Dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City, or more popularly called by its former name Saigon, is not only Vietnam’s biggest center of economy, education, science, and technology, but also one of the best tourist destinations that keeps the country’s ancient culture and traditions alive in every corner.
Located in southeastern Vietnam, this populous metropolis covers a large area of about 2,061 square kilometres (796 square miles) and surrounds the Saigon River, making it a bustling commercial and passenger port, typically for Mekong River Cruises. Most cruises, from deluxe to luxury vessels, from private to multi-cabin ships, occupy the city as an important port of call in the cruising route among various destinations in Southern Vietnam and Cambodia, including Cai Be, Can Tho, the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visitors can choose to either enjoy a sightseeing day trip in Saigon or expand to a multi-day tour around the city’s famous neighborhoods, both are great ideas.
As Vietnam’s second most visited city, Saigon boasts a multitude of timeless tourist attractions and captivating travel experiences that cater to every visitor’s desire. If you are history buffs, a variety of historical spots related to periods of French colonization and the Vietnam War will surely make you fancy when in the city. Among the most popular sites are the Reunification Palace, Municipal Theatre (also known as the Opera House), City Post Office, and City Hall, mainly situated in District 1 within a short distance from each other. While the Reunification Palace is a must-visit place for those wanting to see how the formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace looks like, the Saigon Central Post Office is an excellent example of the French colonial style constructed at the end of 19th century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Not far from this prominent feature lies one of the symbolic landmarks of Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Built between 1863 and 1880, this magnificent structure is best known for its neo-Romanesque style architecture, which attracts large numbers of tourists to visit and makes it an unbeatable photogenic attraction in the city center. Another option to satisfy your curiousness is various museums scattered throughout the area, including the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, the War Remnants Museum, Revolutionary Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, and the Museum of south-eastern Armed Forces. For visitors who want to avoid the crowds of tourists in the busy center, the impressive Cu Chi tunnels in north-west of the city makes for a perfect day tour with plenty of outside activities like crawling through the narrow routes of the underground tunnel or experience a shooting range.
At the first sight, Saigon delivers an impression of a vibrant and dynamic megacity, yet a whirlwind exploration will give you an insightful glimpse on the city’s intriguing mixture of modern and traditional elements that co-exists in an incredible harmony. It’s very easy to encounter some faded, ancient colonial buildings juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers. Any visitors to Ho Chi Minh City are recommended to pay a visit to numerous Chinese style pagodas and cultural spots, such as Thien Hau Pagoda - a place dedicated to Lady Thien Hau, the sea goddess, the enchanting China Town or Ben Thanh Market - one of the most recognizable images of the city as well as an ideal place to witness the local life.
Last but not less, for those traveling with family, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Dam Sen Tourist and Cultural Park, Suoi Tien Amusement and Culture Park, and Can Gio Mangrove Reserve are unrivaled options for fun-filled day trips with kids. For backpacking travelers, the "Backpackers’ Quarter" on Pham Ngu Lao Street and Bui Vien Street in District 1 are busy every night with a series of local and western bars and cafes. Meanwhile, foodies can easily sample a ton of delicacies from Vietnamese regional specialties to international cuisine inside a marketplace, on street’s sidewalk around open-air kitchens or hidden alleys’ eateries.
The best Mekong Cruises in Saigon: duration, routes, detailed itineraries, departure dates... with Best Offers + Best Price Guarantee recommended for you
RV Mekong Princess Cruise, a beautiful french boutique river cruise launched in 2015 in Saigon, is proudly the only Mekong River vessel to depart from the central city of Saigon Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The entire ship is truly a masterpiece of art by the stunning elegance of french - colonial style and opulent design from public areas to private space. With only 14 luxurious suites divided into 4 categories, RV Mekong Princess...
Being the baby brother of the renowned Jayavarman Cruise, Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise is another captivating story-teller from Heritage Line Cruise Fleet that creates unforgettable 5-star journeys in lower Mekong Delta. Named after the 16th century Indian emperor, The Jahan is a new flagship river cruise with elegant beauty evoking the glory of former British-India's art. Offering the same itineraries as...
Proudly named after the most venerable Cambodia emperor, King Jayavarman VII, Jayavarman is the first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner from Heritage Line's unique ship collection that offers the leisurely luxurious voyage along the captivating lower Mekong River. The ship is meticulously designed in elegant Indochine architecture, along with delicate ornaments as well as impressive wooden & stone artifacts, which makes...
La Marguerite, a 46 room French colonial style vessel that recalls the elegance of the Art Nouveau period in Paris, raises the bar of river cruising in the Mekong Delta. She offers an unparalleled cruise experience between Saigon and Siem Reap. The dining experiences add sparks to a personalized river adventure while the carefully researched excursions to cultural destinations allows for passion revival.River...
Being a member of Pandaw Cruise Fleet, RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise impresses everyone by its big shape & spacious deck plan. The ship features simple & classic outfit with metal and wooden components, wide promenades, a large dining hall and more public space as well. Offering 22 staterooms with comfortable bed & mattress, decent separate bathroom and other amenities, RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise brings friendly and cozy...
Joining Mekong cruise liners since late 2019, Victoria Mekong Cruise has become an ideal altenative for those who are seeking something unique and different from the common Mekong River routes. Offering overnight journeys between Phnom Penh and Saigon, Victoria Mekong Cruise explores less-touristy areas and lets passengers enjoy slow-pace vibe and scenic riverscapes of Mekong Delta in a peaceful setting. Also, as one of the...
