5 Vietnamese-Branded Cruises Named Among Asia’s Top 10 – When Heritage Sails on Water
For the first time in history, Vietnam has made a remarkable debut on the luxury travel map of Asia, with five boutique cruise lines proudly listed among the Top 10 River Cruises in Asia-Pacific 2025, according to the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific – one of the most influential and respected rankings in the global tourism industry.
Among these, Lux Cruises Group – Vietnam’s very first boutique cruise company – is honored to have two flagship names featured: Heritage Cruises and Emperor Cruises, affirming its pioneering spirit and distinctive strategy of bringing Vietnamese heritage to the world stage.
When Every Vessel Becomes a Cultural Identity
No longer mere means of transportation, today’s Vietnamese cruises have evolved into living works of culture, history, and art. From the fertile Mekong Delta to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, each journey is a symphony of nature, architecture, cuisine, and immersive experiences.
1. Victoria Mekong – The essence of eco-travel meets Mekong heritage. A joint venture between Thien Minh Group and international partners, Victoria Mekong impresses with modern, eco-friendly design and immersive local experiences such as Vietnamese cooking classes, Mekong cocktails, and sunset cruises on the legendary Mekong River.
2. Heritage Line – An Indochine signature on the water. With vessels like The Jahan and Jayavarman, Heritage Line revives the golden days of Indochina through elegant spaces adorned with fine wood, soft silk, and atmospheric lighting – offering an artistic, nostalgic voyage through time.
3. Heritage Cruises – A journey to “bring heritage to the sea” by Lux Cruises Group. Inspired by the Bình Chuẩn ship built in 1919 by patriotic entrepreneur Bạch Thái Bưởi, Heritage Cruises is Vietnam’s first boutique cruise line. Each cabin is a mini art gallery, where fine art, culture, history, and traditional cuisine converge on the poetic waters of Lan Ha Bay.
4. Mekong Princess – Discreet elegance and top-tier luxury. With only 14 meticulously designed suites in soft gold tones, personalized service, and tranquil ambiance, Mekong Princess is a perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking exclusivity and Southern charm.
5. Emperor Cruises Ha Long – A royal legend at sea. Another standout from Lux Cruises Group, Emperor Cruises draws inspiration from the lavish lifestyle of Emperor Bảo Đại, Vietnam’s last monarch. Onboard, guests enjoy all-inclusive services, private butlers, a curated collection of Phạm Lực paintings, and champagne dinners on the sundeck – recreating the glamorous ambiance of 1930s Hanoi.
Vietnam – The Rising Star of Boutique River Cruising in Asia
The strong presence of Vietnamese cruise brands alongside global giants like Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld clearly demonstrates the creative edge and cultural uniqueness of Vietnam’s luxury tourism sector.
Instead of imitating Western standards, Vietnamese cruises captivate global travelers through the depth of heritage and Eastern philosophy: “Travel is a way to taste culture.” Onboard each vessel, guests don’t just see Vietnam – they feel it. They savor local flavors, listen to traditional instruments, admire heritage-inspired artwork, and immerse themselves in stories of the past told through all five senses.
A Historic Milestone for Vietnam’s Cruise Industry
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific is more than just a prestigious accolade; it reflects the evolving expectations and aspirations of high-end travelers across the globe. The inclusion of five Vietnamese cruises in the Top 10 marks a golden milestone for Vietnam’s river and boutique cruise sector – once an overlooked niche, now emerging with a powerful voice.
This recognition not only honors the visionary efforts of Vietnamese pioneers passionate about cultural identity, but also signals that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a new epicenter for boutique cruising in Asia – where each journey is not just a luxurious escape, but a meaningful reconnection with nature, people, and living heritage.
Step aboard – because on every river and bay in Vietnam, the most beautiful stories are waiting to be whispered.
