Planning a Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia and considering the RV La Marguerite? With a wide range of cruise options on the Mekong - from boutique luxury ships to larger river vessels - choosing the right one can make a big difference to your overall experience.
The RV La Marguerite is one of the most popular luxury Mekong River cruises, known for its elegant French-colonial design and spacious cabins - many with private balconies, a rare feature on the Mekong. Sailing between Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, the journey blends iconic highlights with authentic local encounters, from floating markets and riverside temples to quieter moments along the delta.
But is it the right cruise for your travel style, and how does it compare to other options on the Mekong? In this guide, we take a closer look at the La Marguerite cruise experience - including cabins, itinerary, onboard facilities, pros and cons, and who this cruise is best suited for.
Meanwhile, the sun deck, complete with sun loungers and an inviting swimming pool, is the ideal spot to take in the breathtaking views as you sail by. The ship also has two massage salons where you may have a traditional treatment, a fitness center, and a small boutique.
TECHNICAL FINGURES
- Built 2009
- Length / Width / Height 57,8 m / 11,1 m / 10 m
- Beam / Draft 11 m / 1,6 m
- Gross tonnage 998 tons
- Cruising speed 10 nautical knots
- Electricity 220v
- Capacity / Cabins 54 passengers / 27 cabins (three categories)
Water Reverse osmosis and UV water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant.
Safety Radio Comm., Radar, GPS, PA system, life jackets, life rafts, fire hydrants, flares and signals, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors in each cabin, CO2 engine room fire fighting system.
DECKPLAN

Pros & Cons of the RV La Marguerite Mekong Cruise
Pros
- Excellent value for a luxury Mekong cruise
- Offers a high-end experience at a more accessible price point compared to ultra-luxury ships-great balance of comfort and cost.
- Private balcony cabins (rare on the Mekong)
- Most cabins feature private balconies, allowing you to enjoy Mekong views in privacy - one of the biggest advantages over many competitors.
- Elegant French-colonial design
- Classic Indochine style with warm wood interiors and refined décor creates a romantic, timeless atmosphere.
- Well-rounded itinerary & excursions
- Combines iconic highlights (floating markets, temples, Phnom Penh) with authentic local experiences along the river.
- Comfortable onboard facilities
- Includes a pool, spa, and sundeck, offering more onboard relaxation options than many boutique ships.
Cons
- Less exclusive than ultra-boutique cruises
- Larger than ships like Mekong Princess → slightly less intimate experience.
- Service is good, but not ultra-personalized
- Compared to top-tier luxury cruises, service may feel less tailored.
- Set itineraries
- Limited flexibility once onboard - best for travelers happy with structured programs.
- Design feels more classic than modern
- Some travelers may prefer a more contemporary luxury style.
Who This Cruise Is Best For
- Couples & honeymoon travelers
- Private balconies + romantic atmosphere make it ideal for couples.
- Luxury travelers seeking value
- Perfect if you want a premium experience without ultra-luxury pricing.
- First-time Mekong cruisers
- A great introduction with a balanced mix of comfort, culture, and highlights.
- Travelers who enjoy comfort + light social atmosphere
- More guests than boutique ships → easier to meet other travelers.
Who It May Not Be For
- Ultra-luxury travelers seeking highly exclusive, ultra-personalized service
- Travelers who prefer very small, intimate ships
- Those looking for fully flexible or customized itineraries
- Young party-focused travelers (this is a relaxed, cultural experience)
State room - Main deck
Measuring 20sqm, Main Deck staterooms are spacious and comfortable. There are two porthole windows (non-opening) and beds can be made with double or twin bed configuration. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms with shower and are air-conditioned and equipped with a wardrobe, desk, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, internal phone, bathrobes and slippers..Amenities: Air conditioner, balcony with 2 chairs and table, mini bar, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, hair dryer, bath robe, in-house phone, desk, chairs, luggage rack.State room - Upper Deck
Upper Deck staterooms are very spacious at approx. 20sqm. All cabins are equipped with a window and a large bay window opening onto a balcony. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms with shower, twin beds (which can be pushed together) and are air-conditioned and equipped with a wardrobe, desk, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, internal telephone, bathrobes and slippers.Amenities: Air conditioner, balcony with 2 chairs and table, mini bar, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, hair dryer, bath robe, in-house phone, desk, chairs, luggage rack.State room - Panorama deck

Panorama Deck staterooms are very spacious at approx. 20sqm. All cabins are equipped with a window and a large bay window opening onto a balcony. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms with shower, twin beds (which can be pushed together) and are air-conditioned and equipped with a wardrobe, desk, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, internal telephone, bathrobes and slippers.
Amenities: Air conditioner, balcony with 2 chairs and table, mini bar, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, hair dryer, bath robe, in-house phone, desk, chairs, luggage rack.Junior Suite

Suite cabins are very spacious approx. 26sqm and are equipped with a window and a large bay window opening onto a balcony. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a wardrobe, desk, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and internal telephone. Suites also feature a king size bed (can be converted into twin beds) and a sofa as well as a bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool bath.
Amenities: Air conditioner, balcony with 2 chairs and table, mini bar, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, hair dryer, bath robe, in-house phone, desk, chairs, luggage rackTerrace Suite

Terrace Suite cabins are our largest cabins approx. 41sqm. They are equipped with a window and a large bay window opening onto a balcony. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a wardrobe, desk, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and internal telephone. Suites also feature a king size bed (can be converted into twin beds) and a sofa as well as a bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool bath.
Amenities: Air conditioner, balcony with 2 chairs and table, mini bar, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, hair dryer, bath robe, in-house phone, desk, chairs, luggage rack
Sai Gon - Siem Riep – RV La Marguerite
This trip will take us to Cambodia, where we will stay in Siem Reap, the starting point for one of the world's wonders: Angkor, the former largest city in the world, home to an astounding one million people and 200 temples. We will also have the opportunity to spend time in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and regarded as the most beautiful of the French colonial capitals in Indochina. Phnom Penh is situated at the meeting point of the Tonle Sap and Mekong. Once we get off the ship, we'll remain in the center of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, with its busy riverfront and French colonial buildings. For tourists wishing to see these fascinating Asian locations, this vacation is perfect.
Siem Reap - Saigon - RV La Marguerite
This trip will take us to Cambodia, where we will stay in Siem Reap, the starting point for one of the world's wonders: Angkor, the former largest city in the world, home to an astounding one million people and 200 temples. We will also have the opportunity to spend time in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and regarded as the most beautiful of the French colonial capitals in Indochina. Phnom Penh is situated at the meeting point of the Tonle Sap and Mekong. Once we get off the ship, we'll remain in the center of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, with its busy riverfront and French colonial buildings. For tourists wishing to see these fascinating Asian locations, this vacation is perfect.







