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Top Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Discover the beauty and culture of the Mekong River with our selection of top luxury cruises

Cruising along the Mekong River allows you to explore a vast distance in a condensed amount of time, that gives you more time to kick back and relax between all of the best bits. To save your seeking time, Vietnam Travel listed out the Top Luxury Mekong Cruises , which are undoubtedly the easiest and most immersive method of travel to see the majesty of this delta and its beautiful surroundings.

Mekong is the longest river in South East Asia and the seventh largest waterway in the world. Embark on a luxury journey of contrasts as you gain a deeper understanding of the complex history in this region and be charmed by the friendly locals as they go about their daily lives along this magnificent waterway. A luxury Mekong Cruise or Mekong Delta Cruise will be aboard a traditional riverboat or ship, staffed with a professional crew who are there to serve your every need and provide the highest standards of safety and professional seamanship. We hope you will feel yourself become captivated by a world filled with unique customs, cultures and history on one of these Top Luxury Cruises on Mekong River in your Asia trip.

Table of Contents

Aqua Mekong Cruise

Heritage line jayavarman cruise, heritage line jahan cruise, rv tonle pandaw cruise, rv amalotus cruise, avalon siem reap, song xanh sampan.

Aqua Cruise – One of the most luxury ships on the lower Mekong River.

A magnificent presence on the Mekong River, Aqua Mekong showcases modern architecture and interiors by renowned architect Noor Design. The Mekong river cruise ship’s 20 spacious, air-conditioned suites feature full-length windows that offer spectacular panoramas of the ever-changing Mekong scenery. Aqua Mekong also received the coveted Gold Award in the Architecture/New Build category in the 2015 Asia Hotel Design Awards.

As the Aqua Mekong charts a luxurious passage across Cambodia and Vietnam , on-board guests embark on an inspiring journey of local flavors with a dining experience crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson. The ship’s bar menu, created by renowned spirit experts and cocktail designers Proof & Co, echoes a similar locally minded philosophy.

Aqua Mekong guarantees utmost safety, comfort, and exclusivity for offshore excursions, as Aqua Expeditions owns and operates the only private fleet of launch boats on the Mekong River. The four ergonomically designed launch boats bring guests on highly personalized day trips to landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality, and craftsmanship reside.

Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia). Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel. Cruise duration: 5 days/ 4 nights, and 8 days/ 7 nights. Price range: from $2,650.

The Jayavarman Cruise named after Angkor’s most venerated king.

The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. This vessel was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, a devout Buddhist who ruled from 1181 to 1218. Thanks to its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this impressive cruise ship resembles a floating art gallery. Wherever they look, guests are reminded of the local arts and culture.

Travelling the Mekong between My Tho, the entry gate to the Mekong Delta, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. Measuring 57.8 meters/190 feet from bow to stern, Jayavarman holds 27 elegantly decorated cabins.

With three-and-a-half decks, Jayavarman is as spacious as it is beautiful. Guests can admire Khmer artifacts in the Henry Mouhot Lounge, mingle in the Club 1930 Bar, dine in the elegant Indochine Dining Hall, and recharge with spa treatments in the Apsara Spa. A Jacuzzi pool is located on the top sun deck, which offers spectacular views of the passing delta.

Offering exceptional service, comfort and style, Jayavarman is a name to remember. This beautiful vessel is an unforgettable means of exploring some of the finest scenery in Asia. Life on the Jayavarman is one luxurious experience after another. Allow the cruise to paint – in your mind’s eye – the picture of romance, majesty and mystery that becomes you when you board the Jayavarman. At every corner, every river bend aboard this luxurious and majestic ship, new sights and new experiences are ready and waiting to be found.

Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia). Cruise duration: 4 to 8 days. 1. The Lost Civilization | Saigon – Siem Reap or vice versa | (8 Days – 7 Nights). 2. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (5 Days – 4 Nights). 3. Serenity Cruise | Siem Reap to Phnom Penh only | (4 Days – 3 Nights). 4. Pearl Of The Orient | Saigon – Phnom Penh or vice versa | (4 Days – 3 Nights). Price range: from $405.

The Jahan is Heritage Line’s most romantic cruise liner on Mekong.

Plying the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, The Jahan is Heritage Line’s most romantic cruise liner. Considered the brother of The Jayavarman in Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships, this magnificent vessel was named after the Indian emperor Shah Jahan , who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658.

A great patron of architecture and the arts, Shah Jahan oversaw the construction of many legendary sites, including India’s dazzling Red Fort, and the famed 777 gardens of Kashmir. This cultured monarch is a fitting namesake for The Jahan, which evokes the opulent vessels of British India. No expense has been spared in the interior or exterior decorations, which showcase the talents of local woodworkers, weavers and artists.

With three decks, this vessel offers all the amenities of a fine resort, including comfortable in- and outdoor lounges, an outdoor bar, a small boutique, dining room, fitness equipment and a steam room, as well as an excellent spa.

Stretching 70 meters/230 feet from bow to stern, The Jahan features 26 beautifully designed cabins on two decks, each with its own private balcony. Discover the bygone elegance of travel aboard the majestic Jahan. Just as Indian art and architecture influenced the Khmer and Cham cultures in the Mekong Delta, the stunning artistry of The Jahan will inspire you, as will the delta’s vibrant beauty.

Life aboard the Jahan will read much like a royal tale. As the rays of the morning sun glide across the balcony to your well-appointed room, you will be gently rustled from your slumber. It feels like you were taken back to a time when royals slept in whimsical abodes and awoke by the glow of the balmy sun – the mysteries of the day are yet to unfold.

Modelled on Pandaw II and originally called Pandaw III, the Tonle saw a year’s service in Burma in March 2002 before being sent under tug-tow to the Mekong where she has done continuous service between Saigon and Kampong Cham ever since. With her gorgeous upper deck saloon, observation decks and formal dining room this ship is an old favorite and has a rich ambience. In 2013, she was fully refitted and the number of cabins reduced to just twenty-eight in order to create a professional spa and library on the lower deck. She is not a small ship but despite her size, she has a shallow draft and can usually get up river into low water areas when other vessels are stuck well below. Additionally, the ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.

RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise passes from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. With a full day in charming Phnom Penh, guests then explore remoter waterways as we progress to the great monuments of Angkor.

Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), and Siem Reap (Cambodia). Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights. Price range: from $592.

Experience a land of unimaginable beauty in style and luxury. Newly refurbished for July 2016, the RV AmaLotus is one of the most luxurious river ships cruising on the Mekong River. With a large amount of space per guest, the RV AmaLotus allows you to make the most of its facilities. While its intimate size ensures you’ll enjoy a personalised experience. Your onboard accommodation on the RV AmaLotus provides uncompromising comfort, quality design and the amenities of a fine hotel. No matter which category of suite of the 54 cabins you choose, you’re sure to delight in your luxury five-star retreat as you cruise the Mekong.

Harking from the villages and towns you visit, local performers share their beloved customs and culture, offering a unique insight into the traditional way of life along the Mekong River. Aboard the RV AmaMekong experience an intimate discovery of Vietnam and Cambodia that goes beyond the tourist trail. Each day you’ll wake to new adventures and experiences that go beyond the tourist trail and are sure to become unforgettable memories.

Ports of Embarkation: My Tho (Vietnam), and Siem Reap (Cambodia). Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights. Price range: from $1,320.

A journey with Avalon Waterways along the mighty Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of fascinating cultures, ancient architectural wonders, and beautiful riverscapes and landscapes. And because bigger isn’t always better, the cruise focuses on intimate experiences with exceptional personalized service on the incredible Suite Ships. Carrying a maximum of 36 guests, the cruise brings you closer to the must-see sights and mesmerizing scenes of everyday life along the river. The all-suite Avalon Siem Reap was specifically designed to offer the best river cruise experience on the Mekong River.

The ship has been meticulously crafted to offer all the modern features you expect, yet it retains the colonial charm fitting to Vietnam and Cambodia. While the number of guests on the ship may be small, the ship isn’t. Built as long and wide as other ships that carry twice as many guests, the public spaces never feel congested.

From the air-conditioned Panorama Lounge to the open-air observation lounge, there is plenty of seating and spots to relax. Plus, its lounges are located at the front of the ship, not the back, so no matter where you sit you’ll always have a great view.

The crew embodies the spirit of you first, no matter what. From the reception staff and bartender to wait staff and room attendant, they always deliver exquisite service that’s comfortable and friendly, never stuffy! With Avalon, the ship becomes your home away from home.

Additionally, she is one of only two ships in the industry, along with her sister ship the Avalon Saigon, cruising from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or vice versa). eliminating hours of motor-coach travel time, which means you enjoy more cruising along the Mekong River! An expert Cruise/Tour Director and carefully selected Certified Local Guides accompany you throughout your adventure, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Ports of Embarkation: Saigon (Vietnam), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Cruise duration: 8 days/ 7 nights. Price range: from $1,320.

Song Xanh Sampan, Mekong River.

Luxury comes in many forms, not simply a level of comfort but also the personal touches and attention to details that make the difference between being simply a client of a business, or a guest amongst friends. Song Xanh Sampan , a unique authentic private sampan, are designed for travelers who are looking for private cruise experiences in the Mekong Delta.

Five very unique and authentic sampans (2-3 cabins) are fully equipped with beautiful bamboo and rattan furniture to create a very charming atmosphere. Operated as private charter cruises for individuals, couples and families with children , each sampan will carry a charming rowing boat, nicely designed for a deep exploration of the delta through numerous small canals and arroyos along the journey.

Experience a different side of the Mekong Delta with an overnight cruise, allowing you to awaken with the sun as village life begins to stir. Travel low and slow aboard the completely private and stylishly comfortable Song Xanh Sampan through this most peaceful of settings made up of emerald green rice paddies, colorful fishing boats, and life lived on the riverbanks much like in decades past. Additional highlights include a candlelit dinner in a century-old home and cruising among the colorful barges and boats of the famed Cai Rang Floating Market .

Piers of Embarkation: Cai Be (Vietnam), Can Tho (Vietnam) and Rach Gia (Vietnam). Cruise duration: 2 days/ 1 night, and 3 days/ 2 nights. Price range: from $325.

Now you may have an imagination of each luxury cruise in your mind. Ask our dedicated travel consultants for further information and book a Mekong’s luxury river cruise with confidence with Vietnam Travel . We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to, come and enjoy a luxury Mekong river cruise to remember.

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MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Unforgettable expeditions along asia’s most legendary river.

A voyage into a fabled past

Culture and civilisations have flourished around great rivers throughout history and the Mekong is no exception.

While sailing on board the Aqua Mekong luxury cruise, discover rich heritage and traditions enriched by 2,000 years of human history. From the flourishing of the Khmer empire to the prominence of Theravada Buddhism in present-day Cambodia and Vietnam, this is one of the few cultural destinations on Earth that’s best explored through a river expedition. Embarking on expert-led excursions: kayak to floating villages, discover historic Buddhist temples, and cycle along picturesque ricefields to explore monuments from the Khmer Empire.

The luxurious Aqua Mekong river boat cruise charts a path through the picturesque lower Mekong basin with expert guides on board. Follow in the footsteps of royalty aboard our award-winning vessel where a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and luxuriously designed cabins will give you a home away from home. Aqua Mekong luxury cruise provides a truly immersive and personalized experience in this culture-rich landscape. With year-round itineraries departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, this is the only luxury Mekong river cruise that provides complimentary flight extensions to Siem Reap during the low water season.

Great cruise for

Trip highlights and excursions

Best time to visit the Mekong

• High Water Season The high water season in Cambodia and Vietnam lasts from Mid-August to November. This refers to the time when the Mekong’s water levels rise courtesy of increased flows from the Tibetan highlands and China. READ MORE
• Low Water Season The eight-month low water season from December through to mid-August sees a lower water level in the Mekong and reduced flows. This period offers an opportunity to see a quieter side of local life on the Tonle Sap. READ MORE
• Weather & Climate Temperatures in Cambodia and Vietnam generally fluctuate between 26°C (78°F) and 32°C (86°F). READ MORE

Getting there

Explore aqua mekong.

Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the Aqua Mekong showcases award-winning modern design with comprehensive amenities such as a spa, gym, and river-facing plunge pool.

Choose your itinerary

Aqua Mekong offers guests the opportunity to embark on the finest river ship experience in Cambodia and Vietnam, with the choice of the following itineraries.

What our guests say

Luxury River Cruises in Mekong

• Choose from 10 Mekong tours
• 4 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best Luxury river cruises in Mekong

Compiled by

Nina Mekong travel expert at TourRadar

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi & Ha Long Bay (Southbound) 2023

10 day luxury upper mekong journey through laos, fascinating vietnam, cambodia & the mekong river with hanoi & ha long bay (northbound) 2023, fascinating vietnam, cambodia & the mekong river (northbound) 2023, luxury mekong 2024-2025|2025-2026 - 8 days (from ho chi minh city to siem reap), fascinating vietnam, cambodia & the mekong river with bangkok (northbound) 2023, the heart of cambodia & vietnam (northbound) 2023, mekong discovery (southbound) 2024, temple discovery and luxury mekong cruise, vietnam and cambodia discovery hanoi → siem reap (2024).

• River Cruise

• Christmas & New Year
• Dine on a deserted island
• Visit a local chopstick factory
• Explore the Laotian upper Mekong

• Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels' hidden depths
• Experience royal history in Phnom Penh
• Tour the majestic temples of Angkor

• Sail the Mekong on the Scenic Spirit cruise
• Enjoy themed dinners and cultural performances
• Start with a luxury transfer to Caravelle Hotel

• Cruise the Mekong and sample local crafts
• Tour Angkor's temples by tuk-tuk or bike
• Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels' secrets

• Cruise the Mekong to Phnom Penh
• Discover Angkor's ancient temples
• Explore historic Ho Chi Minh City

• Ride an ox-cart through Cambodian countryside
• Discover local crafts and Mekong's backwaters
• Explore ancient Wat Hanchey and get blessed

“Fantastic! we enjoyed it a lit.”

• Cruise the Mekong on the luxurious Scenic Spirit
• Enjoy a champagne breakfast near Angkor Wat
• Explore Angkor Wat and its ancient beauty

“Our voyage on Scenic Spirit exceeded our expectations. It was an amazing experience!”

• Coach / Bus
• Cruise the Mekong and visit local workshops
• Sail through Ha Long Bay's limestone islets
• Explore Hanoi with a guided city tour

More Luxury Tours in Mekong

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• Mekong River Cruises

Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Luxury Mekong cruises are undoubtedly the easiest and most immersive method of travel to see the majesty of the Mekong River and its beautiful surroundings. Cruising allows you to cover a vast distance in a condensed amount of time, which gives you more time to kick back and relax between all of the best bits. You can spend your time in grand cabins and lavish lounge areas, only disembarking when there is a new unmissable excursion to take part in.

Every luxury Mekong river cruise in Vietnam , Cambodia and Laos has their own special features and unique selling points. Whether its colossal open-plan suites, spectacular hands-on service, spa-like rainfall showers or tranquil bathtubs you are looking for, we are here to provide you with the all the expert advice you need to make your VIP vacation nothing less than five-star. From Mekong Delta luxury cruises to upper class Upper Mekong voyages , discover the ultimate in Mekong river cruise luxury with Rainforest Cruises.

Mekong Princess

Aqua Mekong

Mekong Navigator

Indochine II

Indochine I

DEAL FLASH: 2 For 1 On Luxury 4-Day Amazon River Cruise Thanksgiving Departure

Luxury Mekong Cruises

The Luxury Mekong Cruises Collection: Best Value & Best Price Guarantee

• RV Mekong Princess Cruise
• Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise
• Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise
• RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
• Mekong Prestige Cruise
• RV Bassac Pandaw Cruise
• RV La Marguerite Cruise
• RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise
• Aqua Mekong Cruise
• RV Champa Pandaw Cruise
• RV Laos Pandaw Cruise
• RV Mekong Adventurer Cruise
• RV Indochina Pandaw Cruise
• Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise
• Victoria Mekong Cruise
• RV Mekong Navigator Cruise
• Mekong Eyes Explorer Cruise
• Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise
• Dragon Eyes Cruise
• Bassac Cruise
• Toum Tiou Cruise
• Mango Sampan Cruise
• Gecko Eyes Cruise
• Hoa An Village
• Binh Thanh Island
• Con Phuoc Island
• Cu Lao Gieng
• Con Dao Island
• Kampong Cham
• Kampong Chhnang
• OBT Chiro Village
• Kampong Tralach
• Tonle River
• Koh Oknha Tey
• Wat Nokor Bachey
• Wat Hanchey
• Luang Prabang
• Kuang Si Falls
• Pak Ou Caves
• Ban Mouang Khai Village
• Ban Houayxay
• Khamo Village
• Ban Park Bor Village
• Xayaburi Dam

All 17 Luxury Mekong Cruises Recommended For You

Luxury Mekong river cruises are most wanted for an unforgettable holiday. Thank to its state-of-the-art facilities, conveniences, diverse architectures and a professional style in services, luxury Mekong river cruises are the best choice for the ones who want to experience a splendid atmosphere in the perfect blending of witnessing the most pleasant sights of nature and people along the two banks of the mighty Mekong River. Get on these cruises, you will totally forget about uneasy things in your daily, live a whole new one which only includes joy and happiness.

Mekong Cruise Expert

RV Mekong Princess Cruise, a beautiful french boutique river cruise launched in 2015 in Saigon, is proudly the only Mekong River vessel to depart from the central city of Saigon Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The entire ship is truly a masterpiece of art by the stunning elegance of french - colonial style and opulent design from public areas to private space. With only 14 luxurious suites divided into 4 categories, RV Mekong Princess Cruise offers incredible stays for every passenger by comfy bed, lavish interiors, en-suite...

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Phnom penh - saigon, saigon - siem reap, saigon - phnom penh, siem reap - saigon.

Rosie Nguyen

Being the baby brother of the renowned Jayavarman Cruise, Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise is another captivating story-teller from Heritage Line Cruise Fleet that creates unforgettable 5-star journeys in lower Mekong Delta. Named after the 16th century Indian emperor, The Jahan is a new flagship river cruise with elegant beauty evoking the glory of former British-India's art. Offering the same itineraries as its brother, The Jahan Cruise blends the exotic charm of romantic style and...

Downstream Siem Reap - Saigon

Upstream saigon - siem reap, upstream saigon - phnom penh.

Proudly named after the most venerable Cambodia emperor, King Jayavarman VII, Jayavarman is the first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner from Heritage Line's unique ship collection that offers the leisurely luxurious voyage along the captivating lower Mekong River. The ship is meticulously designed in elegant Indochine architecture, along with delicate ornaments as well as impressive wooden & stone artifacts, which makes the entire cruise a true floating art gallery. Jayavarman Cruise has 4 spacious desks...

Downstream Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Downstream phnom penh - saigon, upstream phnom penh - siem reap.

Being a member of Pandaw Cruise Fleet, RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise impresses everyone by its big shape & spacious deck plan. The ship features simple & classic outfit with metal and wooden components, wide promenades, a large dining hall and more public space as well. Offering 22 staterooms with comfortable bed & mattress, decent separate bathroom and other amenities, RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise brings friendly and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home. From various Mekong itineraries available, RV Mekong Pandaw...

Upstream Cruising Saigon - Siem Reap

Downstream cruising siem reap - saigon, upstream cruising phnom penh - siem reap, downstream cruising siem reap - phnom penh, downstream cruising phnom penh - saigon, upstream cruising saigon - phnom penh.

Built in Saigon in 2014, the R/V Mekong Prestige II Cruise is proudly one of the most favorite luxurious river cruise liners on the lower Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. Being a state-of-the art spacious vessel, R/V Mekong Prestige II boasts about elegant beauty that is the combination of imposing design and French-Indochine Colonial style. The ship features 32 beautiful staterooms that are well-equipped with comfy bed, separate en-suite bathroom, and private Frech balcony offering splendid views toward the...

Being a member of the world-famous cruise liner Aqua Expeditions, Aqua Mekong Cruise is one of the most sought-after river cruises running in lower Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. Unlike most vessels, Aqua Mekong Cruise showcases exclusive highlights of modern architecture and stylish interior design with international level of standards. The ship proudly offers the most spacious staterooms onboard with 20 Design Suites ranging from 30 up to 60 sqm for interconneting suites. All rooms are well-furnished with...

Phnom Penh - Sai Gon

Siem reap - phnom penh.

As the sister of the RV Laos Pandaw Cruise, RV Champa Pandaw Cruise began its incedible journey on the Upper Mekong from September 2016. During 11 days starting from Vientiane then cruising along the mighty Mekong River to Chiang Saen or vice versa with the ship, passengers can get the chance to deeply immerse in the exotic charm here from stunning natural landscape, idyllic tribal villages, to renowned cultural heritages, savoury culinary art, and a lot of other captivating activities en route. Accommodating 14 staterooms including...

Chiang Saen to Vientiane

Vientiane to chiang saen.

RV Laos Pandaw is another sister of RV Champa Pandaw Cruise that offers one-of-a-kind Mekong expedition in the once notorious Golden Triangle for any travel buff. The vessel used to be a large 40-meter barge and was refurbished into a luxurious cruise with 10 beautiful main deck staterooms including comfortable bed & mattress, decent separate bathroom and other modern amenities. RV Laos Pandaw Cruise features simple look with the bight brown of teak wood as the main highlight, a large dinning hall, and spacious public area...

Along with the renowned sister, the R/V Mekong Prestige II, the R/V Mekong Adventurer is also one of the highly-seeked luxurious vessels cruising along the lower Mekong River between bustling Saigon in Vietnam and the legendary land of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Inheriting all the prominent highlights of the elder sister, R/V Mekong Adventurer features the same facilities onboard, and also boasts about the imposing elegance of lavish design and French-Indochine Colonial style. The ship consists of 32 beautiful staterooms that are...

Being a member of Pandaw Fleet in the lower Mekong as RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise, RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise impresses everyone by its big shape & spacious deck plan. The ship features simple & classic outside like its close brother: wide corridor, a large dining hall and more public space for everyone as well. Offering 26 staterooms with comfortable bed & mattress, decent separate bathroom and other amenities, RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise brings friendly and cozy atmosphere that make you feel at home. From various Mekong...

From September 2019, Pandaw Ship Collection welcomed a new member crusing in lower Mekong River,  RV Indochina Pandaw Cruise, which focuses on 4-day short trip between Vietnam's biggest city Saigon and Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh. As the name implies, RV Indochina Pandaw Cruise shows the most mesmerizing Indochine highlights to all those who spent their time experiencing ferrtile & rustic Mekong Delta with the beautiful vessel. Offering 30 staterooms onboard which are well-equipped...

Anouvong Cruise, one of the pioneering vessels that offers leisure cruising along upper Mekong River in Laos, is the first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner from Heritage Line unique ship collection in the sleepy land-locked country. Offering ten staterooms only, along with finest interior, exclusive art design, private balcony and en-suite separate bathroom in each room, Anouvong focuses on the utmost comfort as well as privacy for passengers during the entire itinerary. Aiming to bring the utmost luxury as well as...

Upstream Golden Triangle Traverse

Downstream golden triangle traverse, upstream laotian serendipity, downstream laotian serendipity.

Joining Mekong cruise liners since late 2019, Victoria Mekong Cruise has become an ideal altenative for those who are seeking something unique and different from the common Mekong River routes. Offering overnight journeys between Phnom Penh and Saigon, Victoria Mekong Cruise explores less-touristy areas and lets passengers enjoy slow-pace vibe and scenic riverscapes of Mekong Delta in a peaceful setting. Also, as one of the region's newest ships, Victoria Mekong Cruise features stylish design and delivers the utmost...

