Four companies on Wednesday signed a cooperative agreement on a shipbuilding project to build a cruise ship named ‘Mekong Lover’ in Ho Chi Minh City at a total cost of over VND100 billion (US$4 million), marking a key milestone for Vietnam’s waterway tourism.

The ship is slated for completion in October 2026, promising to offer a unique and high-end travel experience for tourists who wish to explore the Mekong River.

The project is spearheaded by Focus Travel Group, a travel operator in the Mekong River, in collaboration with three other partners active in shipbuilding and maritime technology.

The ship will feature 36 premium cabins, each with an investment of between $150,000 and $250,000 and equipped with private balconies.

The expected construction period will span 16-18 months, with the ship designed to meet international standards.

In addition to luxurious accommodations, the Mekong Lover will boast multiple high-end amenities, including an infinity swimming pool, providing a tranquil retreat amid the natural beauty of the river.

The ship will also feature a performance stage, showcasing cultural performances such as Vietnamese and Cambodian traditional dance and Khmer dance, as well as a dining space set to serve regional specialties to passengers.

Transforming the Mekong River cruise landscape

In the past, international cruise ships traveling along the Mekong River spent the majority of their journeys in Cambodia, with Vietnam serving as a stopover.

Currently, eight-day, seven-night Mekong River itineraries include a two-to-three-day stay in Vietnam, with the rest of the journey spent in Cambodia.

Dang Bao Hieu, chairman of Focus Travel Group, said that Mekong Lover plans to introduce more flexible tour options, such as four-day, three-night and five-day, four-night packages.

These new offerings will cater not only to European travelers but also to tourists from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.

“For a long time, the Mekong River cruise market has been dominated by European tourists. However, we want to broaden the passenger network to include Southeast Asians, particularly high-spending Vietnamese travelers,” said Hieu.

“Many Vietnamese, especially from the northern region or those returning to their homeland from abroad, are eager to explore the Mekong River and immerse themselves in the unique cultural heritage along its banks.

“The Mekong Lover will elevate the river cruise experience, offering more attractive options for both domestic and international travelers."

Extending tourists’ stays in Vietnam is meant to not only boost revenue from tourism services, restaurants, and shopping but also contribute to the local economy, spurring a sustainable and innovative model for river tourism in Vietnam.

Made in Vietnam: Local partnership for innovation

The Mekong Lover will be entirely designed and built in Vietnam, showcasing the capabilities of local shipbuilding companies.

Vietnam Shipbuilding Engineering JSC is responsible for the ship's technical design, ensuring that it is robust and well-suited to the conditions of the Mekong River.

Meanwhile, Saigon Shipbuilding Industry Company will oversee the actual construction, transforming the designs into a fully operational cruise ship that meets international standards.

Vietnam Maritime Technology and Engineering Company is in charge of quality control, ensuring that each phase of the project adheres to strict technical specifications.

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