream if you are flying out of Ho Chi Minh City or continuing north through Vietnam. Sailing the other way? See the Victoria Mekong Cruise Upstream: Saigon to Siem Reap.

Victoria Mekong Downstream Itinerary: Siem Reap to Saigon, 8 Days

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Times and the order of visits can change with the river level, the weather and local conditions.

Day 1: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham (Embarkation) – Angkor Ban

Meals: L, D

Morning: leave Siem Reap by coach and drive through the Cambodian countryside to Kampong Cham on the Mekong, with lunch on the way.

Afternoon: board the Victoria Mekong, meet the crew and settle into your cabin as the ship casts off for your first Mekong sunset.

Evening: a demonstration of the Cambodian krama – the checked cotton scarf worn across the country – followed by the welcome dinner.

Day 2: Angkor Ban – Koh Dach (Silk Island) – Koh Chen

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: walking tour of Angkor Ban, a riverside village of wooden stilt houses that survived the Khmer Rouge years.

Afternoon: lunch on board, then a tuk-tuk ride on Koh Dach, known as Silk Island, to follow silk from the silkworm to the hand loom.

Evening: dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 3: Koh Chen – Oudong – Phnom Penh

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: meet the copper and silver smiths of Koh Chen, then drive to Oudong, the former royal capital, and the Vipassana Dhura meditation centre.

Afternoon: lunch and free time on board, then a hands-on lotus-folding session as the ship sails into Phnom Penh.

Evening: cyclo ride to Raffles Hotel Le Royal for a signature cocktail at the Elephant Bar, then dinner on board. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh – Royal Palace – Choeung Ek

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, then a short walk to the National Museum and its Khmer sculpture.

Afternoon: visit Choeung Ek, the memorial that tells the story of the Khmer Rouge period.

Evening: a traditional Apsara dance performance on board, with a chance to meet the dancers. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Vietnam Border – Tan Chau

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: exercise session on the Sky Deck as the ship sails for the Cambodia–Vietnam river border; the crew handles the formalities while you enjoy the mini-golf or a ship tour.

Afternoon: back in Vietnam, a sampan trip through a floating village and its fish farms near Tan Chau, then a visit to a Cao Dai temple.

Evening: a Vietnamese lion dance, dinner and entertainment. Overnight near Tan Chau.

Day 6: Phu Tan Clay Stoves – Tiger Island

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: a slow breakfast as the ship cruises through An Giang province, then go ashore by tender to a village that makes cà ràng clay stoves by hand.

Afternoon: sampan ride to Tiger Island for a walk past rice fields and vegetable gardens to the Tiger Spirit Temple, followed by a cocktail competition on board.

Evening: dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 7: Long Xuyen Floating Market – Dinh Yen – Can Tho

Meals: B, L, D

Morning: sampan tour of the Long Xuyen floating market and its floating houses.

Afternoon: visit a mat-weaving workshop in Dinh Yen, then continue towards Can Tho.

Evening: farewell dinner with a performance of đờn ca tài tử, the UNESCO-listed folk music of southern Vietnam. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 8: Can Tho (Disembarkation) – Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: B, L

Morning: breakfast in the Claypot Restaurant and disembark in Can Tho. If you are staying in the Mekong Delta, your cruise ends here.

Afternoon: coach with a local guide to Cai Be for lunch at Le Longanier beside the river, then on to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at G8 Center Hotel Saigon (157 Pasteur Street, District 1) by mid-afternoon. Flying out the same day? Book an evening flight, or let us add a hotel night in Saigon.

Cabins and Suites on the Victoria Mekong

All 35 cabins face the river and have a private balcony, air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, a safe, a minibar, a TV and complimentary water. Every Deluxe Cabin can be set up with a double bed or twin beds; the suites have a double bed. Photos, amenities and fares for each cabin are in the Price section.

Suite benefits: private car transfers, complimentary minibar, replenished ice bucket, luxury towels, branded bathrobe and slippers, a fruit basket topped up daily, afternoon canapés and binoculars.

Deck Plan and Facilities

• River Deck: reception lobby, boutique, Green Lotus Spa and 17 Deluxe Cabins.
• Panorama Deck: 16 Deluxe Cabins, the two suites and the Claypot Restaurant with 360-degree views and an open kitchen.
• Sun Deck: Horizon Lounge Bar, infinity pool, library and games room, cinema and fitness centre.
• Sky Deck: mini-golf green and sun loungers.

Dining and Drinks

Meals are served in the Claypot Restaurant on the Panorama Deck, mixing Vietnamese, Cambodian and international dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on full sailing days, plus the lunches ashore listed in the itinerary.