Upstream Can Tho - Phnom Penh

Downstream phnom penh - can tho, upstream tour saigon - siem reap.

Beautifully redesigned from the original 1930s P-class ship of the Pandaw fleet and hand-finished in teak and brass by local craftsmen, the RV BassacPandaw is a stand-out luxury Mekong River cruise ship traveling between the Delta of Vietnam and the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh capital. The vessel was built in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and launched in 2012 with 4 decks and 30 identical cabins (sized 16 m2 / 170 ft2). She is a good looker with a traditional style and a colonial era charm. If you fancy old-world beauty and a cozy onboard...

Being a member of the renowned Lotus Cruises Fleet, Mekong Navigator Cruise is outstanding for the charming and nostalgic sophistication of a bygone era. Besides luxurious modern amenities like a floating hotel with an atmospheric dining room, extensive sun deck, lounge bar, library, internet center, and spa, the cruise ship houses an excellent selection of 34 indulgent suites, which offer meticulous attention to every detail and the needs of guests. Hop on the Mekong Navigator, and you’ll embark on a journey of truly authentic experiences...

Upstream Saigon - Siem Reap 8 Days

All mekong river cruise categories.

Best Mekong Cruises

Cruising on Mekong River is getting more and more popular with extravagant ship. Each of Mekong cruises has its outstanding such as: onboard accommodations, heated pool, entertainment, privacy, ship interesting itineraries and so on...

Newest Mekong Cruises

Mekong river cruise with newest boats: You like something new and different in your Mekong cruise trip, let's choose a new cruise ship to cater your holiday. The reason for this is that a new cruise will be furnished with the most modern & comfortable amenities as well as facilities...

Luxury Mekong river cruises are most wanted for an unforgettable holiday. Thank to its state-of-the-art facilities, conveniences, diverse architectures and a professional style in services, luxury Mekong river cruises are the best choice for the ones who want to experience a splendid atmosphere...

Deluxe Mekong Cruises

We would like to introduce to you one of our most proud products in series of Mekong river cruises travelling through the great Mekong route. Deluxe Mekong river cruises are such a potential cruise that can ensure to give you both brilliant experience of a international standard cruises and a joyful itinerary...

Private Mekong Cruises

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A Luxury River Cruise Down the Mekong Is the Best Way to See Laos

The Mekong River is the lifeline of Southeast Asia, and the best way to explore it is via a traditional teak boat that sails through the bewitching landscapes of Laos.

Simon Willis is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. For the magazine he has crisscrossed Europe, Asia and Latin America. Particularly drawn to remote places, he has filed features from Patagonia, Laos and the Southern Ocean among other destinations.

As dusk fell over the Mekong, the crew of the Gypsy prepared dinner on the riverbank. Sue Yang, our guide, heaped together a driftwood fire on the foreshore, splashed it with gasoline from a small bottle, and threw on a match. Meanwhile, Singkham Soudachan, the boat captain, emerged from the forest carrying lengths of bamboo. Squatting on his haunches, he transformed them into skewers. When the flames died down and the wood was white-hot, we were ready to cook.

I was three days into a four-day river journey with my wife, Charlie; Chris Wise, a photographer; and the seven-strong crew of our vessel, a 135-foot teak longboat that plies the river between Luang Prabang, in the heart of northern Laos, and Huay Xai, on the country's western border with Thailand. The Gypsy, which carries a maximum of four passengers in two handsomely appointed cabins, is one of the only upscale ways to travel through Laos via the Mekong. With dark polished decks, a reed roof, and walls hung with artfully distressed maps and sepia photographs of people in traditional attire, the vessel wraps passengers in a fantasy of travel in the slow lane .

From Luang Prabang, our route had taken us northeast until the Mekong curled back on itself and headed west toward Thailand, meandering beneath mountains thick with teak and tamarind trees. Each evening we moored up at a beach where our small group could swim before dinner while the crew brought out director's chairs, wooden tables, and an array of bottles to make martinis and negronis on the sand.

But this was a journey through the depths of rural Laos, a chance to see the village life that flourishes in bamboo houses along the river. So it felt only fitting that at the end of our last day the bottles of gin and Campari were put away in favor of the local rice whiskey , Lao Lao, which we had seen being distilled in plastic barrels in a village downriver; that the folding chairs with their brass hinges were replaced by logs around the fire; and that the decorous formality of hotel service was supplanted by an easy conviviality. The mechanic had emerged from the engine room, and the first mate had come down from the bridge. It was a night off and everyone was gathered on the beach together.

All week the boat's chef, Thanvarath Sayasomroth, who goes by Tee, had produced delicate dishes from his kitchen at the back of the vessel: papaya salad served on banana flowers; a stew called or lam, aromatic with dill and a woody root called sakan. On this night, he emerged carrying a tray of buffalo steaks for the barbecue. While they sizzled over the flames, Sue prepared some local snacks. That afternoon, at a village market, he had bought buffalo skins, a delicacy that comes in long strips bundled together with an elastic band. He threw one of the skins onto the fire and cooked it until it was charred, then pulled it out with a pair of tongs and chipped away the blackened exterior to reveal the crunchy, toasted core.

The feeling of being in a time warp begins the moment you step off the plane in Luang Prabang.

With our boat secured to the shore by a metal stake and insect noises emanating from the forest behind us, the modern world felt far away. The nostalgic mood was interrupted only by Tee's playlist. Scrolling through his phone, he lamented the fact that his favorite singers, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, had never come to perform in his homeland. "It is my dream to see them live!" he said. When the buffalo was ready, we began our meal, just as Britney's "I'm a Slave 4 U" echoed down the valley.

The feeling of being in a time warp begins the moment you step off the plane in Luang Prabang, where we had boarded the boat three days earlier. Once a royal capital and now Laos's most-visited city, Luang Prabang is laid out on a long peninsula that juts into the Mekong. Its serenity and geography led the British travel writer Norman Lewis to liken it, in the 1950s, to "a small, somnolent, sanctified Manhattan Island." Today, although its outskirts have spread and the traffic on its thoroughfares has increased, its center remains a sleepy warren of tree-shaded lanes, low houses, and old monasteries that is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site .

A wondrous glimpse into Luang Prabang, Laos.

One sunny afternoon, I rented a bicycle and headed down Khem Kong, the waterfront street that runs behind the Royal Palace—home to the kings of Laos until 1975, when the monarchy was overthrown by Communists. The lavish scale of the building, which has ornate golden doors and a roof decorated with nagas, or mythical Mekong serpents, makes it an oddity in Luang Prabang. This is a city that prizes modesty over magnificence. "Compared to the other World Heritage sites, there is little of grandeur in Luang Prabang," Francis Engelmann, an avuncular Frenchman who came to the city to work with UNESCO in 2002, told me. "In Laos, three small things are considered much better than one big thing."

I saw what he meant when I turned onto a lane lined with old wooden houses, beautifully restored and framed by gardens of hibiscus and frangipani. Some were traditional homes standing on stilts among the trees. Others were plastered white and had blue louvered shutters: stylistic flourishes imported by the French in the late 19th century, when they colonized the country. (Laos remained a French protectorate until 1953.)

At the end of the street I stopped at a monastery called Wat Xieng Mouane. Like all of Luang Prabang's monasteries, it is small and approachable, with a diminutive central temple surrounded by ever smaller chapels. An old man was sitting on the steps with his three pet cats, who were nuzzling their faces against his legs. Nearby a boy sat in the shade of an Indian cork tree while a monk swept white flowers from the sidewalk. If it wasn't for the fact that the boy was playing a game on his phone, the scene could have taken place a century ago.

The following morning, before boarding the boat and heading upriver, we walked back to the monastery through the morning market. It was still dark, and the vendors were lighting their fires, their figures silhouetted against the flames as they butchered meat and laid out vegetables. We were on our way to observe one of the city's oldest rituals. For centuries, the monks have walked through the streets each morning to gather the donated food they live on. As dawn broke and the cockerels began crowing in the yards, the monks, many of them novices still in their teens, emerged from the monastery in their orange robes. They quietly passed the people lining the roadside, opening the lids of their baskets to collect small handfuls of sticky rice. A little blond dog accompanied them, sniffing for scraps.

A few hours later we settled into the deep rattan sofas in the Gypsy 's open-sided lounge between the two cabins. Chris, the photographer, had bought bags of street food from the market—sticky rice, miniature mushroom omelettes, and pork patties with chiles, garlic, and dill. As we ate an early lunch, the last traces of the city disappeared and the baskets of orchids suspended from the roof swung in the breeze.

Soon we began to see villages nestled among the stands of bamboo on the hillsides. Below them, near the waterline, were neat rows of crops—peanuts, long beans, corn—growing in the fertile soil left as the river receded in the dry season. The timelessness of the scene was deceptive. In recent years the flow of the Mekong has begun to shift. This is partly due to climate change: we were in the middle of the dry season, and because of a weak monsoon the river was low, even by the standards of the rainless months.

But there is another force at play, too. The water's path through Laos is governed by dams in southern China, and in dry periods the Chinese have been known to close those dams to protect their supply, effectively turning off the tap to their southern neighbor. Now the government of Laos, with the aid of Chinese investment, is hoping to convert the Mekong into a giant hydroelectric resource. There is already a dam south of Luang Prabang, and others are planned along the stretch we were traveling. This would transform the Mekong into a series of lakes and could, in places, elevate the water level by as much as 50 yards. If the dams are built, the people in the bankside villages will be moved out to make way for the rising tides.

We headed toward our first stop, passing concrete pylons across the river—built for the high-speed rail line from China that is scheduled to open in 2021. After a few hours we pulled over to see one of Laos's most curious historic monuments. The Pak Ou caves form dark slashes in a series of high cliffs that erupt out of the waterway. We took a narrow speedboat from the Gypsy to the foot of the white staircase that climbs up to the caves. After passing the white stone lions that guard the entrance, we had to adjust our eyes to the darkness inside. In the recesses of the caves stood 4,000 golden statues of the Buddha below a towering golden stupa.

They were moved to this spot in a hurry in 1887, as a group of Chinese bandits called the Black Flag Army headed toward the city intent on pillaging its famous riches. To protect the Buddhas, the monks brought them from the monasteries to this niche high above the river. These relics of the country's violent past bear the scars of their chaotic evacuation: among their golden ranks, dusty and covered with cobwebs, are several statues that are missing arms and heads.

Our four-day journey quickly sank into an easy rhythm. After cruising in the morning, when the most pressing question was which surface looked most comfortable to lie on, we would moor up around lunchtime and step ashore to visit a village. Later, in early evening, we would stop again for drinks and dinner. If you had had enough of sunbathing on the front deck and were feeling resilient, you could ask Khampuvhan Philavan, the housekeeper, to give you a massage, an intense but exhilarating exercise in bending, pulling, and pummeling.

One sunny morning, while we were eating a breakfast of melon and dragon fruit around the Gypsy 's large circular dining table, a man paddled from the beach to the boat with a catfish dangling from a line. The Mekong is spotted with fish traps, their locations marked by plastic bottles floating on the surface. The catfish had sharp fins on its flanks and back, and long whiskers hanging from its mouth. The captain, spying the man from the front deck, didn't hesitate. He jumped down into the water, cash in hand, and bought the haul for his supper. "Very tasty!" he said as he clambered back on board.

After breakfast we walked up the beach to the fisherman's village, one of the scheduled stops on our itinerary. It was home to a mixture of Khmu and Lao people, two of the country's 49 ethnicities. (Laos is a country where minorities make up the majority.) On the dirt lane between the stilt houses, chickens, ducks, and geese pecked and waddled, and little black pigs lazed in the morning sun. A man sitting on an upturned pink bucket was getting a haircut outside his front door.

