The Mekong River is one of the most important waterways in Southeast Asia. Stretching across six countries, it offers diverse landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating local life. If you’re planning a cruise or a land-based journey along the Mekong, knowing how to reach the right starting point is essential. As a local expert, Find My River Cruise has guided many travelers on this journey, and we’ll share what you need to know to get there easily and comfortably.

Identify the Right Starting Point

Before you plan your journey, it’s important to decide which part of the Mekong River you want to explore. The river passes through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China, but most river cruises and tours are concentrated in southern Vietnam and Cambodia. Your starting point will depend on your itinerary and travel preferences.

Most cruises begin in either Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) or Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (Cambodia). If you’re joining a short Mekong Delta tour, you will likely start from Ho Chi Minh City. For longer cruises heading into Cambodia or ending in Siem Reap, your journey may start in Phnom Penh or include a land transfer to the Tonle Sap Lake area. Knowing your embarkation point helps you choose the most convenient airport and transfer.

How to Get to Mekong River in Vietnam

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is the most accessible part of the river. It serves as a major starting point for both short and long cruises. Many international travelers fly into Ho Chi Minh City, which is the nearest major city to the Mekong Delta. There are several ways for you to choose to get to the entrance of Mekong River:

• Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN): Most visitors land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located in Ho Chi Minh City. This is Vietnam’s largest airport and is well-connected with flights across Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is about 2 to 3 hours away by car from popular Mekong ports such as My Tho, Cai Be, and Can Tho.
• Book a transfer or pre-arranged pickup: Many cruise companies offer private transfers or group transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to the river port. This is the most convenient option, especially if you’re carrying luggage. Alternatively, you can arrange your own car or join a tour that includes transportation.
• Consider a short domestic flight if starting farther south: If your cruise begins in Can Tho, which is deeper in the Mekong Delta, you can take a short domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Can Tho Airport (VCA) serves as a gateway to the southern Delta. However, overland transfers are often just as efficient.

Getting to the Mekong in Cambodia

Cambodia offers a unique side of the Mekong River with routes passing through Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham and the Tonle Sap Lake. To begin your journey here, you’ll need to fly into one of Cambodia’s main international airports.

• Arrive in Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh International Airport – PNH): Phnom Penh is a common starting point for Mekong cruises in Cambodia. The city is located on the banks of the Mekong River and offers easy access to cruise embarkation points. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available from the airport to the port area.
• Arrive in Siem Reap (Siem Reap International Airport – SAI): If your cruise begins or ends near Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap will be your main arrival city. Flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur are frequent. The lake is about 15–30 km from the airport, depending on the water level and port location.
• Travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: Some travelers choose to visit both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap before or after their cruise. You can travel between the two cities by bus, private car, or a short domestic flight. The journey by road usually takes 5 to 6 hours.

Border Crossings Between Vietnam and Cambodia

Many Mekong cruises include both Vietnam and Cambodia. If your cruise crosses the international border, it’s important to prepare your travel documents in advance. Border procedures are usually handled onboard, but you should still know what to expect.

• Carry your passport and valid visas: Most cruises that cross the Vietnam–Cambodia border require you to submit your passport and visa paperwork to the cruise staff. They usually handle the entry and exit process on your behalf. Make sure you have enough blank pages in your passport and the correct visa type for each country.
• E-visas and visas on arrival: Vietnam and Cambodia both offer e-visas for many nationalities. Some travelers also qualify for visa-free entry depending on their country of origin. However, cruise operators often recommend printed copies of your e-visas to speed up border formalities.
• Border checkpoints along the Mekong: The most common water border crossing is at Chau Doc (Vietnam) and Vinh Xuong/Koh Rokar (Cambodia). It usually takes one to two hours to complete immigration here. The process is smooth when handled by experienced cruise staff.

Domestic Connections Within the Region

If you are already exploring Southeast Asia, connecting to the Mekong River is relatively simple. Major cities like Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, and Vientiane offer multiple flight and land travel options to reach embarkation points in Vietnam and Cambodia. Depending on your travel plans and available time, you can choose to fly or take scenic overland routes into the Mekong region.

