Travel from Phnom Penh to Saigon Through the Mekong Delta. Experience the beauty of the Mekong Delta while traveling from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam on this 3-day Mekong Eyes journey. The route combines a comfortable speedboat transfer across the Cambodia–Vietnam border with an overnight stay in Chau Doc and a boutique Mekong river cruise through the heart of Southern Vietnam. Along the way, discover floating markets, tropical orchards, peaceful canals, traditional villages, and the fascinating everyday life of communities along the Mekong. This is an excellent option for travelers who want to combine Cambodia and Vietnam in one journey without spending long hours traveling by road.
Tour Highlights
- Travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City via the Mekong Delta.
- Cross the Cambodia–Vietnam border by speedboat.
- Spend a night in Chau Doc and experience this riverside Vietnamese town.
- Cruise through the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta aboard Mekong Eyes.
- Visit traditional villages, orchards, rice fields, and local communities.
- Explore a floating market by traditional sampan.
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset views along the Mekong River.
- Experience Southern Vietnam at a slower and more authentic pace.
- End your journey conveniently in Ho Chi Minh City.
Why Choose This Phnom Penh to Saigon Route?
Traveling between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City by road is convenient, but it gives you limited opportunity to experience the Mekong Delta. This itinerary turns the journey itself into part of the holiday. Instead of simply crossing the border and continuing by bus, you'll travel through the waterways and countryside of the Mekong region, combining river travel with cultural experiences and local excursions. It's particularly appealing to travelers who are already visiting Cambodia and want to continue naturally into Southern Vietnam.
What You'll Experience
Phnom Penh to Chau Doc
Begin your journey in Phnom Penh and travel toward the Vietnamese border by speedboat. After completing the border formalities, continue to Chau Doc and spend the night in this peaceful Mekong Delta town.
Chau Doc to the Mekong Delta
Continue by road to the Mekong Eyes embarkation point. After boarding, settle into your cabin and watch the scenery change as the boat travels through the waterways of the delta.
Life Along the Mekong
Explore rural villages, fruit orchards, rice fields, small canals, and traditional local industries. Guided excursions give you an opportunity to see how communities live and work along the river.
Floating Market Experience
One of the highlights is exploring a floating market by traditional sampan. These markets offer a fascinating glimpse into the Mekong Delta's traditional river-based economy.
Arrival in Saigon
After your Mekong experience, continue by road to Ho Chi Minh City, where your journey ends.
Who Is This Tour Suitable For?
This 3-day Mekong journey is ideal for:
- Travelers combining Cambodia and Vietnam
- First-time visitors to Southeast Asia
- Couples and honeymooners
- Families and small groups
- Travelers interested in local culture and rural life
- Slow-travel enthusiasts
- Visitors looking for an alternative to a conventional Phnom Penh–Saigon transfer
Best Time for the Phnom Penh to Saigon Mekong Cruise
December - April: Generally drier and sunnier, making this a popular period for exploring the Mekong Delta.
May - November: The countryside becomes particularly green and lush. Short tropical showers are possible, but they can also bring beautiful scenery and fuller waterways.
The Mekong Delta can be visited throughout the year, so your travel dates and preferred itinerary should also be considered when choosing the best time.
Why Book with Viet Exquisite Travel?
- Local Vietnam & Mekong Delta Travel Specialists
- Cambodia–Vietnam Itinerary Planning
- Mekong Eyes Cruise Arrangements
- Private & Tailor-Made Extensions
- English-Speaking Travel Support
- Hotel & Airport Transfers
- Flexible Vietnam & Cambodia Itineraries
- 24/7 Local Assistance
FAQs
1. How do I travel from Phnom Penh to Saigon by Mekong cruise?
The journey combines a speedboat transfer from Phnom Penh to Vietnam, an overnight stay in Chau Doc, and a Mekong Eyes cruise through the Mekong Delta before continuing to Ho Chi Minh City. The exact routing can vary by departure date.
2. Is the 3-day Mekong Eyes journey a good way to travel from Cambodia to Vietnam?
Yes. It's a particularly good option if you want the journey between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City to be part of your travel experience rather than simply a transportation day.
