Emerald Cruises & Tours has opened bookings for its 2026–2027 Southeast Asia river cruising and touring season, presenting a program that combines navigation of the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia with extended land travel in Laos and Japan.
The season is built around river passages paired with overland routes intended to provide geographic continuity across the region.
At the center of the Mekong itineraries is Emerald Harmony, a purpose-built river vessel carrying up to 84 guests. The ship operates a range of sailings, including an 8-day Majestic Mekong Cruise that follows a traditional upstream and downstream pattern, as well as a longer, 10-day Meandering Majestic Mekong Cruise scheduled during the green season. The latter itinerary allows for increased daylight sailing and a broader reach into Cambodian waters, taking advantage of higher river levels and a slower operational pace.
Across all sailings, the itineraries incorporate excursions designed to place the river journey within its cultural and historical setting. These experiences include formal dance performances in Siem Reap, early-morning visits to Angkor Wat, participation in Buddhist temple ceremonies in Cambodia, and shore calls at Gieng Island where guests observe local incense production and traditional sampan construction. The programs also encompass guided visits to UNESCO-listed sites and regional markets, offering context to the communities lining the riverbanks. Additional activities are available through the DiscoverMORE program, which expands shore time with optional experiences such as cooking instruction in Hoi An and silk-making workshops in Laos.
For travelers seeking extended itineraries, Emerald offers longer cruise and land combinations, including the 24-day Grand Tour of Indochina and the 26-day Wonders of Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia. The former traces a route from Hanoi to Bangkok through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, incorporating a Halong Bay cruise, guided explorations of Hoi An and Hue, a luxury Mekong sailing, and time in Luang Prabang. The latter itinerary adds Japan to the voyage, combining a Mekong River cruise with cultural experiences in Kyoto, including a traditional dinner, and visits to Hiroshima’s peace memorials, creating a transnational journey that links river navigation with land-based exploration.