Ultimate Guide to Mekong River Ports for Upper and Lower Mekong Cruises
Cruising the Mekong River is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating travel experiences. The river flows through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, offering a blend of bustling cities, ancient temples, riverfront villages, and memorable culinary moments.
Whether you’re planning a Lower Mekong River cruise (Saigon - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap) or an Upper Mekong journey (Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Huay Xai), understanding the key ports will help you prepare for smooth embarkation and enriching shore excursions.
Lower Mekong Cruise Ports (Vietnam & Cambodia)
Cruises between Vietnam and Cambodia typically start or finish in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.
1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
A dynamic metropolis where colonial landmarks meet sleek skyscrapers, Saigon is the main gateway for Lower Mekong cruises starting or ending in Vietnam. Although ocean-going ships dock in Saigon, Mekong cruises typically board 1-2 hours away in My Tho or Cai Be, depending on the cruise line.
Key Highlights:
- Central Post Office - Icons of French Indochina.
- War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels - Powerful historical insights.
- Ben Thanh Market - Souvenirs, spices, and local eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Bánh mì
- Phở Saigon
- Fresh spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn)
Cruise Tips:
- Plan to spend at least one night in Saigon pre- or post-cruise.
- Transfers to My Tho or Cai Be are usually arranged by cruise operators.
2. My Tho, Vietnam (Mekong Delta Port)
My Tho is a peaceful Mekong Delta town with coconut groves, fruit orchards, and quiet canals. It is also the most common embarkation port for Lower Mekong cruises departing from Saigon.
Key Highlights:
- Local sampan rides to canal villages and coconut workshops
- Fruit tasting at tropical orchards
- Traditional music performances (Đờn ca tài tử)
Must-Try Foods:
- Hu tieu My Tho
- Coconut sweets
- Fresh river fish dishes
3. Cai Be, Vietnam
Some cruises visit Cai Be after My Tho, especially on itineraries including floating markets.
Key Highlights:
- Cai Be floating market (morning hours)
- Rice paper and candy workshops
- Village walks and sampan rides
Must-Try Foods:
- Pop rice and coconut candy
- Elephant ear fish
4. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The charming riverside capital of Cambodia is a major stop or mid-cruise embarkation point, especially on Lower Mekong itineraries. It’s renowned for royal architecture, bustling markets, and deep historical significance.
Key Highlights:
- Tuk-tuk city tours to Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
- Killing Fields & S21 Genocide Museum
- Silk island weaving workshops
- National Museum - Khmer art and history
- Wat Phnom, the city’s spiritual heart
Must-Try Foods:
- Fish Amok - Cambodia’s national dish
- Lok Lak beef
- Num banh chok - Khmer noodles
Cruise Tips:
- Phnom Penh port is centrally located and walkable.
- Many cruises offer free time or overnight stays, giving travelers more time to explore.
5. Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Because the Tonle Sap Lake’s water levels fluctuate, cruise ships cannot always reach Siem Reap, especially in the low water season. Kampong Cham often acts as the transfer point to Siem Reap by road.
Key Highlights:
- Local temples and villages
- Bamboo bridge (seasonal)
- Scenic rural landscapes
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Although not directly on the Mekong, Siem Reap is the first or final port city for cruisers connecting to or from Tonle Sap Lake. Depending on the season:
- High Water (Aug-Dec): Cruises may sail closer to Siem Reap.
- Low Water (Jan-Aug): Passengers transfer by road (4-5 hours) from Kampong Cham.
Key Highlights:
- Angkor Wat sunrise
- Temple tours to Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
- Apsara dance shows
- Floating village explorations (seasonal)
Must-Try Foods:
- Kuy teav (noodle soup)
- Cambodian BBQ
Upper Mekong Cruise Ports (Laos)
Upper Mekong itineraries offer a more remote, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path experience.
8. Vientiane, Laos
While not used for all Mekong cruise tours, Vientiane is increasingly included in extended Upper Mekong journeys within Laos. It offers a slow-paced riverside atmosphere and a blend of French colonial heritage and Buddhist tradition.
Key Highlights:
- Pha That Luang: Laos’ most sacred stupa, symbol of national identity
- Patuxai Victory Monument: Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe
- Wat Sisaket & Haw Phra Kaew: Historic temples filled with Buddhist art
- Riverside Night Market: Sunset views over the Mekong
- COPE Visitor Centre: Insightful exhibits on Laos’ history
Must-Try Foods:
- Larb: Lao minced meat salad
- Sticky rice (a staple in Lao cuisine)
- Or lam stew
Cruise Tips:
- Ideal as a starting or ending city for cruises focusing on Laos.
- Well-connected with flights to Bangkok, Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang.
- Spend at least 1 full day exploring before boarding or after disembarkation.
9. Luang Prabang, Laos
Known for its timeless beauty and Buddhist heritage, the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang is a frequent starting or ending port for Upper Mekong cruises.
Key Highlights:
- Golden temples & French colonial villas
- Sunset viewpoint from Mount Phousi
- Pak Ou Caves with 4,000 Buddha statues
- Morning alms-giving ceremony
Must-Try Foods:
- Lao sausages (Sai Oua)
- Khao soi Luang Prabang
- Jeow bong chili paste
Cruise Tips:
Spend at least 2–3 days here before or after your cruise.
10. Huay Xai, Laos
Huay Xai (Houay Xai) is a border town linking Laos and Thailand, where many Upper Mekong River ships either start or finish.
Key Highlights:
- Chance to explore the Golden Triangle
- Easy land transfer to Chiang Rai or Chiang Saen, Thailand
- Local temples and markets
In general, the Lower Mekong is best for cultural features, floating markets, big cities (Saigon, Phnom Penh), easy infrastructure, and short flights. Meanwhile, the Upper Mekong is perfect for slow travel, natural scenery, hill tribes, rural life, adventurous routes, and UNESCO towns like Luang Prabang.
Ready for your Southeast Asia travel? Book your Mekong River cruise now and secure the best cabins, promotions, and seasonal perks!