• Free-flow soft drinks, mineral water, tea, coffee and local beer all day
• House wine by the glass with lunch and dinner
• Daily signature cocktail from 18:00 to 19:00
• Premium wines, spirits and other drinks are charged on board

Special diets: tell us about vegetarian, vegan, halal-style, allergy or other needs when you book; the ship needs at least 30 days’ notice. Requests are always made but cannot be guaranteed.

Activities and Entertainment

• Shore excursions: sampan trips to floating markets and villages, cyclo and tuk-tuk rides, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Choeung Ek, Oudong and Silk Island – all with English-speaking guides and entrance fees included.
• On board: đờn ca tài tử music, lion dance, Apsara dance, lectures, film screenings, cocktail competitions, food and cocktail demonstrations, yoga and wellness sessions.
• Hands-on workshops: lotus-petal folding, Cambodian krama wrapping and weaving, and coconut oil making.
• At extra cost: massages at the Green Lotus Spa, tailoring and optional excursions.

Victoria Mekong Cruise Price 2026–2027

These are the per-person fares published by Victoria Mekong Cruises, in US dollars, sharing a cabin (twin share), for the full 8-day / 7-night journey with the services listed below. The fare is the same whether you start in Siem Reap and finish in Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho. Victoria sometimes releases special fares on selected sailings – they appear in the departure dates.

Supplements and Children

• Single traveller: add 60% to the per-person fare (a cabin for one).
• Children aged 6–11: 60% of the adult fare when sharing a cabin with two adults (maximum one child). A child sharing a cabin with one adult pays the full adult fare.
• Children under 6: not advised on board for safety reasons.
• Third person / extra bed: 75% of the per-person fare, on request in all cabin types.
• Under 18s must travel with a passenger aged 18 or over, and parents supervise their children at all times.
• Holiday surcharge 2027: about US$46 per adult and US$24 per child (6–11) per night on board on 1 January, 5–9 February (Tết), 16 April (Hung Kings Day), 30 April, 1 May and 2 September 2027.

Ready to book? Send us your sailing date and cabin type with the code VTE-VMK8D – we reply within 24 hours with live availability.

What’s Included and Not Included

Included

• 7 nights’ accommodation on the Victoria Mekong in your chosen cabin
• Welcome drink; breakfast, lunch and dinner on full sailing days and as listed in the itinerary
• Free-flow soft drinks, mineral water, tea, coffee and local beer; house wine with lunch and dinner; daily signature cocktail (18:00–19:00)
• All group shore excursions in the program, with entrance fees, local transport and English-speaking guides
• Road transfer Siem Reap – Kampong Cham with lunch on the way
• Coach Can Tho – Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City (G8 Center Hotel Saigon) with lunch at Le Longanier
• On-board entertainment, Wi-Fi (subject to mobile signal) and a refillable water bottle
• Passenger liability insurance, taxes, fuel, river pilots, port and anchorage fees

Not included

• Visa fees for Vietnam and Cambodia
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips for guides and crew
• Private transfers and any transfer not in the program
• Optional excursions, spa treatments and tailoring
• Premium wines, spirits and drinks not listed above; personal expenses, laundry and telephone
• Medical services; a fuel surcharge if fuel prices rise sharply

Booking, Payment, Cancellation and Change Policy

Booking and payment

• A 20% non-refundable deposit confirms your cabin.
• The balance is due 60 days before departure; bookings made less than 60 days before departure are paid in full at booking.
• Groups of 4 cabins or more: 20% deposit at confirmation and full payment 90 days before departure.

Cancellation by you (1–3 cabins)

Groups of 4 cabins or more: 50% of the total from 90 to 61 days before departure; 100% from 60 days before departure or for a no-show.

Changing your booking

• Change of date or a move to a lower cabin category: free up to 90 days before departure; 20% charge from 90 to 60 days; 50% from 60 to 31 days; not possible within 30 days.
• Upgrade to a higher cabin category: no fee – you pay only the fare difference.
• Change of passenger name within 30 days of departure: US$30 per person.

If the ship cancels

• Bad weather before departure: 100% refund. During the trip: used services are charged and the rest is refunded.
• If fewer than 10 cabins are booked, the cruise company may cancel with 60 days’ notice and offer another date or a similar ship; if neither suits you, all payments are refunded.
• Itineraries can change at short notice because of river levels, weather or local conditions.