3. How many nights is the trip?
The 3-day itinerary is generally structured as 2 nights, with one night in Chau Doc and one night on the Mekong cruise, depending on the operating schedule.
4. Does the cruise go directly from Phnom Penh to Saigon?
No. The journey combines different forms of transportation. You first travel from Phnom Penh to Vietnam by speedboat, then continue through the Mekong Delta before reaching Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Can I start in Phnom Penh and continue with a Vietnam tour?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest advantages of this route. We can extend your journey from Ho Chi Minh City to destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, or Phu Quoc.
6. Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes. We can arrange additional nights in Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Ho Chi Minh City, or other Mekong Delta destinations depending on your travel plans.
7. Is this journey suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the combination of river travel, countryside exploration, and cultural experiences. We can adjust the wider itinerary according to your children's ages and travel preferences.
8. What should I pack for the Mekong cruise?
Bring lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and a small day bag for shore excursions.
Continue Your Journey from Cambodia to Vietnam
Make the journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City part of your Southeast Asia adventure. Our local travel experts can arrange your Mekong Eyes cruise, transfers, accommodation, and any additional Vietnam or Cambodia experiences you need.
Get a Free Personalized Quote
PHNOM PENH – CHAU DOC – CAN THO – CAI BE- SAI GON (even dates)
DAY 1: PHNOM PENH – CHAU DOC11.30- 12.00: Pick up at hotel in Phnom Penh to Sisowath Quay.12:30- 13.00: Departure of speed boat to Chau Doc.~17:00: Night in Victoria hotel in Chau Doc.DAY 2: CHAU DOC – CAN THO – CAI BE07.30-08.00: Pick-up at the hotel in Chau Doc. Drive to Can Tho by shuttle bus.11.30: Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.12.00: Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.0016.00: Guided land excursion – walk in orchards and small villages.17.30: Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.19.00: Dinner on board. Night on board.DAY 3: CAI BE – SAI GON07.00: Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.08.00: Check out of cabin. Excursion on rowing sampan to explore small canals, enjoy "Đờn ca tài tử” (Folk Music) and visit home-made handicrafts family on Tan Phong islet. Bicycle ride on back roads or walk in a small village along the Mekong Canals.11:00: Departure to Saigon /End of services. (Lunch is only included for those pax using the transfer service)~ 14.30: Arrival in Saigon.PHNOM PENH – CHAU DOC – CAI BE – CAN THO - SAI GON (odd dates)
DAY 1 PHNOM PENH – CHAU DOC11.30 - 12.00: Pick up at hotel in Phnom Penh to Sisowath Quay.12:30 - 13.00: Departure of speed boat to Chau Doc.~17:00: Night in Victoria hotel in Chau Doc.DAY 2 CHAU DOC – CAI BE – CAN THO07.30: Pick-up at the hotel in Chau Doc, drive to Cai Be by shuttle bus.11.30: Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.12.00: Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.0016.00: Guided land excursion – walk in orchards and small villages.17.30: Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.19.00: Dinner on board. Night on board.DAY 3: CAN THO – SAI GON07.00: Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.08.00: Check-out of cabin. Excursion on a long sampan to Cai Rang floating market.11:00: Departure to Saigon/ End of services. (Lunch is only included for those pax using the transfer service)~ 15.30: Arrival in Saigon.
PRICE: From 427 USD PER PERSON
INCLUSIONS
- Land transfer from/to Saigon by shuttle bus.
- Land transfer from/to Chau Doc by shuttle bus.
- Trip itinerary and routing as described in the itinerary
- English speaking tour guide on board.
- Accommodation in cosy double or twin bedded cabins.
- Guided walk and side trip on sampan as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in double/twin room Victoria Hotel (Superior Room)
- Public speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh or vice versa.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Mineral water placed in your cabin on board and in hotel room.
- Entry fees, tax and service charge.
- Shuttle bus transfer to your hotel in Phnompenh.
- (Private transfer with Dragon Eyes)
EXCLUSIONS
- Beverages.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- All other services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Dinner at Hotel in Chau Doc
