6 Vietnamese River Cruises Honored in Asia: When Heritage Sails with the Waters
For the first time, six Vietnamese boutique cruises have been listed among the Top 10 Best River Cruises in Asia, as announced by the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. These aren’t just modes of transportation — they are floating cultural sanctuaries, blending heritage, design, and soulful experiences.
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Amid the rising global trend of slow travel and immersive journeys, river and boutique cruising has become a favored choice among high-end travelers. In 2025, Vietnam made a historic mark, with six domestic cruise brands featured in the Top 10 Best River Cruises in Asia, as voted by tens of thousands of readers of Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific — one of the world’s most influential luxury travel rankings.
From the tranquil waters of the Mekong Delta to the majestic limestone bays of Northern Vietnam, these Vietnamese cruises are more than just floating hotels — they are moving masterpieces, where culture, art, and identity converge in every detail, meal, sound, and curated experience.
Vietnamese Names Called on the Global Stage
5. Victoria Mekong – An Ecological Journey in the Spirit of the Delta
A joint venture between Vietnam’s Thien Minh Group and international partners, Victoria Mekong stands out with its eco-friendly design, sustainable itineraries, and refined service. The route from Can Tho to Phnom Penh immerses guests in the rhythms of delta life, offering cooking classes, Mekong cocktails, and magical sunsets over the legendary river.
6. Heritage Line – Indochine Nostalgia on the Water
Heritage Line crafts nostalgic journeys along the Mekong and Red River through its elegantly appointed ships like The Jahan, Jayavarman, and Ylang. With interiors featuring rare woods, silks, and hand-painted artworks, the cruise revives the romantic elegance of Indochina. Passengers don’t just sightsee — they live within the region’s vibrant heritage.
8. Heritage Cruises – A Floating Legacy in the Bay
Vietnam’s first boutique cruise and part of Lux Cruises Group, Heritage Cruises is inspired by the legendary Bình Chuẩn ship built by Vietnamese entrepreneur Bạch Thái Bưởi in 1919. Sailing through the serene Lan Ha Bay, each cabin becomes a miniature gallery, every meal a cultural performance, and each voyage a celebration of Vietnamese legacy.
9. Mekong Princess – Intimate Luxury at Its Finest
With only 14 spacious suites, Mekong Princess offers an ultra-private boutique experience along the Mekong River. Guests enjoy elegant golden-cream interiors, personalized service, and in-depth explorations of local artisan villages. The refined silence onboard appeals to those seeking introspective, elegant journeys.
10. Emperor Cruises Ha Long – A Royal Legend at Sea
Inspired by the lavish lifestyle of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, Emperor Cruises recreates the 1930s golden era with all-inclusive luxury, butler service, curated Vietnamese art (including works by famed painter Pham Luc), and sunset cocktail parties among the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. It’s the only royal-style cruise in the region, offering travelers a dreamlike journey into Vietnam’s aristocratic past.
Vietnam – Asia’s Emerging Boutique Cruise Capital?
Vietnam’s presence alongside global cruise leaders such as Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld signals the country’s growing stature in high-end cruise tourism.
What sets Vietnamese cruises apart is not just their exquisite design or personalized service — it’s the authentic local spirit that permeates every journey. Guests don’t merely observe Vietnam from a deck — they live it: through art, cuisine, storytelling, and cultural immersion.
One Journey, One Philosophy
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific is a prestigious annual recognition, spotlighting travel brands that go beyond luxury — those that touch the soul of travelers. This year’s inclusion of six Vietnamese river cruises marks a turning point for the country’s cruising industry.
It also affirms the bold vision of Vietnamese cruise pioneers who blend heritage preservation with modern hospitality to create something truly distinctive. These floating sanctuaries are not just vacations — they are experiences that inspire, educate, and connect travelers to the soul of a place.
Vietnam Is Ready to Tell Its Most Beautiful Stories — One River, One Bay, One Cruise at a Time.
