A modern steel-hulled ship finished in brass and teak, the Mekong Princess is the only Mekong River cruise departing directly from Ho Chi Minh City’s central harbour. Built to explore the shallowest waterways and pass by the narrowest canals of the lower Mekong, the cruise departs every Thursday alternating between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, and sails even if only one cabin is booked. The cruise makes it way from Vietnam’s largest city, passing through popular tourist locations like Ben Tre and Can Tho by river as opposed to driving to these locations to board the ship as is customary with all other Mekong River cruises. The 5- or 7-night itineraries include stops at rarely visited villages and Mekong islands in Vietnam. Then after the Cambodian border crossing, discover Phnom Penh and Angkor Ban before docking in Kampong Cham, the closest port to legendary Siem Reap.
The ship’s expansive interior is comprised of a covered sundeck where Apsara dances are performed, a sumptuous lounge oozing old-world charm, main restaurant, relaxing spa, modern gym, and 14 decadent luxurious suites. The four Apsara Suites and four Saigon Suites have elegant French doors and private balconies, with the choice of queen or two twin beds. Additionally, there are four more of which the two most luxurious, the Angkor Suites, come with large King beds and spa bathtubs.