Cambodia River Cruise Guide
Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap and Angkor from the deck of a small riverboat — and how to choose the right sailing.
Get Cambodia Cruise QuotesA Cambodia River Cruise Puts You on the Water Where the Country Lives
A Cambodia river cruise is the most relaxed way to see a country whose history, food and daily life are tied to its rivers. Your floating hotel follows the Mekong past fishing villages and pagodas, ties up in the heart of Phnom Penh, and — in the wet season — turns up the Tonle Sap toward the great lake that feeds half the nation. Angkor Wat waits at the end of the line.
This site is about Cambodia itself: what each stretch of river is like, what you will actually do ashore, how the seasons change the route, and how to pick a ship that suits you. If you are still deciding between directions or need help with the Vietnam side of the trip, our sister guide Southeast Asia River Cruises covers whole-trip planning, and Mekong River Boat Cruises looks at Mekong ports and ships across both countries.
Why travelers choose Cambodia by river
- No packing and unpacking between Phnom Penh, river villages and the Tonle Sap.
- Small ships — Mekong vessels are tiny compared with ocean ships, so landings and guided walks stay personal.
- Places roads skip: silk-weaving islands, pottery villages and stilt communities reachable only by boat.
- Angkor as the finale, with time to see the temples properly rather than in a rushed day trip.
The Four Faces of Cambodia From the River
Phnom Penh river cruise
The capital at the meeting of three rivers: palace, markets, sobering history and lively evening riverfront.
Phnom Penh by river →
Tonle Sap river cruise
The river that runs backward each year, floating villages, and the largest lake in Southeast Asia.
The Tonle Sap →
Siem Reap and Angkor
How a Cambodia river cruise reaches Siem Reap in each season, and how much temple time to plan.
Siem Reap by river →
Kampong Cham and the upper river
Hilltop temples, rubber country and the quieter Mekong upstream of Phnom Penh.
Upriver Cambodia →Which Lines Sail Cambodia
Cambodia is served by a small, specialized fleet. International lines with Mekong ships include AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Viking, Uniworld and Emerald Cruises, and Asia-based operators such as Aqua Expeditions, Heritage Line and Pandaw also sail here. Most voyages link the Mekong Delta in Vietnam with Phnom Penh and, water permitting, the Tonle Sap. Ships differ far more than the shared route suggests — size, cabin style, how many excursions are included and what happens in low water all vary. Our guide to Cambodia luxury river cruise ships explains what to compare.
Prices change with the season and the ship, so we never print fares here. Ask our advisors for current offers, or join the Mister Cruise cruise-deals newsletter to hear about Mekong promotions first.
When to Go
Cambodia’s cooler, drier months are the most comfortable for touring, but they are also when river levels fall. The wet season brings high water that lets ships go further, along with heat, humidity and afternoon storms. There is no single “best” month — there is a trade-off between comfort ashore and how far your ship can sail. See high and low water in Cambodia for how each season changes the route.
Cambodia River Cruise Questions
How long is a Cambodia river cruise?
Most guests sail Cambodia as part of a roughly one-week Mekong voyage that also covers southern Vietnam, with about half the days in Cambodia. Some smaller operators also schedule shorter sailings that stay entirely inside Cambodia between Phnom Penh and the Tonle Sap. Ask us which are running on your dates.
Can a river cruise ship reach Siem Reap?
Only when the water is high. In the wet months ships can travel up the Tonle Sap toward the lake; in the dry months they cannot, and the Siem Reap part of the trip is done by road (one line offers a short flight). Either way you see Angkor — the difference is how you get there.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
U.S. citizens need a Cambodian visa. Many travelers apply online through Cambodia’s official e-visa site before departure; your cruise line will tell you what it recommends for the river border crossing. Always check the latest rules before you travel.
Is Cambodia a good choice for a first river cruise in Asia?
Yes, for curious travelers comfortable with heat, early starts and some uneven landings. The ships are small, the crews are attentive, and the mix of temples, river villages and Phnom Penh’s history is hard to match anywhere else.
Cambodia River Cruises is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Browse every river line in the Official River Cruise Directory, compare ocean options in the Official Cruise Directory, or plan hotels and land travel through the Official Travel Directory. Travel professionals selling Asia can learn more at Be a Travel Agent, and U.S. travel ideas live at Best of the USA.
More River Sites in Our Network
Plan Your Cambodia River Cruise
Tell our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise your dates and wishes; we will compare the Mekong ships that reach Cambodia and quote the best fit.
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