Viking Saigon

The 2021-built/2022-inaugurated RV Viking Saigon cruises on the Mekong River (Vietnam and Cambodia), departing from homeports Saigon Vietnam and Kampong Cham Cambodia (with bus travel to Siem Reap and a flight to Hanoi).

Viking Saigon is a modern, custom-built vessel designed to safely navigate the Lower Mekong River. Her fleetmate in the Cambodia-Vietnam region is the 2002-built Viking Mekong (the brand name for the Viking River Cruises-chartered riverboat “Mekong Pandaw” from Pandaw Expeditions).

Viking Saigon’s sistership (same design) is Viking Tonle (2025).

The newbuild riverboat Viking Saigon has a maximum passenger capacity of 80 (served by 35 crew members). She offers excellent riverside views from every stateroom due to large windows and ample open-deck space. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with high-quality service provided by a professionally trained English-speaking crew.

The vessel was built at Hai Minh Shipyard (Saigon Shipyard Co Ltd) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Viking Saigon’s inaugural cruise was originally scheduled for August 30, 2021 (15-day “Magnificent Mekong” itinerary), but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed by one year.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Saigon staterooms (40 total) are all outside cabins with French Balconies, each fitted with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows opening to a railing (false balcony). Staterooms are arranged in 4 categories and located on 3 of the ship’s 4 decks. The lowest level (Deck 0) is crew-only and houses crew cabins (midship), machinery (engines, propulsion systems, wastewater treatment, air-conditioning), and storage areas (freshwater and ballast tanks).

All staterooms feature modern Scandinavian-style furnishings, hotel-style beds (with headboards, premium bedding, under-bed storage for suitcases, and optional twin configuration), bedside cabinets (with wall-mounted reading lamps), seating area (coffee table with armchairs), mirrored dressing table (with chair), two wardrobes (with hangers and drawers), electronic safe (in the closet), HDTV (infotainment system with Internet and satellite reception, including English-language channels), IDD phone, minibar/refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, and complimentary bottled water (replenished daily). En-suite bathrooms include WC-toilet, washbasin, anti-fog mirror, glass-enclosed shower, hairdryer, and premium bath products (bathrobes and slippers provided upon request). Additional amenities include 110–220V power outlets, USB charging ports, individually controlled air-conditioning, and twice-daily housekeeping service.

The ship has 2 Explorer Suites (category ES), located forward (at the bow) on the Upper Deck. Each suite measures 735 ft² (68 m², including the terrace) and features a large step-out balcony (full veranda with live plants and premium outdoor furniture—2 sunbeds, 2 armchairs, and 2 low tables), a separate lounge (HDTV, 3-seat sofa, 2 armchairs, low table, vanity desk with chair, and direct access to the veranda), a separate bedroom (twin beds convertible to a queen-size double, HDTV, 3 wardrobes), and a spacious bathroom (separate WC, double-sink vanity, and glass-enclosed shower with whirlpool bathtub).

All remaining cabins are of equal size (305 ft² / 28 m²) and also feature French balconies. The ship includes 12 Veranda Staterooms (category A), which, in addition to the French Balcony, also have a small step-out balcony. These are located forward on Deck 3 (Upper Deck). The rest are standard French Balcony Staterooms (categories B and C), located forward on Deck 1 (Main Deck) and Deck 2 (Middle Deck).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking Saigon’s public areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows and include the Mekong Restaurant (full-capacity dining room with adjacent galley and storage), Viking Lounge & Bar (indoor, with a small aft terrace offering river views), wellness complex (Spa, Fitness Center, massage rooms, gym), Library, Coffee Station (24-hour complimentary), Lobby Hall (Reception), and a Shop (traditional handmade gifts and souvenirs).

The Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge) is located forward on Deck 2 and is not accessible to passengers. The Sun Deck (Deck 3) includes indoor Spa and Fitness facilities (midship), the Shop, and an aft sundeck area with Sky Bar (open-air), Infinity Pool, and a roof-covered seating area furnished with premium outdoor furniture (tables and padded loungers).

One elevator (midship passenger lift) and a Grand Staircase connect all decks and form part of the ship’s 3-deck-high Atrium (open-floor design).

Viking Saigon cruise fares are inclusive of Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage), all Vietnam and Cambodia excursions, flight and coach transfers, live evening entertainment, daily lectures, food tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, and replenished bottled water. Also included are concierge room service and onboard laundry and tailoring services. Medical services (doctor on call) are available at an extra charge.

Viking Saigon cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. These are indicative rates and may vary depending on promotions, special offers, group bookings, or last-minute deals. On selected itineraries, discounted roundtrip airfare from the USA may also be available.

Viking Cruises Mekong River Itineraries (MAGNIFICENT MEKONG)

On the Mekong River, Viking Cruises operates Viking Mekong (2002-built) and Viking Saigon (2021-built newbuild) on the “MAGNIFICENT MEKONG” cruisetour itinerary between Hanoi (Vietnam’s capital) and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

“MAGNIFICENT MEKONG” is a 15-day itinerary (Hanoi to Saigon or reverse), visiting Vietnam and Cambodia and including 16 complimentary guided land tours.

The package includes a 2-night luxury hotel stay in Hanoi (with museum visits and a scenic electric car ride), a flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap (3-night hotel stay), and bus travel to Angkor Wat (temples, Angkor Thom, local craft workshops), followed by transfer through the countryside to board the ship in Kampong Cham Cambodia.

Highlights include excursions to Twin Holy Mountains, Kampong Cham (orphanage visit, Udon Monastery), Phnom Penh (overnight stay, cyclo tour, Killing Fields/Choeung Ek site), border crossing into Vietnam (Tan Chau overnight), rickshaw ride, boat trip to Vinh Hoa Island (Evergreen Island), visit to Sa Dec (sampan cruise), Cai Be floating market, and disembarkation at My Tho with transfer to Saigon (2-night hotel stay).

Prices start from GBP 4,650 per person (~USD 5,950 / ~EUR 5,100), with discounted airfare from USD 1,200 per person (when booked through Viking).

Next is the Viking Cruises Mekong itinerary map.

Optional packages include a 3-night Bangkok Thailand hotel stay. Departures from Saigon may also include 2-night hotel stays in Saigon and Hanoi, or a 2-night Halong Bay Vietnam extension.

Note: You can see CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.