Vietnam Cultural Discovery
Price upon request
Cruises in the Mekong Delta
Overview | Scheduled Cruises
Choose where you sleep
- RV Bassac I
- RV Bassac II
- RV Bassac III
- RV Mekong Eyes
Known to the Vietnamese as Cuu Long, or "Nine Dragons", the Mekong Delta, covers 39,000 sq.km and is the rice basket of southern Vietnam. A watery world of rivers and canals, rice fields and fruit orchards, a visit to this fascinating and beautiful region of southern Vietnam is a must for any visitor to the country.
The mighty Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia and the most biodiverse river in the world, divides into nine distributaries before emptying into the South China Sea, having travelled all the way from the Yunan-Tibet Plateau in the Himalayas. These tentacles are subsequently interconnected by an elaborate network of canals and irrigation channels, creating numerous islands that are rich from the alluvial sediment brought down by the river.
Most people in the Mekong Delta live a simple agrarian way of life that has changed little for hundreds of years. Travel is traditionally on the water, and the few cities in the region each feature colourful floating markets where farmers and 
wholesalers trade produce from sampan to sampan each morning.
The Mekong Delta has also recently been dubbed as a 'biological treasure trove'. Over 10,000 new species have been discovered in previously unexplored areas of the Mekong Delta, including a species of rat thought to be extinct.
There are only 2 really good ways to explore the amazing, watery world of Vietnam's labyrinthine Mekong Delta - by bicycle or by boat… or perhaps by both!
Scheduled Cruises
There are now a several very comfortable cruise boats operating in the Mekong Delta to choose from, some of which are traditional rice barges converted into comfortable floating hotels. The largest are ships that can carry up to around 60 passengers in luxury double and twin cabins, with full services on board including a la carte dining and even massage services.
At the lower end there are boats that cater more to backpackers, where guests sleep dormitory-style all in the main cabin.
Some boats carry bicycles allowing you to follow the waterways along tracks and trails that trace the river banks, offering numerous encounters with the local communities.
Of the scheduled cruises, some focus on exploring the Mekong Delta, sailing between the main towns of southern Vietnam while others also offer longer journeys, sailing all the way to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and even as far as Angkor Wat.
Private Boat Charters
For couples, families and small groups of friends, there are also a choice of single cabin and 2 cabin houseboats for charter, allowing you to adjust the length of time and the destination of your cruise.
Follow the links above to find a cruise that fits your time frame and dates, and the links at the right hand side to inspect details of the various boat options.
For info on the 2 country cruises, Vietnam & Cambodia, see Lower Mekong River Cruises.
Notes
A Mekong Delta river cruise can be incorporated into a Symbiosis tailor made holiday to Vietnam that can be adapted and tailored to meet your dates, preferences and passions. Please contact one of our bespoke holiday planners to create the ideal itinerary for you.
Scheduled Cruises
Scheduled cruises in the Mekong delta are typically 2 to 3 days long, sailing between Cai Be and Can Tho in the central part of the Delta, with pick from, and delivery back to, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The 2 day version is a one way, overnight cruise. The 3 day trip is the return journey.
An alternative northern loop includes a trip to Chau Doc, located on the Cambodian border, from where it is possible to continue north to Phnom Penh by speed boat.
During a cruise guest will get the chance to visit the the highly colourful floating markets at Cai Be and Cai Rang, many riverside villages, farms, fruit orchards and cottage industries.
Boats that offer these scheduled cruises are the Mekong Eyes and the Bassac I, II & III.
Options for onward journeys following a Mekong Delta cruise include a visit to the island of Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, with its white sand beaches and laid back atmosphere, a journey northwards into Cambodia following the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, or a trip along the Gulf of Thailand coast to Cambodia's charming southern seaboard provinces of Kampot and Preah Sihanouk.
The RV Bassac I
The original Bassac, converted from the hull of a rice transporting barge, is a cozy ship sized right for a family excursion or a group of friends.
The Bassac I features a dining room on the main deck where you can enjoy Vietnamese specialities alongside Western fare, while an indoor, cozy panorama lounge offers a place to sit back and enjoy the company of fellow passengers as the scenes of busy, everyday river life float by.
A sundeck on the front upper deck offers uninhibited views of the Mekong Delta while you catch the rays.
Accommodation is provided for up to 12 passengers in 4 twin and 2 double cabins, each with private access and en suite bathroom.
Dining Aboard the Bassac
Each journey includes three meals a day when passengers will get the chance to discover classic Vietnamese cuisine at noon, Mekong Delta specialties in the evening and a well-appointed western 
breakfast in the morning.
Safety
All Bassac barges are equipped with life vests for every passenger and crew member. Sturdy handrails are installed around the hulls, plus there are safety nets to prevent children from falling into the river. Cabins are fitted with smoke detectors, and there are fire hydrants located on all decks. A safety briefing takes place a the start of every trip.
Environmental Responsibility
Each Bassac ship treats its waste water and recycles the waste heat from the engine.
Specifications
- 24m long, all wood, two passenger decks
- Dining room and bar on the main deck
- Sundeck at the front upper deck
- Dining area at the rear upper deck
Scheduled join-in cruise rates
USD per person sharing
| Number of people |
1-2 |
>2 |
>13 |
| Overnight Cruise |
262 |
239 |
226 |
| 2 Night Cruise |
524 |
479 |
453 |
Charter*
Overnight Cruise 1,758 plus $85 per passenger
2 night Cruise 3,243 plus $171 per passenger
*based on regular route
The RV Bassac II
The second of the Bassac boats was designed in-house specifically to meet the demands of river discovery cruises. She features a dining room on the main deck where you can enjoy Vietnamese specialities alongside Western fare and an indoor, cozy panorama lounge offers a place to sit back and enjoy the company of fellow passengers as the scenes of busy, everyday river life float by.
With a large covered upper deck, a panoramic lounge and wide gangways, it is comfortable and can host a meal for the passengers of two ships. Access on board is broad and steady, suitable for elderly or partly disabled passengers.
A sundeck at the front of upper deck offers uninhibited views of the Mekong Delta while you catch the rays.
Accommodation is provided for 20 passengers in 6 twin and 4 double cabins, each with en suite bathroom. In Addition there are 2 marine cabins on the working deck, half the size of the other cabins, with a double bed and en suite bathroom that can house up to 4 additional passengers if needed.
The Bassac II is registered to navigate into Cambodia as well as in Vietnam.
Dining Aboard the Bassac
Each journey includes three meals a day when passengers will get the chance to discover classic Vietnamese cuisine at noon, Mekong Delta specialties in the evening and a well-appointed western breakfast in the morning.
Safety
All Bassac barges are equipped with life vests for every passenger and crew member. Sturdy handrails are installed around the hulls, plus there are safety nets to prevent children from 
falling into the river. Cabins are fitted with smoke detectors, and there are fire hydrants located on all decks. A safety briefing takes place a the start of every trip.
Environmental Responsibility
Each Bassac ship treats its waste water and recycles the waste heat from the engine.
Specifications
32m long, all wood, three passenger decks- Dining room and bar on the main deck
- Lounge cum dining room on the upper deck
- Shaded dining area on the rear upper deck
- Sundeck on the front upper deck
Scheduled join-in cruise rates (to 31 Oct 2013)
USD per person sharing
| Number of People |
1-2 |
>2 |
>13 |
| Overnight Cruise |
262 |
239 |
226 |
| 2 Night Cruise |
524 |
479 |
453 |
Charter*
Overnight Cruise 2,531 plus $85 per passenger
2 night Cruise 4,654 plus $171 per passenger
*based on regular route
The RV Bassac III
The Bassac III was designed in-house and is very similar to the Bassac II but with small improvements, including a bar on the rear upper deck.
With a large covered upper deck, a panoramic lounge and wide gangways, it is comfortable and can host a meal for the passengers of two ships. Access on board is broad and steady, suitable for 
elderly or partly disabled passengers.
Accommodation is provided for maximum 24 passengers in 6 double and 6 twin cabins, all with private en-suite bathrooms.
Dining Aboard the Bassac
Each journey includes three meals a day when passengers will get the chance to discover classic Vietnamese cuisine at noon, Mekong Delta specialties in the evening and a well-appointed western breakfast in the morning.
Safety
All Bassac barges are equipped with life vests for every passenger and crew member. Sturdy handrails are installed around the hulls, 
plus there are safety nets to prevent children from falling into the river. Cabins are fitted with smoke detectors, and there are fire hydrants located on all decks. A safety briefing takes place a the start of every trip.
Environmental Responsibility
Each Bassac ship treats its waste water and recycles the waste heat from the engine.
Specifications
- 32.6m long, all wood, two passenger decks
- Dining room and bar on the main deck
- Lounge cum dining room on the upper deck
- bar on the upper deck
- Shaded dining area on the rear upper deck
- Sundeck on the front upper deck
Scheduled join-in cruise rates (to 31 Oct 2013)
USD per person sharing
| Number of People |
1-2 |
>2 |
>13 |
| Overnight Cruise |
262 |
239 |
226 |
| 2 Night Cruise |
524 |
479 |
453 |
Charter*
Overnight Cruise 2,531 plus $85 per passenger
2 Night Cruise 4,654 plus $171 per passenger
*based on regular route
The RV Mekong Eyes
Once a traditional rice barge, the RV Mekong Eyes has been converted into a luxurious river cruiser with 15 lavishly furnished double or twin cabins, each with private bathroom, hot water shower, wardrobe, air conditioning, fan, and great river views.
The Mekong Eyes' cabins are well insulated against climate and sound, and all offer a fantastic panoramic view of the Mekong river. There is a large dining room on the lower deck where you can enjoy culinary specialities of Vietnam or a sundowner in the cosy bar.
An indoor panorama lounge on the upper deck invites you to sit back and take in the impressions of the fantastic scenery and the busy everyday life on the river.
On the top deck you will find an open sitting area and sun deck with uninhibited views of the Delta scenery as you float past. While you are basking on the sun deck, the friendly crew will pamper you with cool drinks and freshly cooked delicacies.
Cruise boat design
The Mekong Eyes combines regional boat-building traditions with modern comforts to become the perfect holiday vessel to cruise the Mekong Delta in style. At 39 m long and 8.5 m wide, the Mekong 
Eyes river cruiser was built out of an old, traditional rice barge with the finest quality wood, and artfully decorated by skilled craftsmen of the Mekong Delta.
Why Mekong Eyes?
One of the traditional ceremonies performed on a newly constructed Mekong boat is the “eye opening”. The eyes are painted on the bow for good luck, a wide-awake crew and fast and safe journeys.
* NOTE. Prices indicated on this website are shown as a guideline only and may be subject to currency fluctuations, banking fees and other changes outside our control. Pricing information is available in
other currencies.
