Get to know the Cambodian capital city of Phnom Penh, a major cultural center buzzing with restaurants, bars, and Cambodian before departing on a Mekong River cruise. Many cruises start and/or finish in Phnom Penh and navigate either upriver to Tonle Sap River and Tonle Sap Lake, (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) or downriver towards Vietnam and the South China Sea. Travel through the city in a traditional rickshaw (cyclo), visiting the Wat Phnom Temple, the Royal Palace, and the majestic Silver Pagoda. At the National Museum, you will see Khmer artifacts from the 4th to 13th centuries and learn about the dark chapter of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. From here, depart on your cruise or land tour. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your trip to Phnom Penh!

Top 10 Phnom Penh River Cruises & Tours for 2022-2023

All Phnom Penh Tours

Active Cambodia

6 Days from $1,320

Travel across Cambodia on this 6-day active tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Along the way, bike through temples, kayak on Tonle Sap Lake, and take a traditional cyclo tour of Phnom Penh. Designed for the active traveler this tour is a great introduction to all Cambodia has to offer!

Highlights of Cambodia

8 Days from $1,390

Spend a week exploring the treasures of Cambodia and the ancient Khmer Empire on this highlights tour of Cambodia, including destinations like Phnom Penh, the region of Siem Reap and its Khmer ruins, and Tonle Sap Lake. You will have opportunities to explore Beng Mealea (a temple overgrown by the jungle) and the renowned Angkor Wat.

Mekong Discovery - Upriver

4 Days from $4,125

Experience the colorful culture of Vietnam and Cambodia as you embark on this 4-day Mekong River Discovery Cruise and experience a richly-rewarding adventure by heading upriver in Cambodia and exploring the Tonle Sap Lake.

Charms of the Mekong

16 Days from $4,698

Join the MS Amadara on this 16-day Cambodia and Vietnam adventure - Starting with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, depart on a 7-night Mekong River cruise. Then you'll spend two nights in Siem Reap, two nights in Hanoi, overnight in Ha Long Bay, and end your journey with a one-night stay in Hanoi.

Mekong Expedition- Downriver

8 Days from $9,625

This 8-day cultural cruise aboard the Aqua Mekong takes you from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, stopping at Tonle Sap Lake and other local destinations of interest along the Mekong River. You will visit Prek Toal Core, sail into Chhnok Tru, a true floating village, and see Cambodia's capital by motorized tuk-tuk.

Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Riches of the Mekong - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,399

Embark on your 8-day Mekong River cruise aboard the MS Amadara from Prek Kdam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and finally on to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with opportunities to ride an oxcart through the rice paddies of a small village, tour the former military base of Xeo Quyt, and explore the architecture, cafes, and nightlife of Phnom Pehn.

Charms of the Mekong

Cruise Only
8 Days from $2,399

Discover the charms of the Mekong as you cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Prek Kdam on this 8-day Vietnam & Cambodia cruise aboard MS Amadara. You'll enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours, large variety of land activities, visits to rural villages, historic pagodas, floating markets and a Buddhist monastery.

From the Temples of Angkor to the Mekong Delta & Hanoi and Halong Bay

Siem Reap to Hanoi
14 Days from $4,034

Sail through Cambodia and Vietnam aboard the colonial-style RV Indochine II. Spend 14 days cruising along the Mekong River, traveling from Siem Reap to Hanoi observing imposing monuments, examples of finest architecture, and extraordinary landscapes.

South Cambodia Escape

6 Days from $1,291

This relaxing 5-day tour of the beaches of south Cambodia lets you enjoy the highlights of the region, like the tranquil beaches of Rabbit Island, the savory crab markets, and biking by Koh Rong Samloem Island's white sand beaches and waterfalls.

The Angkor Wat Temple complex in Cambodia.

Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River, including Angkor and Saigon

Siem Reap to My Tho
12 Days from $12,220

Explore Vietnam & Cambodia along the Mekong River on this 12-day cruise aboard the luxurious small ship Jahan. As you cruise from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Saigon, Vietnam, you will make stops in the legendary religious sites of Angkor and tour important historical sites of Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach, Wat Hanchey or Koh Dach, and others.

All Phnom Penh Luxury Tours & Cruises

8 Best Phnom Penh Luxury River Cruises & Tours for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Mekong Discovery - Upriver	$4125	4	Nov 8, 2022	Experience the colorful culture of Vietnam and Cambodia as you embark on this 4-day Mekong River Discovery Cruise and experience a richly-rewarding … 0
Charms of the Mekong	$4698	16	Aug 5, 2023	Join the MS Amadara on this 16-day Cambodia and Vietnam adventure - Starting with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, depart on a 7-night Mekong River … 0
Mekong Expedition- Downriver	$9625	8	Oct 28, 2022	This 8-day cultural cruise aboard the Aqua Mekong takes you from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, stopping at Tonle Sap Lake and … 0
Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Riches of the Mekong - Cruise Only	$2399	8	Aug 15, 2022	Embark on your 8-day Mekong River cruise aboard the MS Amadara from Prek Kdam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and finally on to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, … 0
Mekong Expedition- Upriver	$9625	8	Nov 4, 2022	Board the Aqua Mekong for an unforgettable 8-day cruise up the Mekong River from Saigon, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with stops in Phnom Penh and … 0
Mekong Explorer - Downriver	$5500	5	Oct 28, 2022	Embark the Aqua Mekong on this 5-day voyage down the Mekong River from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Stop in charming floating villages, interact with the … 0
Mekong Discovery - Downriver	$4125	4	Nov 1, 2022	Embark the luxurious Aqua Mekong in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia on this 4-day discovery cruise along the Mekong River all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, … 0
Mekong Explorer - Upriver	$5500	5	Nov 4, 2022	Board the Aqua Mekong in My Tho for a 5-day Mekong River cruise of Cambodia & Vietnam, including stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Long Son … 0

All Phnom Penh Cruises

5 Top-Rated Phnom Penh River Ships for 2022-2023

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Aqua Mekong	40	$4125	The luxurious Aqua Mekong was designed to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to … 0
MS Amadara	124	$2399	Explore Europe's legendary waterways on the luxurious small ship MS Amadara. It boasts a capacity of 124 passengers, a wide range of facilities, and … 0
RV Indochine II	60	$2956	The RV Indochine II successfully combines colonial and modern styles. Built in 2016 with the finest material and start-of-the-art technology, this is … 0
Scenic Spirit	68	$2995	Unpack your bags just once and settle into your spacious suite featuring separate living and sleeping areas as well as your own balcony. Explore the … 0
Jahan	48	$12220	The elegant Jahan is one of the first modern boutique-style riverboats to sail the Mekong. The ship is reminiscent of colonial cruise liners and … 0

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Phnom Penh Travel Tips & Guide

Highlights of Phnom Penh
The starting point for many Cambodian itineraries, Phnom Penh is the country's bustling capital city. Most tours include some of the following attractions on their excursions:

Royal Palace
Silver Pagoda
National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.
Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide
Russian Market.

This is also the embarking point for cruises of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.

Some of these are round-trip cruises, while others journey all the way to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam!