Mekong River Cruises: Discover Vietnam & Cambodia Aboard Riviera Alba

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a Mekong River cruise worth it?”  This is the blog for you.

Unlike ocean cruising, where destinations are the headline, here the river is the storyteller. A Vietnam to Cambodia river cruise gently connects cultures, landscapes, and moments you wouldn’t find any other way. You don’t just arrive in places; you drift into their heart. Docking in smaller ports. Stepping into local life. Experiencing Southeast Asia in a way that feels personal, not packaged.

It’s slow travel at its most rewarding. And for many, one of the best river cruises in Southeast Asia, if not the world. 

Your Mekong journey typically begins in the bustling energy of Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, before slipping into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Here, life unfolds on the water - boats piled high with fruit, floating homes, and markets that feel wonderfully unchanged by time. As you cross into Cambodia, the pace softens further. The river leads you to Phnom Penh, where grand boulevards meet poignant history, before continuing towards Siem Reap, gateway to the world wonder, Angkor Wat. 

It’s not just a route. It’s a story as old as time that unfolds mile by mile.

Sailing through such an extraordinary region deserves a ship that matches the magic, and Riviera Alba does exactly that.

New for 2027 and Riviera Travel’s very first ship outside Europe, this boutique vessel brings a fresh, intimate style to Mekong River cruising in Vietnam and Cambodia. With just 50 guests across 25 beautifully appointed suites, everything feels more personal - just as small ship river cruising should be. Here, you're never just a number. From knowing your name and your drink of choice after an adventure to sharing stories from the river, the ship’s 32 dedicated crew members make sure your every need is cared for, often before you even have to ask.

Designed to navigate the Mekong’s quieter, shallower channels, Riviera Alba takes you closer to the moments that matter in true Riviera Travel luxury. 

Life onboard Riviera Alba finds its own gentle rhythm. Mornings begin with coffee and ever-changing views in light-filled spaces or open decks that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Days are shaped by expertly guided excursions, each one offering insight into the cultures and communities along the river, followed by relaxed afternoons back on board by the pool or spa.

Evenings bring a sense of quiet contentment after fresh, flavourful dishes inspired by the region. But it’s the complimentary sundowners that steal the show for us. Toasting to another day of adventures as the horizon bathes in gold, casual conversations about the day’s discoveries with strangers turned friends, and watching the river slip by under a starlit sky. This is luxury Mekong River cruising without formality. Relaxed, welcoming and deeply enriching.

The beauty of the Mekong is that there’s never really a wrong time to go, only different ways to experience life on the river.

For ideal sightseeing weather, the best months to cruise the Mekong are November to February when temperatures are slightly cooler. It’s also a wonderful time to experience colourful celebrations like Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, usually held in January or February.

Travel during the off-peak seasons of October, March and April, and the Mekong transforms into a lush, more tranquil world with fewer crowds and a beautiful feel to the river. Perfect for those who want to make the most of nature and more peaceful side to this mighty riverway.