With us was Bountai Manyvong, who, like Sue, was a server on the boat and a guide off it. Bountai grew up in a village much like this one, and, like many boys in Laos, was sent to a monastery in Luang Prabang when he was 10 years old to train to be a monk. He remained there for 12 years, receiving a better education than he would have at home. He led us to the temple, built less than a decade ago and painted in pink and gold. Its gaudy splendor was an eye-popping contrast to the simplicity of the rough-and-ready houses, but it suggested something of the promise of monastic life in the city for boys in the countryside.

We cruised farther upstream to a Khmu village, where we were invited ashore for a baci ceremony, a ritual performed all over Laos as a way of imparting good luck. We gathered in a small house, around a table decorated with a miniature stupa made of marigolds. In the corner, a boy played with his plastic trucks. The villagers enrobed Charlie in a beautiful shirt jacket made of coarse blue cotton and decorated with old French centimes. Then they enacted the ceremony, which involved tying white ribbons around our wrists, before we all drank shots of Lao Lao in turn.

Singkham is a wiry man with a gold watch, tattoos on his forearms, and a laugh thick with tar from his neatly rolled cigarettes. He has been captaining boats on the Mekong since 1977; when I visited him on the bridge one afternoon he pointed proudly to his captain's certificate on the wall. The controls in front of him were rudimentary: just a wheel and two levers to operate the rudder and the engines. Ahead of us the route was studded with shallows and jagged rocks. Navigating between them was a skill he had developed over 40 years spent scanning the surface for the dark patches that signal deep water and safe passage.

We had traveled some 90 miles from Luang Prabang when we reached the village of Pak Beng. There, on the shore, a Frenchwoman named Wendy Leggat was waiting to greet us. She runs the Mekong Elephant Park , a small sanctuary in the forest. When she arrived in 2018 the park, which was chronically underfunded, was more or less derelict. She began to rebuild it with the help of a French donor and the local mahouts, the elephant keepers who spend their entire lives living and working with these animals. Sanctuaries like these have never been more necessary. The logging industry, which is powered by elephants who drag away the severed trees, has destroyed 60 percent of the country's forest—and the elephants' habitat along with it. There are just 700 of these animals left in the country, half of them in the wild and half in captivity.

The logging industry, which is powered by elephants who drag away the severed trees, has destroyed 60 percent of the country's forest—and the elephants' habitat along with it.

Wendy led us down a forest path beside a stream. Looking up we saw a pinkish-gray ear flapping in the greenery, followed by a loud trumpet. It was one of the sanctuary's three resident female Asian elephants, who were hiding in the bushes. The mahouts called them down. The first to emerge was Mae Kham, who is 60. Because her knees were ruined by decades in the logging industry, she uses her trunk as additional support, like a cane. Next came Mae Ping, who is 19 and referred to as "the vacuum cleaner" because of her indiscriminate eating habits. Last was Mae Bounma, a 30-year-old who cannot trumpet because of a broken trunk, which she holds in her mouth as though sucking her thumb.

Logging has produced a behavioral obstacle to elephant conservation. "The loggers separate males from females because pregnant females, who cannot work, are a waste of money," Wendy explained. "The result is that they have no idea how to interact and reproduce." Female Asian elephants are only fertile for three days out of every three months, and there is no obvious way of knowing which are the right days. So Wendy takes blood from Mae Bounma and Mae Ping every week and has it analyzed to help her better understand their reproductive cycles.

In a clearing she extracted samples from the elephants' ears as the mahouts fed them bananas to keep them calm. Then the animals sauntered down to the river where they drank and swam. Mae Ping, a true water baby, waded in and splashed around while the mahouts threw buckets of water over her from the rocks—elephant bliss on a dusty afternoon in the dry season.

At a certain point, the Mekong separates Laos, on the right bank, from Thailand, on the left. The difference between the two countries was stark. In Thailand there were large warehouses, gleaming new temples, and large, ornate homes, whereas in Laos the settlements were few and the dwellings simple.

The exception came when we passed under the Friendship Bridge, which crosses the border between Laos and Thailand. On the right side, two huge glass towers were under construction. They will eventually house a Chinese hotel for visitors to the special economic zone a few miles upriver—an area of several thousand acres that the Chinese have leased from Laos and are turning into a gambling town. Its centerpiece is already there: a shiny casino topped with a golden crown.

Our cruise ended in the town of Huay Xai, where we crossed the bridge into Thailand and got a high-speed boat up the river to the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle , a collection of luxurious tents and pavilions erected high in the forest. The hotel is drenched in Bill Bensley's signature nostalgic design: the rooms are furnished with old traveling chests and copper bathtubs. We were just a couple of miles away from the casino and the cranes. But, as we strolled along the boardwalk up in the forest canopy, all of that disappeared, and we were left to look out over the grounds. There, all we could see was a dense tangle of foliage, and, beyond it, elephants flapping their ears as egrets came in to land on their backs.

How to Sail the Mekong

Getting there.

To fly to Luang Prabang from the U.S., you need to transfer through one of Asia's hubs. A number of carriers offer flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei.

Luang Prabang

Housed in a building designed to look like French-colonial barracks, the Avani+ (doubles from $150) is ideally located in the center of the city. It's close to the morning market, the Royal Palace, and many monasteries. Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560, is among the most spectacular temples in Luang Prabang—and the most popular with tourists. You'll find fewer visitors, but no less architectural splendor, at Wat Xieng Mouane. To see these monasteries and learn more about the city's history and architecture, book a walking tour with Francis Engelmann, who worked for many years with UNESCO, through About Asia .

The Gypsy (doubles from $7,000 for three nights, all-inclusive) sails from Luang Prabang to Thailand's Golden Triangle. With only two cabins, it's ideal for couples or a small family. The boat has Wi-Fi, but don't expect it to be fast. You can buy local crafts in the villages and at the Mekong Elephant Park in Pak Beng, so it's wise to bring cash.

The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (tents from $5,000 for two nights, all-inclusive) is a short speedboat ride from where the Gypsy stops. Rescued and adopted elephants roam the property. Chiang Rai, 45 minutes away by taxi, is the nearest airport.

Related Articles

Phnom Penh: Mekong River by Big Private Cruise

Phnom Penh’s riverfront offers a captivating opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. The Mekong River, a lifeline for the region, provides the perfect setting for a private cruise experience . Aboard a well-equipped vessel, passengers can enjoy the serene surroundings, taking in the stunning views of floating fishermen villages and the city’s skyline. With an intimate group size, guests can savor fusion cuisine and fine beverages while witnessing the rhythm of Cambodian life unfolding along the waterways. This exclusive tour promises a memorable journey , leaving one intrigued to discover more about the enchanting experiences waiting to be uncovered.

• Scenic cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers in Phnom Penh, providing opportunities to observe floating fishermen villages and the city skyline.
• Fusion cuisine inspired by Asian and French culinary traditions, complemented by a selection of French wines, local beers, and cocktails.
• Flexible cancellation policy allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option for booking convenience.
• Intimate experience limited to a small group of 10 participants, suitable for romantic getaways, family outings, and corporate events.
• Full passenger insurance coverage and safety protocols in place, ensuring a worry-free cruising experience.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Morning Market and Street Art Tour, Including Breakfast and All Transport
• Sunset Cruise With Unlimited Beer & Soft Drinks -English Speaking Guide on Board
• The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Tour
• Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour & Killing Field

Cruise Overview and Pricing

The Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise offers a range of pricing options, with prices starting from Kč6,492 per person for a 1- to 4-hour excursion.

Customers can take advantage of the cruise’s free cancellation policy , which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the cruise features a reserve now and pay later option, enabling customers to book their spot without an immediate payment.

The cruise is limited to a small group of 10 participants , ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience .

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a corporate event, the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise has something to offer for everyone.

Experience and Itinerary

In an article titled ‘Phnom Penh: Mekong River by Big Private Cruise’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Experience and Itinerary’.

Starting from the Himawari Hotel Apartments, the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise whisks guests on a tour along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, offering opportunities for photo stops and free time to soak up the scenic views of floating fishermen villages and the Phnom Penh skyline.

The cruise includes:

Hotel pick-up

Sunset cruise along the two famous rivers

Photo opportunities

Free time to enjoy the views

With its comprehensive itinerary, the cruise provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to witness the breathtaking sights and capture stunning photos of the scenic landscapes.

Onboard Amenities

As guests embark on the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise, they’ll find an array of onboard amenities to enhance their experience. The cruise offers a fusion cuisine inspired by both Asian and French chefs, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Plus, a selection of French wines, local beers, and cocktails are available to complement the culinary delights. The vessel is equipped with a sound system, quality lighting, a fully-stocked bar, a restaurant, and clean restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Passengers can also rest assured knowing they are covered by full passenger insurance for their safety and peace of mind.

Unique Selling Points

Breathtaking sights of two famous rivers await guests on the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise, allowing them to capture stunning photographs of the scenic landscapes.

Suitable for a variety of occasions, from intimate couples’ getaways to gala evenings, team-building exercises, and business dinners, the cruise offers a unique experience that caters to diverse preferences.

The cruise’s key selling points include:

Witnessing the captivating views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

Observing the picturesque floating fishermen villages and the Phnom Penh skyline.

Indulging in a fusion cuisine inspired by Asian and French chefs, complemented by a selection of French wines, local beers, and cocktails.

Enjoying the on-board facilities, including a sound system, quality lighting, bar, restaurant, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.

Cancellation and Booking

For the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise, travelers can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the cruise offers a convenient ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, enabling guests to secure their spot without making an immediate payment. This gives customers the flexibility to finalize their plans closer to the departure date.

The small group size, limited to 10 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a corporate event, the Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise provides a hassle-free booking process and the peace of mind of a generous cancellation policy.

Starting Location and Duration

The Phnom Penh Mekong River Cruise departs from the Himawari Hotel Apartments, providing a convenient starting point for the tour.

Cruises range in duration from 1 to 4 hours, allowing travelers to select the experience that best suits their schedule and interests.

The cruise offers a variety of options:

A 1-hour sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

A 2-hour cruise with extended time to explore the floating fishermen villages.

A 3-hour tour that includes a stop for photos and free time.

A 4-hour experience that combines the river cruise with a culinary journey of fusion cuisine.

Regardless of the duration, passengers can expect breathtaking views and a memorable journey along Cambodia’s iconic waterways.

Food and Beverage Selection

Onboard, passengers can indulge in a selection of fusion cuisine inspired by talented Asian and French chefs, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu features an array of delectable dishes that blend the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with the refined sophistication of French culinary traditions . From savory appetizers to hearty main courses and decadent desserts, every bite promises to delight the senses.

To complement the gourmet fare , the cruise offers a carefully curated selection of French wines, local beers, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you prefer a refreshing gin and tonic or a bold red wine, the onboard bar has something to suit every taste and preference.

Passenger Insurance and Safety

Passenger safety is a top priority, with the cruise offering full insurance coverage to ensure a comfortable and secure journey along the Mekong River. The onboard insurance policy provides the following benefits:

Comprehensive coverage for all passengers against accidents and injuries.

Protection against loss or damage to personal belongings during the cruise.

Assistance with medical emergencies and access to qualified medical staff.

Contingency plans and evacuation procedures in case of unexpected events or inclement weather.

This attention to passenger safety, combined with the cruise’s high-quality facilities and amenities, creates an unparalleled river cruise experience in Phnom Penh.

Travelers can embark on this journey with complete peace of mind, focusing on the stunning landscapes and cultural encounters along the way.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields Tour
• Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour
• Four Hand Relaxing Oil Massage
• Sunset Dinner Cruises W/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available
• Foot Reflexology Massage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruise provides a selection of fusion cuisine, French wines, local beers, and cocktails for passengers to enjoy during the trip.

Are Children Allowed on the Cruise?

