Emerald combines ship & shore in South-East Asia

Emerald Cruises & Tours has new Mekong journeys paired with immersive land touring across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan as part of its 2026-2027 South-East Asia and Japan river cruising season.

It has just released itineraries and prices.

There are up to 17 curated journeys, from the new 11-day Enchanting Mekong and Siem Reap cruise and tour to the enhanced 26-day Wonders of Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary.

And, to launch the packages, Emerald has some special offers:

+ Super Earlybird savings of up to $1500 per person, for those who book and pay in full 10 months before departure on 13-day cruise tours.

+ No single supplement for those booking an Emerald balcony suite (A category) on selected cruises, and pay in full 10 months before departure.

+ “Green season” offers, where travellers pay for eight days on selected 10-day cruises from July to September 2026-2027.

THE SHIP

River cruises are on Emerald Harmony, which is custom-designed to take up to 84 guests, with a high crew-to-guest ratio. Suites are spacious and there is Asian-inspired cuisine infused with regional flavours.

And it has a good pool deck.

THE ITINERARIES

A spokesperson for Emerald explains: “There are two distinctive ways to explore the Mekong River, via an eight-day river cruise for those seeking a classic experience, or a unique 10-day river cruise available during the enchanting green season.

“This green season option offers longer daytime sailing and deeper exploration into Cambodia, for guests to truly immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant landscapes and tranquil moments on board this luxurious ship.”

THE DEAL

+ Emerald Cruises prices include all meals and beverages at lunch and dinner on board Emerald Harmony, and a wide selection of excursions and cultural activities.

+ Cultural experiences include a dance performance in Siem Reap, watching sunrise over Angkor Wat, and a monk’s blessing and Buddhist temple ceremony in Cambodia.

MY PICKS

+ New for 2026-2027 is the 11 or 13-day Enchanting Mekong and Siem Reap itinerary. The sailing is between Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, and the eight or 10-day Mekong River cruise (with highlights including folk singing in My An Hung, a Lion Dance on board, local temple visits and a night tour of Phnom Penh) is complimented by three nights in Siem Reap, and from $6050 per person (based May 8, 2027, departure).

+ The classic 24-day Grand Tour of Indochina, from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Bangkok (Thailand), with time in Cambodia and Laos, on land and river. It is from $13,425 per person (based on October 21, 2026, departure).

fact file

Emerald Cruises’ 2026/2027 Mekong River Cruising & Land Tour brochure is out now. See travel agents or visit emeraldcruises.com.au