Practical Information Before You Go

• Visas: you need a Cambodian visa (e-visa or on arrival at Siem Reap) and a Vietnam visa or e-visa. Because you enter Vietnam by river at the Vinh Xuong border gate near Tan Chau, make sure your Vietnam e-visa allows entry there – we check this with you before you apply.
• Getting to Siem Reap: fly into Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport and spend at least one or two nights before the cruise to visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm – we can arrange the hotel and a guided temple tour.
• Flights home from Saigon: the coach reaches District 1 by mid-afternoon on day 8, so choose an evening flight from Tan Son Nhat or add a night in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Passport details: we need a copy of your passport, your hotel and flight details and a contact number at least 30 days before departure.
• Health and mobility: river banks can be steep and slippery and there is no lift or doctor on board, so the ship is not suitable for wheelchairs or guests with serious mobility problems. Travel insurance with medical cover is required.
• Best time to go: October to March is the dry, cooler high season (December to February is the most comfortable). August to November brings high water and a lush, flooded delta; March to May is hot. Short tropical showers are common from May to October.
• What to pack: light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples and the Royal Palace, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes for river banks and a light jacket for air-conditioned rooms.
• Money: extras on board are paid at the end of the cruise; US dollars are widely used in Cambodia.

Why Book the Victoria Mekong Cruise with Vietnam Tour Expert

• Licensed local operator: Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd. (Vietnam Tour Expert) is an international tour operator licensed in Vietnam since 2012 and a contracted partner of Victoria Mekong Cruises.
• Everything in one plan: we add hotels in Siem Reap and Saigon, airport transfers, Angkor temple tours, Halong Bay and the rest of Vietnam to the same itinerary.
• Official fares: the prices on this page are Victoria Mekong’s published fares in US dollars – no hidden booking fees.
• Fast replies: we usually answer within 24 hours; WhatsApp +84 88 626 1368.

Local Expert Tips by Jimmy

• Do Angkor before you board – two nights in Siem Reap give you sunrise at Angkor Wat and a relaxed day at Ta Prohm and the Bayon.
• Pick the Panorama Deck for wider views over the delta in the second half of the week.
• Stay on in Saigon – add the Cu Chi Tunnels, a Saigon Vespa food tour or our Ho Chi Minh City Tour 1 Day after the cruise.
• Leaving from the Mekong Delta? End the cruise in Can Tho and continue to Chau Doc or Phu Quoc – see our Mekong Delta travel guide.
• Bring small US dollar notes for the Cambodian part of the trip, and some Vietnamese dong for the delta.

More river journeys: see all our Mekong River Cruises.

Ready to sail? Send us an inquiry with your sailing date, number of travellers and cruise code VTE-VMK8D – we usually reply within 24 hours.

Updated 25 October 2026 · By Jimmy, Vietnam Tour Expert · Sources: Victoria Mekong Cruises published schedule and fares 2026–2027, agent contract and program

About the Victoria Mekong Downstream Cruise

The downstream journey takes you from Cambodia into Vietnam on the Victoria Mekong, a 35-cabin ship operated by Victoria Mekong Cruises (Thien Minh Group) since December 2019. You board at Kampong Cham after a coach ride from Siem Reap and leave the ship in Can Tho, with a coach back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Brief itinerary (downstream)

• Siem Reap – Kampong Cham (embark) – Angkor Ban – Silk Island – Koh Chen – Oudong
• Phnom Penh (2 nights) – river border – Tan Chau – Phu Tan – Tiger Island
• Long Xuyen floating market – Dinh Yen – Can Tho (disembark) – Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City

Prefer to finish at Angkor? See the Victoria Mekong Cruise Upstream: Saigon to Siem Reap.

Cruise code: VTE-VMK8D

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Deluxe Stateroom – River Deck

17 cabins on the River Deck (lower deck)

Cabin size:

25 m²

Bed size:

Double or twin

Max person:

2 guests (extra bed on request)

Location:

River Deck

Cabin Amenities

• Private balcony
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Air conditioning
• Walk-in shower
• Separate toilet
• Bathroom amenities

From US$4,830
per person, twin share – Victoria published fare, same from Saigon or Can Tho

Cabin DetailInquire

Deluxe Stateroom – River Deck

17 cabins on the River Deck (lower deck)

The River Deck cabins are the most affordable way to sail the Victoria Mekong without giving up space or views. Each 25 m² cabin is finished in warm natural wood, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a private balcony just above the waterline – close enough to watch fishing boats and floating houses drift past. The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in rain shower and a separate toilet compartment, and beds can be set as one double or two twins.

