Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh in a more scenic and meaningful way with this 3-day private Mekong Delta journey through southern Vietnam. Instead of taking a direct bus or flight, this itinerary lets you experience local river life, coconut-lined canals, village workshops, a traditional sampan ride and the famous Cai Rang Floating Market before crossing into Cambodia by express boat.
From Ben Tre’s peaceful waterways and Can Tho’s vibrant floating market to Sa Dec’s heritage charm and Chau Doc’s riverside border setting, the tour offers a comfortable and authentic route from Vietnam to Cambodia. It is ideal for travelers who want a short, well-organized Mekong Delta experience with private transfers, local guidance, flexible arrangements and a scenic express boat journey to Phnom Penh.
Start the day with an early morning boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Watch local boats gathering on the river to trade fruits, vegetables and daily goods, creating a lively scene of traditional river commerce.
Continue cruising along the waterways and visit a family-run noodle-making workshop, where you can see how traditional rice noodles are made. Along the canals, enjoy views of riverside homes, lush gardens and everyday life along the Mekong River.
After leaving Can Tho, travel to Sa Dec, a peaceful riverside town known for its colonial charm, local markets and cultural heritage. Visit Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, a beautifully preserved heritage home associated with the love story between Huynh Thuy Le and French writer Marguerite Duras, which inspired the novel and film The Lover.
If time permits, continue with a short visit to Sa Dec Flower Village, known for its colorful gardens and long tradition of flower cultivation. This gentle stop adds a local touch to the journey and offers beautiful photo opportunities.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Chau Doc, a quiet border town near Cambodia. Along the way, pass rice fields, palm-lined landscapes, canals and rural villages that reflect the authentic beauty of southern Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Chau Doc, visit Ba Chua Xu Temple and Tay An Pagoda, two important spiritual sites at the foot of Sam Mountain. If time allows, continue up Sam Mountain for panoramic views over rice fields, waterways and the Cambodia border area.
Dinner is at your own expense.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
After breakfast, transfer to the boat pier in Chau Doc and board the express boat to Phnom Penh. This scenic river journey is one of the most memorable ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, following the Mekong River through peaceful border landscapes.
Along the way, pass floating houses, riverside villages and local boats moving along the water. During the journey, complete Vietnam exit and Cambodia entry procedures at the river border checkpoint before continuing downstream toward Phnom Penh. The express boat journey usually takes around 5–6 hours, depending on river conditions and border formalities.
Lunch is included during the day, depending on the boat schedule and local arrangements.
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Once known as one of the loveliest cities in Indochina, Phnom Penh still retains a unique charm with its riverside setting, French colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the riverside area at your own pace.
Your 3-day private Mekong Delta journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh ends with arrival transfer in Cambodia’s capital. Auasia Travel can also arrange extra nights in Phnom Penh or onward travel to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat upon request.
If you need help arranging anything beyond the program, our team will be happy to assist.
Optional: snacks, a camera, and a small daypack for daily excursions.
Don’t worry — we’ll guide you with more details before your trip.
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Everything you need to know about this tour
Yes. The tour is suitable for seniors, couples and families who want a comfortable Vietnam–Cambodia journey with private road transfers, local boat trips and a well-organized pace. The visit to Cai Rang Floating Market requires an early morning start.
Yes. Hotel upgrades are available upon request, including boutique, 4-star or higher-category options, subject to availability.
Yes. The itinerary can be customized based on your travel dates, hotel preferences, pace and onward travel plans in Cambodia.
This customizable tour can be tailored to your travel style, dates, and preferences.
Tell us what you’re looking for — we’ll create a personalized trip just for you.
A Fantastic 3-Day Journey From Ho Chi Minh City To Phnom Penh
A Memorable Mekong Delta Adventure To Phnom Penh
The Beautiful Mekong Delta From Ho Chi Minh City To Phnom Penh
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