Vietnam again voted world's best river cruise destination

The 2026 award was announced at the sixth annual ceremony in Jamaica on Oct. 12.

Vietnam beat four other nominees: Portugal, Peru, Botswana, and Montreal in Canada.

It had previously won in 2022 and 2025.

Since the category was added in 2021, the other winners have been Peru in the inaugural year, Botswana in 2023, and Austria in 2024.

The World Cruise Awards recognizes cruise destinations and businesses based on votes from industry professionals and the public.

The Can Tho Princess cruise on a journey along the Hau and Can Tho rivers in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Photo courtesy of Viet Princess

Vietnam's river cruises offer travelers a closer look at life along its waterways, from the Mekong Delta in the south to the Red River in the north.

In the Mekong Delta, boats pass palm-lined riverbanks, with passengers stepping ashore to explore local markets, sample tropical fruit or walk through rice fields, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism's official website says.

Overnight journeys allow visitors to watch sunrise over the river and dine on the water before retiring to their cabins.

In the north, cruise operator Pandaw's 10-night Ha Long Bay and Red River itinerary connects the bay with Hanoi and inland waterways, offering a different perspective on destinations often reached by road.

Stops include the ancient village of Duong Lam and craft communities, where passengers can explore traditional architecture and watch artisans at work.

At this year's awards, Ha Long Cruise Port was named Asia's Best Cruise Terminal.