As one of the most favorite deluxe Mekong River cruises, Mekong Eyes Explorer offers various short trips exploring lower Mekong River within Vietnam or between Phnom Penh and Southern Vietnam. Accommodating 12 comfy cabins in the main deck and 4 cabins with private balcony on the upper deck, Mekong Eyes Explorer Cruise features boutique style along with traditional materials, which delivers authentic ambience to all the...
Inspired from traditional Mekong River wooden boats, Mekong Eyes Cruise, which used to be rice barges, offers passengers a safe & sound journey on water as well as warm and cozy embrace to peaceful landscape and charming local life of the fertile Mekong Delta. Fully-equipped with 14 comfy twin and double cabins, Mekong Eyes Cruise is an ideal choice for couples, families, or even solo travellers, with...
Dragon Eyes Cruise is the ideal selection for travelers who love to enjoy privacy as well as exciting itineraries exploring off the beaten tracks in the lower Mekong River. Built in the traditional style of the local river boats in An Giang Province, Dragon Eyes Cruise offers only 2 cabins on each vessel, which is appropriate for couples, families or friends. Chartering the entire boat, you can even explore Mekong's beauty as your...
Being a member of the world-famous cruise liner Aqua Expeditions, Aqua Mekong Cruise is one of the most sought-after river cruises running in lower Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. Unlike most vessels, Aqua Mekong Cruise showcases exclusive highlights of modern architecture and stylish interior design with international level of standards. The ship proudly offers the most spacious staterooms onboard with 20 Design...
Being a member of Pandaw Fleet in the lower Mekong as RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise, RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise impresses everyone by its big shape & spacious deck plan. The ship features simple & classic outside like its close brother: wide corridor, a large dining hall and more public space for everyone as well. Offering 26 staterooms with comfortable bed & mattress, decent separate bathroom and other amenities, RV Tonle Pandaw...
From September 2019, Pandaw Ship Collection welcomed a new member crusing in lower Mekong River, RV Indochina Pandaw Cruise, which focuses on 4-day short trip between Vietnam's biggest city Saigon and Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh. As the name implies, RV Indochina Pandaw Cruise shows the most mesmerizing Indochine highlights to all those who spent their time experiencing ferrtile &...
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 5, 12, 19, 26 | 17, 24, 31 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 7, 14, 21, 28 | 4, 11, 18, 25 | 3, 10, 17, 24 |
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4, 11, 18, 25 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 20, 27 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 7, 14, 21, 28 | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
Along with the renowned sister, the R/V Mekong Prestige II, the R/V Mekong Adventurer is also one of the highly-seeked luxurious vessels cruising along the lower Mekong River between bustling Saigon in Vietnam and the legendary land of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Inheriting all the prominent highlights of the elder sister, R/V Mekong Adventurer features the same facilities onboard, and also boasts about the imposing elegance of lavish...
Named after one of the two main branches of Mekong River in Vietnam, Bassac Cruise, which includes 3 ships at the total, is among the sought-after medium-range Mekong river boats due to excellent service and amiable staff. Totally built in wood, and nicely decorated in traditional style with local items, Bassac Cruise features warm and cozy cabins accommodating comfy bed, air-conditioner, and private bathroom. Aiming to give...
Built in 2002, Toum Tiou Cruise is proudly the first Cambodian cruise boat to serve international standard accommodation on Mekong River. The vessel consists of 10 private double rooms on the main and upper deck, which are furnished with air-conditioner, comfy bed, private shower, and deccent other amenities. Offering incredible Mekong expedition connecting Siem Reap and Saigon, Toum Tiou Cruise, with its comfort in mind as well as...
The Gecko Eyes Fleet consists of three beautiful vessels that are all private houseboat with only 1 cabin onboard. Like the brother Dragon Eyes Cruise, Gecko Eyes Cruise is the ideal selection for travelers who love to enjoy itineraries exploring the lower Mekong River in the utmost exclusive privacy. The river boat boasts about the traditional style, unique local design, and nicely decorated luxurious cabin with Frech balcony,...
The Mekong Discovery is the newest boutique luxury ship of the Lotus Cruises Fleet in 2024, providing a completely intimate experience for only 37 passengers. The vessel features 19 suites elegantly furnished, with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern comforts, and luxurious walk-in rainforest showers. Embarking directly from Hochiminh City, the Mekong Discovery will take you on a tranquil and picturesque journey across the Saigon River to the...
Being a member of the renowned Lotus Cruises Fleet, Mekong Navigator Cruise is outstanding for the charming and nostalgic sophistication of a bygone era. Besides luxurious modern amenities like a floating hotel with an atmospheric dining room, extensive sun deck, lounge bar, library, internet center, and spa, the cruise ship houses an excellent selection of 34 indulgent suites, which offer meticulous attention to every detail and the needs...
Promising an authentic and rural Vietnamese experience in the Mekong Delta, Mango Sampan Cruises is the perfect option for couples on romantic getaways or those preferring truly privacy for family trips. The cruise is 22 meters long and 4.5 meters wide which allows it to enter less-visited and more intimate tributaries to enjoy the delta beauty all to yourself. Just imagine going completely off-the-beaten-path to where you will...
Beautifully redesigned from the original 1930s P-class ship of the Pandaw fleet and hand-finished in teak and brass by local craftsmen, the RV BassacPandaw is a stand-out luxury Mekong River cruise ship traveling between the Delta of Vietnam and the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh capital. The vessel was built in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and launched in 2012 with 4 decks and 30 identical cabins (sized 16 m2 / 170 ft2). She is a good looker with...
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