About Us

Imagine the Mekong River at dawn, its golden shimmer igniting the water as fishing boats sway in the breeze. You’re on the sundeck of the Toum Tiou I, coffee warming your hands, the ship’s wooden charm whispering tales of Cambodian royalty. This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a heartbeat, a wild adventure, a love song to the Mekong. Welcome to CF Mekong Cruises, where the river’s soul sweeps you away.

Our journey blazed to life in 2000, when audacious French tour operators, sparked by Christophe Sentuc’s dream, dared to pioneer river cruising on the untamed Mekong. They transformed a modest barge into the Toum Tiou I, a 10-cabin treasure inspired by a Cambodian royal boat. In 2002, she carved her path as the first of her kind, her shallow draft and intimate size slipping into hidden bends where no giant ship could venture. We didn’t just sail—we unleashed a legacy, tracing the river’s edge past emerald rice fields that stretch forever, pagodas aglow on hilltops, and villages pulsing with life.

The Mekong demanded more, and we answered with fire. When Germany’s Phoenix Reisen beckoned, we crafted the Lan Diep, a 22-cabin marvel of grace and grit. By 2008, the Indochine I (24 cabins) and Toum Tiou II (14 cabins) joined the dance, their small capacities a superpower—gliding through narrow channels all the way to Saigon, docking where others can’t. With the British firm TLG as partners and Naidah Yazdani steering the helm, we turned passion into gold, catching the eye of CroisiEurope in 2014.

Enter CroisiEurope—a family-owned dynasty born in 1976, fueled by the Schmitter family’s love for rivers and a relentless drive to uncover the world’s most exclusive destinations. From the canals of Venice to the wilds of Africa, they’ve built an empire on intimate voyages and a distinctly French touch—elegance, warmth, and a flair for the extraordinary. When they embraced CF Mekong Cruises, it was a match forged in destiny. Our small, soulful ships, infused with French colonial charm and a knack for reaching the Mekong’s farthest corners—like vibrant Saigon—fit their vision like a glove. Together, we’re a force, blending their global expertise with our trailblazing spirit, delivering journeys that feel personal, authentic, and utterly unique.

The fire burns brighter still with the Indochine II, the first Mekong ship to meet Bureau Veritas international standards. Her large pool, private balconies, and luxurious twist on our classic style make her a modern icon with a beating heart. Today, our five ships—Toum Tiou I, Toum Tiou II, Lan Diep, Indochine I, and Indochine II—gleam after full refurbishments, their intimate sizes thrilling passengers who crave a front-row seat to the river’s magic, from Angkor’s ancient stones to Saigon’s bustling streets.

And now, we’ve unleashed a game-changer: the Toum Tiou II adventure program. This is no mere cruise—it’s a plunge into the Mekong’s wild soul. Glide on a sampan through Vietnam’s exotic canals, bike along the river’s edge, climb Udong Hill, or paddle the primal Tra Su Forest. Best of all, step into authentic villages—wooden homes on stilts, children’s laughter ringing out, artisans weaving silk and lives intertwined with the river. Share their tea, hear their stories—of rice harvests, net-mending, and traditions older than time. It’s raw, real, and rare, made possible by our small ships and amplified by CroisiEurope’s stellar B2B partnerships, bringing this magic to the world.

The Mekong is a living masterpiece. Sunsets paint the water crimson, sunrises gild fishing boats as you sip coffee above it all. Endless rice fields glow green, pagodas pierce the sky, and the river hums with life. From Angkor Temples’ ancient whispers to Phnom Penh’s vibrant chaos and Saigon’s intoxicating blend of French colonial grace, modern towers, and local charm, you’ll taste a world where past and present collide.

Aboard, our cuisine is a revelation. Local chefs wield their craft like artists, serving up fragrant pho, fiery Khmer curries, and Mekong fish so fresh it melts on your tongue—all savored against the river’s stunning backdrop. Our small ships—never crowded, always authentic—deliver you front-row to it all, where every passenger feels the thrill of intimacy with the journey. This is CF Mekong Cruises: small ships doing what no others can, plunging you into the river’s heart with every mile.

Join us. Step into a world where the Mekong’s magic meets untamed adventure—where you’ll meet its people, taste its soul, and lose yourself in its beauty, one sunrise, one village, one perfect bite at a time.