Yes, children are allowed on the cruise. The tour is suitable for families, with a small group size limit of 10 participants. However, there may be restrictions or additional requirements for children, so it’s best to check with the cruise operator.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no formal dress code for the cruise. Passengers are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for the weather conditions and the river setting. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate for this type of experience.

Is Wifi Available on the Boat?

The cruise ship offers complimentary WiFi for passengers to stay connected while enjoying the scenic river views. Guests can use their devices to share photos and stay in touch with friends and family throughout the cruise.

Can I Customize the Cruise Itinerary or Activities?

The cruise typically follows a set itinerary, but some customization may be possible. Passengers can inquire about modifying the activities or route, though availability and additional fees may apply. It’s best to discuss any custom requests with the cruise operator.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• A Ten-Day Exploration of Cambodia.
• Half-Day Phnom Penh City Tours
• Oudong and Koh Chen Island – Full Day Cruise & Tour With English Speaking Guide
• Phnom Chisor & Tonle Bati Private Tours From Phnom Penh
• Dinner Cruise 1h45 on the Mekong Including 4 Courses + 1 Drink
• Nightlife Tour in Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh Outdoor Shooting Range
• Phnom Penh Nightlife Street Food Tours
• Oudong Mountain by Tuk Tuk/Car
• Phnom Penh City Tour by Cyclo
• Phnom Penh Evening Foodie Vespa Tour
• Private Taxi Phnom Penh to Siem Reap-English Speaking Drivers
• Full-Day Phnom Penh City Tours
• Go to 9 Places in 3 Hours
• The Mekong Silk Island Guided Cruise (Private Tour)

The Big Private Cruise along the Mekong River in Phnom Penh offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s enchanting beauty.

With a limited group size, guests can enjoy delectable cuisine , fine wines, and stunning views of the floating fishermen villages and vibrant skyline.

The well-equipped vessel ensures a safe and memorable journey along Cambodia’s picturesque waterways, providing a serene escape for travelers.

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Viking reveals the best of the Far East and Southeast Asia, painting a canvas with brushstrokes of lush jungle, fishing villages and modern cities. Experience India’s temples, Jakarta’s street cuisine and ports such as Tokyo and Shanghai. Here are a few highlights you will enjoy:

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The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth

We have compiled a select list of luxury properties that have ascended to a rarefied pantheon: classic hotels around the world that transcend trends to achieve genuine—and sustained—greatness..

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For the first time last year, Robb Report scoured the world to unearth the 50 best luxury hotels. The list we created became the ultimate cheat sheet for those who demand nothing but the very best in travel. 

In 2024, we’ve done it again—with fascinating results.

As always, the hotels we selected vary wildly: They might be centuries old, or they may have only just opened within the last year. Some are city-center hideaways, while others are country estates. They are exemplars of bleeding-edge, contemporary design and reassuringly retro. Nevertheless, they share one thing in common: a commitment to the best in luxury hospitality. 

This year’s methodology was the same: We tapped the brain trust of the travel industry’s five-star elite— RR’s 22 Travel Masters, who service the world’s highest caliber clientele. We asked each of them to vouch for up to 10 properties that they regularly recommend to clients. We asked them to explain in detail what makes that hotel, resort or ranch a true standout. This ensures that every hotel, safari camp or resort on our list has been tried, tested and endorsed, again and again, by the world’s pickiest travelers.

Unsurprisingly, there were many overlaps, with multiple properties receiving endorsements from several operators—these are the hotels which earned a spot in the top 10. The rest we have organized by geography for ease of reference. 

This year, you may notice some similarities to our previous list in the top 10 (as well as quite a few shake-ups). Most notably, the No. 1 spot was once again claimed by London’s finest: Claridge’s. Kudos to them. 

But there are plenty of upsets, too. Last year, we noted the absence of a few of the world’s major tourism hubs from our list—notably Hawaii and New York. We hoped that would serve as a call to action for hoteliers—and we flatter ourselves that it has. This year’s list includes two new standout hotels in both of those locales. 

From the wilds of remote Mustang to the familiar names in the capitals of Europe, we present our guide to the World’s Greatest Hotels.

1. Claridge’s | London, U.K.

If Judi Dench were a hotel, she’d be Claridge’s . This grande dame of the London hotel scene is a beloved, determinedly British institution that’s been part of English life for decades, yet it retains a youthful vigor. The hotel, which opened in 1812, outpaces even the almost-90-year-old acting legend; in fact, it just added a subterranean wellness center kitted out in signature zen wood and limestone by designer André Fu. What other hotel can count both the late Queen Elizabeth II, a regular, protocol-stretching lunch guest, and Mick Jagger as devotees? The Maybourne-operated property is a sister to sites in Beverly Hills and the French Riviera, as well as another London spot, including the Connaught, but it outstrips them all—book in at the Mews Terrace for a charming only-in-London experience on a discreet back alley. Unique Properties and Events co-owner Cédric Reversade calls the entire place “perfection” and recommends truffle French fries in the foyer washed down with a dry martini, and the service of the “divine concierges, Nigel or Martin” whenever you leave its walls. Ashley Isaacs Ganz from Artisans of Leisure puts it more simply: “It’s my home away from home in London.”

Doubles from $1,493

2. La Mamounia | Marrakesh, Morocco

Think of La Mamounia as a Moroccan fantasy made real, a too-much-is-never-enough maximalist fever dream that just underwent another refresh during the pandemic. Come here to idle in the gardens while nibbling on a Pierre Hermé macaron or sashay round the sceney pool in a couture kaftan; make sure to book a room that overlooks the gardens and that pool and sip a glass of Champagne or two on the balcony. It’s been a boldfaced bolthole for decades, whether acting as the de facto winter home of Winston Churchill or as a shorthand for tasteful luxury for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and, more infamously, Anna Delvey. “It’s iconic and legendary, but it still stays current,” says Isaacs Ganz. “I love the Moroccan design throughout, the colorful tiles, the gardens where Churchill painted, the hidden courtyards and the traditional hammam.” Bonus points for its location, a few minutes’ walk from the souk.

Doubles from $570

3. Flockhill Lodge | South Island, New Zealand

One of the most lauded openings of 2022, this authentic working sheep station sits on 36,000 acres of pristine South Island wilderness. While the first guests arrived last September, the homestead property actually dates back to 1857. Today, it can accommodate just one group of one to eight people at a time. It comes with a private chef (who will fully customize your menus), glass-wall views of the Southern Alps, and an action-packed itinerary of activities—including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, caving, and stargazing. You’ll probably want to board a helicopter, too. And when they say working farm, they mean it: There are 11,600 sheep and 450 head of cattle here. You can even play farmer for yourself, should you choose. “The clincher: It’s right next door to Castle Hill—Kura Tawhiti in Maori—also known as the birthplace of the gods to the pioneering voyagers from Easter Island, the Rapa Nui,” says Sandy Cummingham. “It was described by the Dalai Lama as the spiritual center of the universe.”

From $7,300 per night, with a two-night minimum

4. Le Bristol | Paris, France

The Oetker-operated Bristol sits in one of the best spots in the City of Light, per Red Savannah ’s Edward Granville. “It’s the ultimate location in the city boasting amazing views across the skyline, including Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower,“ he says, of the property on the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel has its own appeal, too: Don’t miss the trompe l’oeil–decorated swimming pool on the sixth floor, and make sure to pause to pet Socrate, Le Bristol’s most important permanent resident: its in-house cat. Book dinner, too, at Epicure, its gourmet restaurant overseen by chef Arnaud Faye; try the macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke, and foie gras or the on-site chocolate factory, which focuses on grand cru cocoas from around the world.

Doubles from roughly $2,054

5. Southern Ocean Lodge | Kangaroo Island, Australia

It was never any secret in Australia that Kangaroo Island was home to one of the world’s best resorts. It’s just taken a devastating fire and dramatic rebirth for the rest of the world to take notice. In 2020, the wildfires that incinerated nearly half of the island took the Southern Ocean Lodge , too. Four years later, it reopened in December. Max Pritchard, the property’s original architect, has created a near replica of the original. With 25 suites projecting from a central lodge—with the exception of a new four-bedroom suite looking over the entire property down toward the dramatic oceanfront—the mood here is serenely residential. The restaurant is ultra-refined, serving hyper-local ingredients, and the central bar is self service (as is the entire wine cellar, just grab what you want). Most come here for island excursions focused on stunning formations, rugged views, and unique wildlife, from penguins to koalas. “It’s the epitome of Australian contemporary coastal style and a luxurious gateway to uniquely Australian nature and wildlife experiences,” says Stuart Rigg of Southern Crossings. “Not only are there spectacular Southern Ocean views from every room but exclusive signature experiences included in every stay—like guided cliff top walks, stargazing, sundowners, and canapes served with the local kangaroos.”

From about $2,200

6. Shinta Mani Mustang | Jomsom, Nepal

The latest remote resort by exuberant designer Bill Bensley and Cambodia’s Shinta Mani brand, Shinta Mani Mustang opened not quite a year ago as the first luxury hotel located outside Nepal’s Kathmandu. Its 29 suites are located at 9,186 feet in the remote region of Jomsom, the gateway to the legendary Forbidden Kingdom. “Mustang’s short season and unpredictable weather has always deterred the luxury end of the market,” says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell of  Cazenove & Loyd . “Bill Bensley’s dramatic hotel design gives the necessary comforts and finish for a harsh, high-altitude location while recognizing the cultural sensitivities of this ancient kingdom.” Expect floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Nilgiri range and personalized private excursions to monasteries and mountains of the Himalaya, as well as horseback riding, rock climbing, cycling, archery, and helicopter tours. The resort is all inclusive and features a 60-seat restaurant, a bar, and a wellness center with two treatment suites. 

From $1,800 per couple per night, with a five-night minimum

7. NIHI Sumba | Sumba, Indonesia

Knocking Bali down a peg or two as the go-to tropical island in Indonesia, Sumba is finally getting all of the attention (and investment) it deserves. But that all started with NIHI Sumba . It consists of just 27 thatched villas (with private swimming pools and traditional Indonesian architecture) spread across 667 acres of minimally developed island splendor. While it was once best known for its world-class surfing, the resort now offers so much more, from chocolate making to beach rides on (and therapy with) Sumba stallions. Owned by investor Chris Burch (ex to famed fashion designer Tory Burch), the resort also “connects guests with purposeful experiences through the Sumba Foundation ,” said John Clifford of International Travel Management. “It’s the leader in eco-conscious luxury. It walks-the-walk of giving back.”

Doubles from $1,795 in the high season

8. The Fifth Avenue Hotel | New York, New York

A spot on Fifth Ave. isn’t just an address, it’s a legacy to live up to—and that goes double for a hotel and triple for a new, independent hotel (like this one) with something to prove. If you then go the extra step of naming your hotel something as generic and provocative as the Fifth Avenue Hotel , you damn well better deliver even more. Luckily, owner Alex Ohebshalom and designer Martin Brudnizki have delivered in the form of a reborn McKim, Mead & White building attached to a new 24-story glass tower on 28th St. Nodding to all that history is an eclectic, at moments psychedelic, design with 43 suites, including a Flaneur penthouse tricked out with an outdoor soaking tub and a Japanese garden that overlooks the city skyline. “Aside from extraordinary design, the Fifth Avenue has an independent spirit that sets it apart from the pack in one of the greatest cities in the world,” says Black Tomato ‘s Sunil Metcalfe. “Walking through the hotel, you feel the inspiration drawn from the founder’s travels through Europe and Asia, but done in a way that feels singular to the hotel.” And you don’t need to be a guest to get in on the madness. Just swing by the Portrait Bar for Osetra caviar and a hot dog au poivre or stop in Café Carmellini for dinner and drink from the roaming martini trolley.

9. Janu Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan

Located in a new city-within-a-city development dubbed Azabudai Hills in the heart of Tokyo, Janu is a sister property to Aman. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy—with 122 rooms and suites on floors six to 13 of its host tower—Aman junkies will recognize the minimalist Asian-inspired interiors with contemporary European detailing. The best room is the Janu Suite, with 3,056 square feet and a residential atmosphere. “It appeals to repeat and first time visitors to Tokyo who do not want to be based in a business district,” says Isaacs Ganz. The Aman Tokyo next to Tokyo Station is salary-man central. “It offers modern Japanese style and a great shopping, dining, wellness and art scene,” she adds. Azabudai Hills, near Tokyo Tower, is a compact cluster of three vertically integrated high-rise and low-rise buildings erected at a cost of $4 billion. Luxury shopping, art, and high-end restaurants fill the lower floors. Naturally, that attracts a younger, hipper guest, and it doesn’t hurt that the price point is around 30 percent less than Aman Tokyo, explains Remote Lands’s Catherine Heald. “It’s for those seeking a livelier and more social atmosphere in a more vibrant neighborhood with more restaurants and nightlife in walking distance,” she says.

10. Amanbagh | Rajasthan, India  

One of the earlier sites for this luxe chain opened in the Aravalli Hills outside Jaipur when the group was still under the esthetic iron grip of founder Adrian Zecha; it remains one of the standouts. The rooms here are Mughal inspired—think elaborate latticework and domed roofs on individual villas—and the best, the Pool Pavilions, have their own private swimming spot (though don’t be surprised to see curious monkeys scampering around it, too) Jaclyn Sienna India of Sienna Charles loves the wellness programs offered here with customized programming and superb Ayurvedic cuisine, while Wix Squared’s Alex Wix raves about its location, where you’ll easily access often overlooked ancient Rajasthani ruins with few other tourists nearby. One true standout, per Wix, is the private dining options offered by Amanbagh. “They will serve dinner for clients not just in the hotel grounds, but also in and amongst nearby ruins,” she says.

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Europe

Whether you’re putting on the Ritz or sucking up the sun in Italy, Europe’s time-honored hotels practically invented the white-glove service we’ve come to expect. The brands and ownership may have changed over the years, but nearly all our guides’ favorite stays are grand dames fit for royalty.

Åmot | Bygstad, Norway 

“It redefines luxury, but with a soul, a completely restored farmhouse done in impeccable taste,” says Gray & Co’s Cari Gray of this Fjord-region exclusive-use property , which sleeps up to 14. This is the ultimate outdoorsy getaway, whether you want to go stand-up paddleboarding to see spectacular waterfalls or boat the fjords to visit old farms that are unreachable by road and hike above the treeline. Steinar Sørli and Yngve Brakstad have painstakingly restored this homestead, which was built in 1885 by Sørli’s great-grandfather, earning accolades for their work in regenerative luxury tourism, including a Norwegian Heritage Award. Underfloor and water heating, for example, comes from ground-source heat pumps, while head chef Tomas forages daily for the fixings to create all the meals on-site. Indeed, nature at Åmot has been so unsullied by mankind that it’s almost unnerving, adds Gray: “You can drink the water right from the streams.”

From about $16,800 per night for six people, with a three-night minimum, all inclusive

Bulgari Hotel Rome | Rome, Italy

It was a true homecoming when Rome-born jeweler Bulgari—which started right in the Golden Triangle here, on Via Condotti—opened one of its five-star hotels last summer, its entrant among the numerous new luxe spots crowding into the Eternal City. It‘s a decidedly different offering, though, than the palazzo-style hotels that are commonplace here; instead, it co-opted a Fascist Era-building, in the Realist style Mussolini championed, close to the Ara Pacis. The bombastic structure has been reborn as an exquisite hotel, courtesy of Milan-based architect Antonio Citterio and his team. Scott Dunn Private’s Jules Maury recommends it to clients because “everyone seems to log your preferences and idiosyncrasies after a few hours of being on the property.” Don’t miss the supersized roof terrace, either, she says. It’s the ideal place for a sunset aperitivo where you can always find a seat.

From about $1,900

Gleneagles | Perthshire, Scotland

Sure, this five-star, 232-room resort in Perthshire an hour or so outside Edinburgh might be considered golf’s spiritual home: It has three landmarks, 18-hole courses, and a storied history as the site of the first playoff between Brits and Americans that’s now better known as the Ryder Cup. But you don’t have to be a putt-prone golf devotee to stay here, according to Isaacs Ganz, who calls it a “destination in and of itself for anyone who wants a luxurious getaway in the beautiful Scottish countryside.” Come to hike—the 11-mile Blackford route is a bracing way to explore the rolling landscape nearby—and to enjoy a snifter or two of whisky; Perthshire’s roster of distilleries may not include many household names, but some of Scotland’s oldest distillers are a short drive away, including Glenturret , which claims to be the oldest still-working site dating back to 1775.

Country rooms from about $800

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes, France

This is less a hotel than a mythical place made real, a Second Empire villa turned five-star pile wreathed in glamorous mystique: F. Scott Fitzgerald used it as the basis for the Hôtel des Etrangers in his Cote d’Azur–set novel Tender is the Night, while Taylor and Burton had one of their honeymoons here. When the French Riviera became a summertime playground for the fast set in the 1920s (via pioneers such as Coco Chanel), this hotel was one of its de facto clubhouses. It retains that role today, albeit for a more globe-trotting clientele. The star wattage remains undimmed, especially when it hosts the annual AmFAR gala each spring, a legacy of its close connections to Elizabeth Taylor; this year, Demi Moore chaired the fundraiser. Don’t miss a martini made from the hotel’s house gin, a custom recipe cooked up using botanicals from its grounds by the nearby Distillerie de Monaco, and it’s okay to marvel when you sidle up to a lounger on the first day after check-in. “It has the most iconic pool, one that continues to shine year after year,” says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal of Fischer Travel.

From $1,150

One&Only Aesthesis | Athens, Greece

After decades of struggle, Athens is once again the place to be. Famed for soaking up yesteryear VIPs from Brigitte Bardot to Richard Nixon, its famed riviera is also very much back and perhaps even more glamorous than ever before. Last year, One&Only Aesthesis opened here on a 21-hectare beach and forest reserve, just 30 minutes from the city’s ancient marble marvels. The new resort features 95 bungalows and 18 residences that come with terraces, private pools, and outdoor showers. It’s also home to two sprawling multi-bedroom villas dubbed Villa One and Villa Nostos. “This new opening is a jewel in Athens’s crown,” says Metcalfe, who adores the resort’s modish 70s design. “What’s exceptional and standout is how they balance families and couples, discretion, and privacy, with a planned adults-only beach on the way and an exceptional kids club.” The resort is also home to the first Guerlain Spa in Greece. Its Mediterranean restaurant, Ora, is by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Add all that together and Athens finally has a resort that can give the buzzy Greek isles a run for their money.

From about $770 from November to January; high-summer season rate from about $2,000.

Passalacqua | Lake Como, Italy

Few hotels manage to become instant icons, but the newest property from Grand Hotel Tremezzo owner Valentina De Santis has pulled it off just a year after she rebooted a private villa from the 1780s on the shores of Lake Como as this 24-room hotel. “It goes above and beyond any other place in Italy,” says India—and she warns visitors not to oversleep and miss the exceptional maritozzi or whipped cream-filled donuts served up every morning at breakfast. It has the largest suite on the lake, too, in the 2,700-square-foot Bellini, named after the composer who once played the piano here, as well as delightfully playful touches, such as a series of tunnels that lead to the new spa, which is accessed by a secret staircase.

Doubles from about $2,660

The Beau-Rivage Palace | Lausanne, Switzerland

Come here for “old-world elegance and incredible, lake-view rooms, not to mention close proximity to the Lavaux wine region” says Isaacs Ganz. Lausanne might be a minnow compared to Geneva on the same lake—it’s barely half its size—but as a destination, it’s far more appealing than that cash-and-cachet-powered city, with an emphasis on good living and luxury that’s epitomized by this hotel (and many of its past regulars, who included the Duchess of Windsor). None of the 95 rooms at this palatial property , which first opened in the 1860s, is the same, and the decor is an eccentric mishmash that combines every era since then, from Victorian fripperies to sinuously streamlined Art Nouveau. The modern spa is a major plus, with its own full hammam and indoor and outdoor pools—though why not just take a swim in the lake, where the water’s disconcertingly clean?

Doubles from about $577

The Ritz Paris | Paris, France

Sure, it’s a cliché, but for good reason: The Ritz has been synonymous with effortless Parisian glamour for decades, an insouciant ultra-luxe spot for the world’s most luxurious travelers since Cesar Ritz and chef Auguste Escoffier opened it in 1898. It was the backdrop to not one but three Audrey Hepburn moves in the 1950s and ’60s, yet still retained enough rock-star cachet to be the place where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss decided to fill a bathtub with Champagne. (The recently retired head bartender here, Colin Field, was in charge of cocktails at the model’s later wedding to Kills guitarist Jamie Hince.) Fischer-Rosenthal calls it a “crown-jewel hotel” and recommends the Coco Chanel suite, named after its most famous resident; the designer lived here for more than 30 years and often used the staff entrance to access her apartment for complete discretion.

Doubles from about $1,540

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in North America & Caribbean

New York? Los Angeles? Sorry, it’s all about the great outdoors for our travel masters and their discerning clientele. From five-star farms to ritzy ranches, you’ll want to pack your hiking boots for these escapes (or swap them for flip-flops if you are heading for a certain famed Caribbean society seat).

Amangiri | Utah, USA

The name to know here? Audrey Huttert. Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys says the GM of this property is the reason he recommends it to so many clients. It was only the second Aman to open stateside, after Jackson Hole, and it took seven painstaking years of planning to workshop the footprint of the property, nestled in 600 acres of the southwestern desert like a series of concrete boxes half-concealed in the landscape. Come here for outdoors adventuring aplenty amid the national parks of Bryce Canyon, sunrise hot-air ballooning, and trails on horseback. Camp Sarika is the latest addition to the complex, with 10 one- and two-bedroom glamping tents (known as pavilions) scattered around 55 acres on-site as an alternative to the hotel proper. “The guests have a sense of luxury in a remote place with spectacular food and scenery,” Jackson raves.

Doubles from $4,200

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA

The original luxury Relais & Chateau farm resort that lured private jets to East Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is still on top of its game after decades. Spread over 4,200 acres, this much-imitated, family-owned, working farm property offers just 68 five-star rooms. “Their local flare and over-the-top high-end service deliver the ultimate in luxury,” says Kevin Jackson. “The property has redefined farm-to-table food, and the wine cellar, attention to detail in every room and the grounds are amazing. But for us, it’s the sense of place, warmth of the staff and southern hospitality that sets it apart.”

King Historic Rooms from $1,345 and suites from $2,245 per night.

Clayoquot Wilderness | British Columbia, Canada

This high-end camp in the remote forest of Vancouver Island sets a benchmark in barefoot luxury, with tented camp rooms that don’t skimp on conveniences (think heated floors in the bathrooms) that act as the perfect perch for adventuring round the untouched landscape: Expect days filled with whale-watching, bear-spotting, biking. and rain-forest trekking. Its isolation is core to its appeal, the hard-to-reach resort worth the 45-minute plane ride from the city. “Arriving by float plane is always exciting,” says Maury, “And we saw bears, whales, eagles, and more as we took zodiacs around deserted beaches and sleepy backwaters in this extraordinary area.” Conservation is core to its mission, too: For more than 20 years, it has worked with the government and local Indigenous people to help bolster native salmon stocks in and around the waters here—the more of these fish found in the river, the better the overall health of the ecosystem.

Doubles from about $9,070 for three nights

Eden Rock St Barths | St Barthélemy

There’s a frisson of je ne sais quoi to this 34-room hotel in the Francophone Caribbean, a burst of witty subversiveness amid the po-faced pantheon of luxury. Look for its signature scarlet color everywhere—think bright-red rubber ducks and nail varnish in bathrooms—and decor that’s quirky and off-beat, with the latest wood paneled suites drawing direct inspiration from an old-school superyacht. Credit superstar GM Fabrice Moizan with striking such a distinctive note, which combines an insouciant geniality with an obsessive attention to detail that means nothing’s ever overlooked. Clifford calls it “the best of the best on the island” right on St. Jean Bay and recommends Villa Rockstar, the six-bedroom standalone penthouse suite , complete with its own full-sized private pool and recording studio.

