Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise – Boutique Mekong Delta Experience

The best way to experience the Mekong Delta is by drifting slowly through its winding waterways. The Mekong Eyes Classic cruise offers exactly that way of experience. This elegant river cruiser fuses traditional Vietnamese boat-building craftsmanship with modern amenities. 

It lets you immerse yourself in the Delta’s timeless rhythm with comfort and authenticity. Let’s discover with Vietpower Travel about the Mekong Eyes Classic cruise in the post below!

1. Overview of Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Built from a converted rice barge, the Mekong Eyes Classic is 39 meters long and 8.5 meters wide. It showcases warm, natural wood finishes and local artisan detailing. Its name comes from a traditional “eye-opening” ceremony: the painted eyes on the bow are believed to bring good luck, vigilance, and safe journeys. 

With capacity for up to 28 guests, this cruise feels like a floating boutique hotel - intimate, peaceful, and designed for travelers who want more than just a tourist trip.

Why Choose Mekong Eyes Classic

You can consider choosing Mekong Eyes Classic for several compelling reasons:

• Balanced luxury: The boat isn’t ostentatious, but offers very comfortable, well-furnished cabins and quality service.
• Intimate experience: With only 14 cabins, the cruise feels exclusive and peaceful - not crowded like mass-tourism ships.
• Authentic Delta life: Excursions (sampan, biking, local markets) bring you close to local communities, small villages, and river-based livelihoods.
• Cultural immersion: Cooking classes, riverside village walks, and floating market visits make your trip about more than just sightseeing.
• Flexible itineraries: Whether you want a quick 2-day escape or a multi-day Vietnam–Cambodia journey, there’s a route for you.
• Value for money: Compared to ultra-luxury river cruises, Mekong Eyes Classic gives a quality experience at a more modest price point.

Continue exploring similar posts to learn more about Vietnam’s diverse cruise experiences. Our Vietnam cruise category offers ideas and insights to help you plan your dream journey on the water.

2. Services of Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Let’s discover accommodation and facilities of the Mekong Eyes Classic cruise in this section to understand why tourists choose to explore Mekong River on this cruise!

2.1. Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise: Cabins

• There are 14 deluxe cabins, a combination of twin and double rooms. 
• Each cabin includes a private bathroom with hot-water shower, air conditioning, and a wardrobe.
• Guests will love the panoramic windows - perfect for watching the river life drift by.
• Cabin amenities also include spa-branded toiletries, daily mineral water, and unlimited tea and coffee. 

2.2. Public & Shared Spaces

• Dining room: Located on the lower deck, where you can enjoy Vietnamese specialties in a relaxed, communal setting. 
• Panorama lounge: Inside and air-conditioned - a great spot to watch the river’s ever-changing scenery. 
• Sun deck & open sitting area: On the top deck, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy a drink, and take in the sweeping river views. 
• Power & safety: The boat has 24-hour electricity (two generators), in-room life jackets, fire alarm and firefighting systems, and a 24-hour watch - ensuring both comfort and security.

2.3. Onboard Services & Activities

• Sampan excursions: Side trips in a small traditional boat let you explore calm canals, mangrove-lined watercourses, and quiet river islands.
• Bicycle tours: Ride through small canal-side paths, villages, and islands - the boat will pick you up at the end of the cycling route. 
• Cooking classes: Onboard Vietnamese cooking lessons with a chef - and the option to purchase fresh ingredients directly from local floating markets. 
• Wellness (on request): According to some partners’ descriptions, there can be yoga, Tai Chi, or massage on board on request. 

Explore more posts within this topic and uncover more of what Vietnam’s cruises have to offer:

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3. Itineraries & Experiences of Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Here are some of the popular itineraries and daily experiences when traveling on Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise:

3.1. Option 1: 2-Day Mekong Delta Discovery

Route Options: Typically Ho Chi Minh City → Cai Be → Can Tho → Ho Chi Minh City (depending on date) or the reverse. 

Day 1:

• Depart from Ho Chi Minh City, board the cruise around noon.
• Enjoy lunch onboard as the cruise begins.
• Afternoon sampan ride into small canals, visit riverbank villages, orchards, and rice paddies.
• Dinner on board, then overnight mooring on a tranquil part of the river.

Day 2:

• Early morning wake-up for a sunrise cruise or sampan ride.
• Visit Cai Rang Floating Market (on some dates), see the lively trading boats full of fruit & vegetables.
• Option to visit local candy or rice-cake making workshops. 
• Return to the boat for brunch, then disembark at mid-morning. 

Price: From about US$239 per person for the Classic version. 

3.2. Option 2: 3-Day & 4-Day Options

• 3-Day Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc: Combine river cruise with a ferry or speedboat to Phu Quoc. 
• 4-Day Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh (or reverse): A cross-border cruise that takes you from Vietnam into Cambodia - experiencing rural Delta life, lush landscapes, and calmer waterways. 
• Longer Private Tours: For clients who want a totally tailored adventure, Vietpower Travel can arrange private departures with added flexibility.

Let’s explore more posts on this topic to discover even more about Vietnam’s cruise experiences:

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: Best River Cruises

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4. Practical Advice & Travel Tips for Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Here are some tips from our experts to help you make the most of your Mekong Eyes Classic experience:

Booking: Because of limited cabins, we strongly recommend booking early, especially during peak tourist season (dry season, floating market activity).
Best time to go: The Delta is more navigable and scenic during the dry season (roughly October to March), though every season has its charm.

4.1. What to pack on Mekong Eyes Classic:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes & a hat/sunglasses for sun deck time
• Insect repellent (especially for sampan rides and evening)
• Comfortable shoes or sandals (for land excursions)
• A small daypack for shore trips
• Camera or binoculars - for river life, markets, and landscapes

4.2. Pros & Cons of choosing Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Pros:

• Quiet, slow-paced river travel that feels relaxing and immersive
• Boutique-style service with personalized touches
• Strong cultural engagement (markets, local villages, food)
• Flexible itineraries to match different travel styles and durations

Cons:

• Limited capacity means less availability, especially during high season
• Not a high-luxury “cruise ship” - smaller cabins, simpler amenities compared to big river liners
• Floating market visibility depends on season and water levels
• Optional services (like wellness, speedboat transfer) may cost extra

Conclusion

The Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise offers a charming and authentic way to explore the Mekong Delta. With its traditional wooden design, intimate atmosphere, and well-planned activities, the cruise delivers a smooth balance of culture, relaxation, and comfort. From peaceful canals to vibrant village life, every moment feels immersive and memorable.

Discover more posts about Vietnam’s cruise adventures and unique sailing spots. When you’re ready to set sail, join one of Vietpower Travel’s cruise tours for an unforgettable experience on Vietnam’s most beautiful waters.