Everything You Need to Know Before Taking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh

We have all come across the stunning landscapes of Mekong River dotted with a number of Cambodian cities in our bucket list. Well, if you find yourself in the magnificient city of Phnom Penh, then one of the things that should definitely be a part of your itinerary is taking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise. From where you can witness the beautiful view of the Mekong Delta riverside from a luxury wooden boat.

Whether it’s the end of a long day after exploring the various tourist destinations conveniently located in and near Phnom Penh or merely for relaxation purposes, this cruise will give you a respite amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an ideal way to end your day in Phnom Penh and create a feeling of having explored something unique that shouldn’t be missed. It’s also a great bonding experience with family, friends and colleagues.

In this guide we will walk through the details of taking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh and what arrangements you need to make beforehand. So, without further ado, let’s begin our journey and unveil the whole process.

Where To Find Mekong River Sunset Cruises In Phnom Penh

The main point of attraction for all cruise tours from Phnom Penh is the docking station at Bassac Center, situated on the banks of Mekong River. The Boat Station is open during daylight hours and offers a varied selection of river cruises, dining and nightlife experiences. Tours are operated by various private providers, who have their own boat parking and gateways for accessing the river.

The most popular provider is Heritage Line Cruises, which operates daily departures from Bassac Centre from 4PM-6PM. Other providers, such as AsiaTourAdvisor, offer similar services in smaller boats, with different durations and pricing options. We recommend booking your river cruise at least 24 hours in advance to secure your experience.

What To Expect From The Mekong River Cruise

The Mekong River Cruise provides an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors to Phnom Penh. The approximate duration of the tour is 2 hours, with the boat departing around 4PM, offering a magnificent view of the riverbanks and surrounding rural areas. You can either book a private boat or join a group boat tour depending on your needs.

The tour starts with a welcome drink while admiring the city skyline as the boat sails along the river. All boats are equipped with comfortable sun loungers to enjoy the view. Snacks, drinks and refreshing beverages will be served throughout the cruise. The perfect way to end your day!

During the tour, you will have plenty of time to take pictures, chat with other passengers and simply relax as you watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon. The crew will point out interesting landmarks as they pass while giving you detailed information about the city and its history.

The tour also offers an alfresco dining option with delicious buffet and à la carte menu items available on board. You can choose from a variety of dishes including Khmer Specialities, Soups, Salads and Desserts. You can also sample some local delicacies such as Mohinga, a traditional Burmese rice noodle dish or Luak Bao, sticky rice served with coconut cream, which makes for an interesting twist on local cuisine.

What Is The Cost Of Taking The Mekong River Sunset Cruise In Phnom Penh?

The cost for taking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh varies depending on the type of cruise you choose and how many people are in your party. Prices start at US$25 per person for a shared boat, while private boats start at US$200 (for up to 8 people). Prices include drinks, snacks and round trip transportation between the cruise terminal and your hotel.

For larger private parties (over 8 people), additional cost may exist depending on the size of the boat and number of passengers. If you are looking for more luxury on your cruise, some optional extras such as gourmet food platters, champagne or wine can be added at an extra cost.

It’s also important to note that most providers require full payment upon booking and may require additional documentation upon booking or boarding the cruise for security purposes.

How To Book A Mekong River Sunset Cruise In Phnom Penh?

Booking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh can be done through various online platforms such as GetYourGuide. All you need to do is search for ‘Mekong River Cruise’ on their website and select the tour you prefer based on availability, duration and cost. You will then be able to make payment securely via PayPal or Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard). Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive an email with all the necessary details including pick up location and time.

Alternatively, you can reach out to one of the many private providers operating off Bassac Centre directly if you wish to avoid paying online transaction fees. You can find details of these providers online or on social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. There are also regular promotions offered by local guides and operators around Phnom Penh that may or may not require prior booking.

Conclusion

A Sunset Cruise on Mekong River departing from Bassac Centre is an experience worth having in Phnom Penh. It’s an ideal way to end your day in style – spectacular views combined with great food and drinks – at an affordable price. Depending on your budget, you can book either a shared or private boat for groups of any size and enjoy a relaxing journey along one of Asia’s mightiest rivers at day’s end.

If you are looking for an adventurous activity to truly make your holiday experience unique – why not consider taking a Mekong River Sunset Cruise? Enjoy the beautiful views while making some new friends and try local delicacies at great prices all in one night! Click here to book your cruise today!