Cabin facts

Size	25 m²
Beds	Double or twin
Occupancy	2 guests (extra bed on request)
Location	River Deck

All amenities

• Private balcony
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Air conditioning
• Walk-in shower
• Separate toilet
• Bathroom amenities
• Hair dryer
• In-room safe
• Minibar
• Flat-screen TV
• In-house telephone
• Complimentary water

Deluxe Stateroom – River Deck fares, 8 days / 7 nights

Sailing season	Price per person (twin share)
Nov – Dec 2026	US$4,830
2027 low season (Apr – Sep)	US$5,400
2027 high season (Jan – Mar, Oct – Dec)	US$5,800

Single occupancy +60%. Child 6–11 sharing with two adults: 60% of the adult rate; extra bed: 75%. 2027 holiday surcharge about US$46 per adult and US$24 per child per night. Special fares on selected sailings are shown in the departure dates. Fares are Victoria Mekong Cruises’ published prices and are confirmed for your exact sailing date.

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Deluxe Stateroom – Panorama Deck

16 cabins on the Panorama Deck (middle deck)

Cabin size:

25 m²

Bed size:

Double or twin

Max person:

2 guests (extra bed on request)

Location:

Panorama Deck

Cabin Amenities

• Private balcony
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Air conditioning
• Walk-in shower
• Separate toilet
• Bathroom amenities

From US$5,458
per person, twin share – Victoria published fare, same from Saigon or Can Tho

Cabin DetailInquire

Deluxe Stateroom – Panorama Deck

16 cabins on the Panorama Deck (middle deck)

Identical in size and layout to the River Deck cabins, the Panorama Deck staterooms sit one level higher, giving a wider outlook over the river banks and more privacy on the balcony. You are also on the same deck as the panoramic Claypot Restaurant, so breakfast and dinner are only a few steps away. A popular choice for couples and anyone who wants the best views at a Deluxe price.

Cabin facts

Size	25 m²
Beds	Double or twin
Occupancy	2 guests (extra bed on request)
Location	Panorama Deck

All amenities

• Private balcony
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Air conditioning
• Walk-in shower
• Separate toilet
• Bathroom amenities
• Hair dryer
• In-room safe
• Minibar
• Flat-screen TV
• In-house telephone
• Complimentary water

Deluxe Stateroom – Panorama Deck fares, 8 days / 7 nights

Sailing season	Price per person (twin share)
Nov – Dec 2026	US$5,458
2027 low season (Apr – Sep)	US$5,700
2027 high season (Jan – Mar, Oct – Dec)	US$6,500

Single occupancy +60%. Child 6–11 sharing with two adults: 60% of the adult rate; extra bed: 75%. 2027 holiday surcharge about US$46 per adult and US$24 per child per night. Special fares on selected sailings are shown in the departure dates. Fares are Victoria Mekong Cruises’ published prices and are confirmed for your exact sailing date.

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Victoria & Mekong Suite

Only 2 suites, at the aft of the Panorama Deck

Cabin size:

45 m²

Bed size:

Double

Max person:

2 guests

Location:

Panorama Deck (aft)

Cabin Amenities

• Separate living area
• Private aft balcony
• Bathtub & glass shower
• Air conditioning
• Complimentary minibar
• Bathrobe & slippers

From US$9,000
per person, twin share – 2027 low season (Victoria published fare)

Cabin DetailInquire

Victoria & Mekong Suite

Only 2 suites, at the aft of the Panorama Deck

The two suites – the Victoria Suite and the Mekong Suite – are the most exclusive accommodation on board. At 45 m² they have a separate bedroom and living area, both wrapped in large picture windows, and a private aft-facing balcony that looks back along the ship’s wake. The bathroom has a bathtub and an enclosed glass shower. Suite guests also receive private car transfers, a complimentary minibar, luxury bathrobes and slippers, a daily fruit basket, afternoon canapés and binoculars for spotting river life. With only two available, suites usually sell out first – book early.

Cabin facts

Size	45 m²
Beds	Double
Occupancy	2 guests
Location	Panorama Deck (aft)

All amenities

• Separate living area
• Private aft balcony
• Bathtub & glass shower
• Air conditioning
• Complimentary minibar
• Bathrobe & slippers
• Hair dryer
• In-room safe
• Flat-screen TV
• Binoculars
• Daily fruit basket
• Private car transfers

Victoria & Mekong Suite fares, 8 days / 7 nights

Sailing season	Price per person (twin share)
Nov – Dec 2026	US$9,492
2027 low season (Apr – Sep)	US$9,000
2027 high season (Jan – Mar, Oct – Dec)	US$10,400

Single occupancy +60%. Child 6–11 sharing with two adults: 60% of the adult rate; extra bed: 75%. 2027 holiday surcharge about US$46 per adult and US$24 per child per night. Special fares on selected sailings are shown in the departure dates. Fares are Victoria Mekong Cruises’ published prices and are confirmed for your exact sailing date.

• Single traveller +60%; child 6–11 sharing with two adults 60%; extra bed 75%; children under 6 not advised.

Ready to book? Send us your sailing date and the code VTE-VMK8D.