Doubles from about $1,035

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel | Riviera Maya, Mexico 

“I was blown away by the indoor-outdoor spa,” says Metcalfe, who calls the service here “best in class.” And we’d agree—that’s why the reimagined Maroma earned one of the slots on Robb Report’ s coveted Best of the Best list this year. The 72-room spot, originally built as a private home, was much in need of an overhaul, and the gut-renovation conducted by LVMH, its deep-pocketed newish owners, was as much a reimagining as a renovation. The rooms have been deftly designed by rock-star British interior designer Tara Bernerd, who added her signature swagger to the decor, combining locally made details, such as custom tiles and turquoise barware, with a boho glamour—the floaty cotton caftans are a major upgrade from conventional robes and ideal to wear on the beach or in the room. It doesn’t hurt, either, that it sits on one of the best stretches of beach in the Riviera Maya, wide swathes of secluded golden sand that are postcard perfect.

From $1,095

Rosewood Kona Village | Hawaii, USA

The original Kona Village Resort opened on the Big Island of Hawaii back in the swinging ’60s. It drew an A-list crowd including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kevin Bacon, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, and Whitney Houston, to name a few. Then, in 2011, a tsunami shuttered the resort for more than a decade. In July 2023, it reopened once again under the Rosewood flag with the most expensive suite in Hawaii. Design powerhouse Nicole Hollis and her San Francisco–based team are behind the 150-room redesign, as well as that aforementioned suite, dubbed Maheawalu Kauhale. More of a gated compound than a single room, it has four standalone one-bedroom bungalows, plus a fifth one that acts as a living and dining room. There is also a sundeck with an infinity pool, a fire pit, a hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen. Another highlight: the first Asaya Spa in the U.S. It’s built directly into the lava flow to offer massively dramatic views should you open your eyes mid-massage for a pinch-me moment. “This new resort has large rooms and incredible views in the oceanfront rooms,” says Jackson. “The property is perfect for large family gatherings, corporate events, or celebrations.”

Suites rates range from $22,000 to $40,000 a night based on the season

The Post Ranch Inn | California, USA

Call it the Big Deal of Big Sur. The one-time motel sitting on the PCH was reimagined as an upscale, 30-room hotel 30 years ago and has become a mainstay of luxury hospitality in the three decades since (and it’s added 10 more rooms). Those are impressive, of course, slickly designed with their own private hot tubs, and the restaurant on-site serves up delicious, modern Californian food. But who comes to this region for the resort itself? The spectacular setting is its real draw, perched 1,200 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific—think Big Little Lies meets Castaway . “Early one morning I breakfasted alone looking down the Pacific Coast blinded by the cobalt sea, aquamarine skies, and emerald-green and taupe shaggy coastline,” Maury says. “Sunset was arguably even more spectacular.” There’s no issue too big or too small for superstar GM Tim Lee to tackle, she adds.

Doubles from $2,200

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resort Collection | Hudson Valley, New York

Upstate New York is a buzzy new luxe destination , with a plethora of high-end hotels in the pipeline, including Six Senses. One of the most impressive new arrivals is this Auberge-operated ranch-style hotel in Ulster County in the Catskills, set on its own 140-acre site with spa, outdoor pool, and 65 freestanding cabins. There are three miles of trails quilting the property, but the nearby Mohonk Preserve is a great option if you’d like to push your limits. Metcalfe raves about the in-room amenities, including foraging shears for you to use in the on-site farm; you can also help with the chickens, whether feeding them or collecting just-laid eggs for your breakfast. The convenience for New Yorkers is a major plus—just 90 minutes or so from Manhattan—and it’s also a great getaway if you want to bring your dog. “Auberge has made a name for many properties being above and beyond pet-friendly,” he adds, “And they have animal reiki sessions here.”

From $1,050

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Central & South America (and Beyond)

Patagonia has emerged as a safari alternative for those who have been there and done that. But the varied hotels and experiences our western continental neighbors to the south (and the deep, deep south of Antartica) have to offer prove that there is a lifetime of stylish exploring to do in our own backyard.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Cusco, Peru

This 11-year-old, centrally located hotel sits in its own gardens, with rooms ranged around the property, the decor a winning collision between Inca-referencing stone walls and gold-heavy details that nod to its colonial-era origins as a private home. The redeployment of this onetime convent emphasized some of its most endearing quirks, too, retaining many of the murals painted on the walls—look for one suite, with a coffered ceiling festooned with pink roses, that is believed to have been where the Mother Superior would have slept. And no detail has been overlooked: Don’t worry about fitful sleep at 12,000 feet above sea level in a suite at this hotel, since oxygen’s piped into the 55 rooms to improve the air quality. Jean Sanz Bernay of JSB Journeys sums it up this way: “beautiful city views, personal butlers, and pisco classes on the terrace.”

Doubles from $1,238

Ibitipoca | Lima Duarte, Brazil

Four hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro, think of this sprawling property as part country-estate, part-safari camp, a chance to decompress from daily grinds and reconnect with nature. It’s the brainchild of Carioca businessman Renato Machado, who started buying land here more than two decades ago, attempting to preserve the landscape around Ibitipoca National Park. Now, his project also employs more than 200 people caretaking guests at a cluster of reconditioned properties ranged around his 16,000 acres. The standout is Fazenda, an eight-bedroom terracotta-roofed lodge from the 1700s. Wilmot-Sitwell calls out this property as a pioneer in true sustainable luxury. “The local community has been part of the planning here since the purchase of the Fazenda do Engenho in 1984,” he says, “Their welcome is part of any stay in Ibitipoca, from cooks to guides to villagers.”

Doubles from about $459

Islas Secas | Panama

This Panamanian archipelago property is a destination in and of itself, in the Gulf of Chiriquí off the country’s Pacific Coast. “It offers a smorgasbord of activities: e-foiling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and extreme picnicking,” says Henry Cookson. A world-record holder and lifetime adventurer, he admits that even he was dazzled by the assortment in the hotel’s kit room, including the Laird Hamilton paddleboards. Make sure to book a marine safari by catamaran, Cookson adds, as Beny Wilson, the conservation manager, is a world-class guide. The best overnighting option is the newly opened owner’s villa, designed for resort owner Louis Bacon, which opened earlier this year. It sits on a more private corner of the island and has spectacular sunset views, though the other dozen thatched-roof chalets are impressive, too. One other must-try: a cocktail by Carla, the bartender, whose signature drink is a smoky, herby specialty.

From $2,500 per night, with a three-night minimum

Tierra Patagonia | Patagonia, Chile

The modern 40-room horseshoe-shaped property sits right on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and it makes the most of its unique perch: floor-to-ceiling windows in every room overlooking the Paine Massif provide an all-natural alternative to screens (there are no TVs or Wi-Fi in rooms). Activities here are understandably outdoorsy: hikes, horse-riding, birdwatching, and boating aplenty. No wonder that for Jackson, it’s a regular booking. “The indoor pool here looks out over the Torres, and from the opposite side of the lake you could barely tell the property is even there—it blends in so well with the landscape,“ he says of the decade-old spot. The plot is so large it’s easy to transfer by helicopter, which Jackson recommends. (The drive from Punta Arenas is a bone-aching four hours.) And bring a satellite phone, as all connectivity to the outside world here can be patchy.

Doubles from $1,950, with a three-night minimum

White Desert Echo Camp | Antarctica

White Desert’s pioneering South Pole properties are a truly unique offering: dashing adventurer turned hotelier Patrick Woodhead has earned widespread plaudits for his impressive attempts to provide overnighting on the uninhabited tundra there. Clifford’s particularly fond of its third complex, Echo Camp , calling it “a space age, ultra-luxe, chic boutique eco-pod collective. Who says you have to rough it at the end of the world?” It only launched last season, but the fiberglass pop-up structures offer floor-to-ceiling views of the all-white world beyond; the camp’s amenities, including shower pods, lounge, and dining room, are in a separate communal area. Every guest commutes here via private jet from Cape Town; toast the experience upon landing with a martini, chilled to perfection with 10,000-year-old ice.

From $65,000 per person for a five-day stay including transport and all activities

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Oceania

New Zealand’s Southern Alps are as hot with high-end travelers as they are cold. That’s thanks to the growing demand for eco-friendly excursions, which also benefits the greenest of Polynesian escapes.

Capella Lord Howe Island | Australia

A volcanic, reef-circled spec in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is famous for its hair-raising 2,900-foot-long runway (just a fraction longer than St. Barts’s 2,100-foot shorty). Australians have long coveted this under-the-radar holiday hideaway, and its top stay is Capella Lodge , part of the five-star Luxury Lodges of Australia group (not to be confused with the Capella Hotel brand). “There is no mobile phone reception, bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, and visitor numbers are strictly limited,” says Rigg. “There is so much to love about this place, including the thoughtful, friendly, first-name service with welcoming hosts, Libby and Mark, that allows you to truly unwind in sophisticated yet relaxed surrounds.”

Villas from about $1,290 per night

Minaret Station | South Island, New Zealand

A unique lodge situated deep within the Southern Alps with just four guest chalets and accessible only via helicopter, Minaret Station mixes luxury service and accommodations with rugged adventure. Each day you’ll take in this iconic slice of the great outdoors while mountain biking, backcountry fishing, setting out on guided hunts, eating up chef-prepared picnics on a mountaintop, or even heli-skiing. Speaking of helicopters, they’re an important part of the experience here: Namely flying through Milford Sound, a spectacular, world-renowned fjordland. “It’s a gateway to a collection of exclusive adventure experiences enjoyed in total privacy within some of the most remote locations in New Zealand (if not the planet),” says Rigg.

Doubles from about $2,000, plus about $1,650 per person for helicopter transfer from Queenstown

Pelorus Private Island | Australia

Rising from the clear coral seas near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Townsville, the newly opened Pelorus Private Island is accessible only by helicopter charter or private yacht. It gets better from there. It’s home to a single residence made up of five luxurious suites. While the white-washed exterior sports a modern coastal aesthetic (by Melbourne-based firm Dubois), inside the suites are filled with handmade designer furniture and textiles, French linen, duck down pillows, and LaGaia amenities. If bragging rights are of top concern—of course they are—check this out: It’s the only luxury private island home in the region. Your stay includes meals created by your private chef, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (as well as everything else), and a slew of activities, including snorkeling, Jet Ski tours, fishing, and, of course, reef excursions. “You enjoy a brand-new, purpose-built private villa and exclusive-use of a whole island,” says Rigg. “This is the ultimate way to enjoy privacy, privilege, and personalization on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.”

From about $13,357 per night, with a three-night minimum

The Brando | Tetiꞌaroa, French Polynesia

In the era of reef smashing, litter, and Tiki Bars—long before “sustainability” became a marketing buzz word—the one-and-only original Hollywood activist Marlon Brando made it his mission to preserve the atoll of Tetiꞌaroa with a 99-year lease. Brando is no longer with us, but his mission lives on today in the form of a LEED-platinum-certified, all-inclusive, 36-villa resort , opened in 2014. Each of those villas—beyond sustainable construction—is built for quiet, so that when the windows are closed, you’re in your own private sanctuary. In fact, thanks to the space and privacy, it’s easy to feel like you’ve rented out a private island. “This is where the epitome of indulgence and sustainability come together seamlessly,” says Rigg. “You can enjoy the ultimate extravagances here with a conscience as clear as the waters that surround you.”

