Cruising the Mekong River: A Journey through Southeast Asia

August 04, 2023

Southeast Asia is a region known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. One of the best ways to experience all of this is by taking a cruise along the Mekong River. Here are some highlights of what you can expect on this unforgettable journey.

Exploring Vietnam

The Mekong River starts in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and finally, Vietnam. The Vietnamese portion of the river is one of the most popular routes for Mekong River cruises.

The Mekong River Delta in Vietnam is a highlight of any Mekong River cruise. You’ll get to explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Stop at the town of Sa Dec, where you can visit the house of Marguerite Duras, a French writer who lived in Vietnam and wrote the novel “The Lover”. Further up the river, you can explore the city of Can Tho and take a boat ride to the colorful Cai Rang floating market. In Tan Chau, you can visit a traditional silk weaving village and learn about the process of making silk. Tan Chau sits on the border of Cambodia. Enjoy the amazing view of the Mekong Delta from Mount Nui Sam.

Cai Rang floating market, Mekong Delta

Discovering Cambodia

As your cruise continues up the Mekong River, you’ll arrive in Cambodia. Here, you’ll visit the capital city of Phnom Penh and learn about the country’s history at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Continue across the Tonle Sap Lake where you’ll also have the chance to see the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Experiencing Laos

As you continue your journey on the Mekong River, you’ll arrive in Laos. This country is known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back way of life. Cruise the Mekong River in Laos and see the 4,000 Islands, a waterfall-filled and relaxing place. Discover how the French built railways across Laos islands, avoiding the uncrossable waterfalls near Cambodia.

You can also visit the ancient temple complex of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century. Another highlight is the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with thousands of Buddha statues.

Visit Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning temples and French buildings. You can also take part in a traditional almsgiving ceremony, where you’ll give food to Buddhist monks as they walk through the streets.

The charming city of Luang Prabang is also a must-visit, with its colonial architecture, bustling night markets, and serene temples. Here, you can witness the daily almsgiving ceremony, where monks collect food offerings from locals and visitors alike. You can also take a hike to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall or visit a local village to learn about traditional Lao culture.

Stunning Kuang Si Waterfall

Conclusion

A cruise along the Mekong River is an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Southeast Asia. From bustling cities to serene countryside, there’s something for everyone on this trip. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, consider booking a Mekong River cruise today.