Fly into Regional Hubs for Convenience and Speed

Flying remains the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Mekong River from neighboring countries. Several regional hubs in Southeast Asia offer daily flights into Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. These airports are served by both full-service airlines and low-cost carriers, giving you more options in terms of pricing and scheduling.

• Bangkok (Thailand): Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) have excellent connections to both Vietnam and Cambodia. You can fly directly to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, or Siem Reap in under 1.5 hours. Airlines like Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia operate multiple flights daily.
• Hanoi (Vietnam): If you’re already in northern Vietnam, flying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho can save time. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways all offer frequent domestic services, with flight times of about 2 hours.
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) serves as a major regional hub. It offers direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap with carriers like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. These routes are popular with long-haul travelers looking to connect to the Mekong region without transiting through another Southeast Asian capital.
• Singapore (Singapore Changi Airport): Singapore is another convenient entry point. It offers numerous daily flights to all major Mekong destinations. If you’re transiting from Europe, Australia, or the Americas, Singapore is a smooth and reliable hub with excellent facilities.

Scenic Overland Travel for the Adventurous

Overland travel into the Mekong region is possible and can be a rewarding experience for adventurous travelers. It allows you to witness rural landscapes, interact with locals, and see places off the beaten tourist path. However, it usually takes longer and may require several connections.

• Thailand to Cambodia or Vietnam: You can travel by bus or train from Bangkok to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, with the most popular land crossing at Poipet. From Phnom Penh, it’s possible to continue by road to a Mekong cruise port. Another option is to travel through Hat Lek (Thailand) into southern Cambodia, then make your way to the Mekong Delta region.
• Laos to Cambodia: Travelers in southern Laos, especially near the 4,000 Islands area (Si Phan Don), can cross the border at Dong Kralor and travel down into northeastern Cambodia. This route is scenic but remote. It often requires organizing private transport or multiple buses to reach towns like Kratie or Kampong Cham, which lie along the Mekong.
• Laos to Vietnam (via Vientiane or Luang Prabang): Some travelers cross from Laos into Vietnam through border checkpoints such as Cau Treo or Lao Bao. While possible, these overland routes are long and not commonly used for Mekong access unless you plan to explore central Vietnam before heading south.
• Myanmar to the Mekong: Although it is geographically possible to reach Laos or Thailand from Myanmar overland, current political and travel restrictions make this route impractical. Flights remain the best option when connecting from Myanmar.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival to Mekong River Cruise

Arriving in a new country is always an exciting experience, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re about to join a river cruise that departs on a fixed schedule. A bit of preparation before you land can help you avoid stress, stay comfortable, and enjoy every moment from the very beginning.

• Book airport transfers in advance through your cruise provider: These transfers are often more reliable than local taxis and save you from negotiating fares or navigating unfamiliar transport systems. Pre-arranged transfers also ensure that you arrive at the correct port or hotel without confusion.
• Arrive at least one day before your cruise departure: It’s wise to give yourself a buffer by arriving the day before your cruise begins.  Having a night to rest before boarding also helps you recover from jet lag and enjoy the first day of your cruise more fully.
• Pack essential items in your carry-on: Keep important documents like your passport, printed visas, travel insurance, and cruise confirmation in your hand luggage. Include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and any medication you may need. In case your checked baggage is delayed, you’ll still be ready to board comfortably.
• Have your cruise details and contact info ready: Print or screenshot your cruise details, including pickup times, meeting locations, and emergency contacts.  Having this information handy helps you feel confident and in control after landing.
• Double-check your visa documents before flying: Some travelers arrive at the airport only to realize they forgot to print their e-visa or misread the entry dates. Make sure all your paperwork is complete and matches your itinerary. Keeping digital and printed copies is always a smart move.

Getting to the Mekong River is easier than it may seem, especially with a little preparation. Whether you choose to fly or take an adventurous overland route, having the right information helps you start your journey smoothly. With the tips shared in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your arrival, making your Mekong River cruise the unforgettable experience you’ve been dreaming of.