Villas from $4,694 per night

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Asia

Naturally, on a continent the size of Asia, the flavors of its ultra-exclusive stays are as varied as its cuisines. From the palaces of Rajasthan to the modern miracles of central Tokyo, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Banwa Private Island | Palawan, Philippines

While you may be able to rent one of the six beachfront villas à la carte, Banwa is also a true private island rental capable of housing up to 48 friends of one billionaire. Situated in the Philippines’s eastern Palawan province, the island is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea—ideal for diving or a casual snorkel. The villas, which are smart, modern, white structures with pools, sleep two to eight. Dinning here is alfresco, and the chef’s menus of world cuisine and Filipino classics change daily. “This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands,” says Cookson. “It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark.”

Villas from $2,650 per night, with a three-night minimum. Full island rental rate upon request . 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle | Chiang Ra, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers—may have yesteryear connotations of opium production, but that’s a shame: It should be synonymous with natural beauty. The best way to take it in, according to the experts at Fischer Travel , is from the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle . “ It offers a unique, immersive experience, blending nature and luxury,” said Max Rosenthal of Fischer Travel. The resort’s 15 fully air-conditioned tents and Explorer’s Lodge are designed to create the atmosphere of a 19th-century tropical expedition. 

From $2,500

La Résidence Phou Vao | Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is Southeast Asia’s “secret treasure,” says Jonathan Alder of Jonathan’s Travels . “By far its best hotel is the Belmond .” Set on a hilltop looking toward the historic city where crowds gather to watch the monks parade each morning, the resort contains just 32 junior suites and two suites within colonial-style buildings blended with traditional Lao touches. A stunning view from the swimming pool may be the property’s real showstopper. “With service that excels with ease, it’s located in the perfect spot over the Mekong to explore this most amazing city,” Alder adds

Junior suites from $350

Pemako Punakha | Punakha, Bhutan

Bhutan has recently welcomed a handful of excellent new five-star lodges, including Six Senses and &Beyond. But Pemako Punakha is the only Bhutanese-owned and operated. Located on 75 acres in the  Punakha Valley, east of the capital city of Thimphu, this 21-tent resort is the brand’s second opening (its first is in Thimphu). Designed by Bill Bensley, each tent features a private heated pool, a deck, Serge Ferrari fabrics, copper futures and oodles of traditional Bhutanese design. “We have always liked working with independent hotels in Bhutan, and it is great to have this new kid on the block in Punakha,” says Wilmot-Sitwell. “Whilst the likes of Aman and Como have put the country on the map in terms of service standards and design, the likes of Gangtey Lodge and now Pemako Punakha give that extra level of personalization and originality.” What sets Pemako Punakha, he says, is the way that the villas, dotted across the valley, settle unobtrusively into “the fragile and beautiful landscape.” Its restaurant Soma serves global cuisine with an emphasis on regional specialties, while its Lotus Realm spa incorporates the traditional Bhutanese medicine known as Sowa-Rigpa. “Having worked in Bhutan for over 25 years, this is a perfect combination of light-touch, low-impact authenticity,” Wilmot-Sitwell adds.  

Low-season rates from $1,440 for a Luxury Tented Pool Villa, all inclusive; high-season rates from $1,740.

Six Senses Vana | Dehradun, India

Originally opened a decade ago in Dehradun, in the foothills of the Himalayas in India’s far northeast, Vana was reborn last year. Now a Six Senses, the wellness resort is still doing what it does best: healing with Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and natural therapies. Set on 21 acres with 66 rooms, 16 suites, and four “casas,” it draws seekers looking to heighten, well . . . their sixth sense. Programs run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and include various traditions of yoga, meditation, Raag therapy, fitness sessions chanting, and music offerings—to name just a few. The resort also offers five-to-21-night retreats with personalized goal management. “Whatever your goals are, you will leave lighter, brighter and with a sense of serenity—even if just from the separation from your phone,” says Tanya Dalton of Greaves UK . “They tailor your journey no matter how soft or severe your approach. The Ayurvedic therapies, beautiful rooms, pools, and delicious, yet somehow healthy, cuisine, are all exceptional. Making ancient Indian treatments and therapies accessible to all is not an easy feat.”

Soneva Secret | Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the Maldives

Sonu Shivdasani has helped make wellness a central tenet of hospitality, via both Six Senses, the chain he cofounded and sold, and Soneva, the tiny cluster of hotels he continues to operate. (He earned a legendary accolade in this year’s Best of the Best thanks to that vision.) This 14-villa site , on the remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is the ultimate expression of his ethos, combining unstinting luxury with an emphasis on sustainability and connection with the natural world; each of those rooms, for example, has a retractable roof so you can look up at the stars each night. There’s a dedicated chef for each accommodation, as well as endless activities on offer, from sunset dolphin cruises to a picnic on a deserted island to even a castaway dining tower and observatory in the lagoon, reachable by zipline, a nod to the playfulness that’s a Soneva signature—each villa has its own water slide, too. Wix loves that it surpasses even its ultra-luxe sister properties in the Maldives and Thailand and that the focus on never signing a check. “We can book an all-inclusive Soneva Unlimited rate, so everything is paid for upfront,” she says.

From $3,200

Taj Lake Palace | Udaipur, India

Constant motion isn’t always a good thing. This majestic floating antique in the center of Lake Pichola in Udaipur (as seen in Bond flick Octopussy ) was constructed in the 1740s as a summer palace for Mewar royalty, and it still boasts the same white marble and magnificent gardens that it always did. While it has seen changes—including the creation of 65 rooms and 18 grand suites—its last update was way back in 2000. According to Dalton, there’s nothing to fix. “I find it hard to resist the charms of an antique palace hotel floating on a mirrored lake, surrounded by the romantic white city of Udaipur,” she says.

Doubles from about $900

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia has more five-star hotels in the pipeline than probably anywhere else on planet Earth. But it’s not on this list (yet). Instead, perfect hotels in milder locales made the grade.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

The mountain getaway in the Middle East’s most welcoming nation, Alila Jabal Akhdar , is famous for its vistas and minimalist architecture. The property offers incredible views from every room. But while its location high in the Al Hajar Mountains, a two-and-a-half hour drive from Muscat, might sound intimidating for those who like their feet on horizontal ground, this 84-suite, two-villa resort also offers literally grounded wellness programs. “It has fantastically challenging hikes, and a via Ferrata [climbing section] just in front of your room,” Wix says.

Doubles from $800 per night 

Bulgari Hotel | Dubai, U.A.E.

Widely recognized as Dubai’s swishest stay since opening in December 2017 on the manmade, seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay Island, Bulgari’s property managed to up the ante in this already ridiculously ritzy emirate. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel as an “urban oasis” resort, the hotel has 20 Bulgari villas and 101 rooms and suites, as well as the brand’s first Marina and Yacht Club, capable of housing 50 boats. Everything here is on a grand scale, including the spa, which weighs in at over 18,000 square feet. “It has the best rooms, linen, spa design, and facilities,” says Deborah Calmeyer of ROAR Africa. It also has the best Italian food in Dubai, with Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito under the toque. 

Doubles from about $530 per night 

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Africa

There’s no where else like it, so go ahead and turn on the Toto. Southern Africa stole the show this time around, but we dare anyone to snoot at the Kenyan setting for Out of Africa .

Angama Mara | Oloololo Escarpment, Kenya

Angama ’s perch on a clifftop almost 1,000 feet up overlooking the Mara makes it one the best safari lodges in the world; make sure to spend time idling in the fire-pit-like sofa at this prime spot for unforgettable sunsets. “The views are untouchable,” Alder says. There are 15 standalone tented suites, each with wide, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize those views. The decor is a departure from what has become the safari default, all leather and colonial khaki. Instead, think of the scarlet-accented interiors here as African Art Deco, bursting with joie de vivre. But don’t worry, you can still indulge some throwbackish fantasies here—many scenes from Out of Africa were filmed right here, and the hotel will set up lunch, on request, at the exact spot where the movie’s poster image was shot.

From $1,490 per person per night

Loapi Tented Camp | Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Tswalu in the Kalahari Desert is the largest privately protected wildlife reserve in South Africa (with the lowest ratio of guests to the wilderness and owned by the billionaire Oppenheimer family). Its newest and most luxurious slice is Loapi . Meaning “the space below the clouds” in the Setswana language, Loapi is less of a camp and more of a homestead. It’s composed of six individual one- and two-bedroom tented safari homes—spaced so generously that each seems to disappear into the environment. Because these are individual homes rather than villas surrounding a central lodge, you won’t be asked to share anything. The accommodations come with dedicated staff, a private chef, private guides for your game drives, and plunge pools. “It’s designed for anyone desiring complete privacy while exploring the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve,” says Premier Tours’s Julian Harrison. It’s a camp that caters especially well to those with a little safari experience. You won’t see the big five here (there are no elephants in this desert), but what you will see are Africa’s most precious and elusive animals—not to mention friendly meerkats galore.

Rates from roughly $2,530 for two people in a one-bedroom tenant home to $9,100 for four adults in a two-bedroom.

Miavana by Time + Tide | Madagascar

The 14-villa property on its own private island off the northeast coast of Madagascar is a Brigadoon -like vision, shimmering into view on the helicopter transfer from nearby Diego Suarez as if out of nowhere. Villas are contemporary in style, with plunge pools, outdoors showers, and sleek, aqua-accented furniture that’s more Saint-Tropez than Out of Africa. Roam around the island on quad bikes, or take a boat trip to another in the archipelago for tern-spotting and alfresco picnic; the water sports center is fully equipped, and the wind pattern here makes it especially appealing for surfers of all kinds. Don’t be deterred by the logistics of getting here: The hotel now runs its own private-jet service from Johannesburg, an approximately four-hour jaunt on a Learjet 45. “A paradise on the edge of a world caught up in time from the original Portuguese explorers until now,” says Maury.

From $3,400 per person per night

North Island | Okavango Delta, Botswana 

We told you that the trend of buyout-primed micro camps was a major force in ultra-luxe safari and predicted that North Island would be a must-book new option as soon as it opened last summer. Clifford agrees. “It’s the perfect setting for full buyouts,” he says. “It’s an intimate, modern gem in a pristine location along the Okavango Delta’s neck, where guests have the luxury of fewer humans and far more options like traversing the waterways in the hotels own makoro or motorboats.” It’s the latest site from Natural Selection , which has particular expertise in Botswana, and is perched on a prime plot on the southwestern arm of the Great Rift Valley, with every major game species readily nearby, including leopards and cheetahs. There are more than 450 bird species, too, for any safari-seeking twitchers.

From $1,395 per person per night

Selinda, Botswana

“It’s an architectural trifecta of three cultures: European, Mokololo and Bayei,” says Sandy Cunningham of Selinda . A hotel in the second largest game concession in Botswana, this camp is a passion project for photographers and conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert. The pair owns a dozen or so camps around sub-Saharan Africa but this four-year-old property is a standout, located in the northern reaches of the country which pioneered a focus on high-end low-density tourism which is now being aped around the continent. Stay in the two-bedroom Selinda Suite for the best experience, says Cunningham: “It’s themed to resemble the thatched villages of Sangwali, who loaned the great explorer David Livingstone 200 men during his travels. It’s reachable via boat along the Selinda Spillway—the ultimate 007 arrival!”

Doubles from $11,088 in the midseason.

Singita Pamushana | Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe

This hotel sits at the heart of 320,000-acre private Malilangwe Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, an already-dreamy locale bolstered by its specific perch. “Its setting is right on a hill, surrounded by boulders, a dam, yellow and gold masa trees and 1000-year-old baobabs,” says Calmeyer, who counts it among her favorites in the continent. The reserve teems with wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and several rhinos—both white and black, thanks to determined anti-poaching efforts, and it’s a particular highlight to track them on foot with the hotel’s guides. There are just eight suites, each with its own private infinity pool, and one five-bedroom villa here, so there’s little risk of any wildlife spotting being ruined by a raft of Jeeps clustered together.

From $2,075 per person per night

Read More On:

• South Africa
• Switzerland

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