See some of the best parts of South East Asia from the waters of the Mekong

A rowboat makes its way down the Mekong River

The Mekong is one of South East Asia’s most important rivers, acting like an artery for the communities that rely on the trade, fish and of course water that flows from high in the Himalayas. It’s also an incredibly rich source of wildlife, from thrashing crocodiles to seemingly endless reed beds home to incredible birds.

In this comprehensive Mekong River guide, you’ll learn where to go and what to see, as well as more about this amazing part of the world can be protected for future generations and visitors.

About the Mekong River

The massive Mekong River flows down from its lofty source in the Tibetan Himalayas through China's Yunnan province, squeezes between Thailand and Laos, and then slips past Cambodia before reaching Vietnam.

The river fractures and stretches out into many tributaries and rivulets in a flat, comma-shaped delta jutting from the south of the country, all flowing gently seawards.

The huge Mekong River is one of the world's most spectacular rivers. With a length of 2,700 miles (4,350 kilometres) and a basin of 307,000 square miles (795, 125 square kilometres), it is the world's 12th longest river.

Where is the Mekong River?

The Mekong river flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its source is in the Himalayas mountain range, and its delta is in Vietnam, with the river’s mouth flowing into the South China sea.

When is the best time to visit the Mekong?

The Lower Mekong may be cruised all year, with temperatures rarely falling below 30 degrees. The rainy season (May to October) is really a fairly favourable time to go along the Mekong, despite the fact that the dry season (November to April) is slightly colder, less humid, and has less mosquitos.

Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, Cambodia, is reachable by Tonlé Sap, a seasonally inundated freshwater lake connected to the Mekong by the Tonlé Sap River. During the dry season, water levels might plummet, making certain areas of tours inaccessible by ship.

This can mean long coach rides from the Mekong, as well as shortened itineraries, so cruising during the rainy season (characterised by brief rain showers lasting less than an hour), when the water level is higher and your vessel will most likely be able to sail the entire route, has clear advantages.

What is the Mekong Delta?

An aerial shot of the waters of the Mekong Delta

Close to the point where the river meets the sea, in Vietnam, the Mekong splits into multiple additional rivers and tributaries, creating a vast area of wetland.

This area is one of the most beautiful point on the river, with deep untouched mangrove forests broken up by busy communities and villages that perch along the water’s edge.

Mekong River wildlife

The Mekong River is an incredible biome that includes amazing tropical birds, mammals, fish, insects and plants.

In the Greater Mekong subregion, more than 2,216 new species have been discovered since the 1990s, including a color-changing frog, wasp that turns its prey into a zombie, and the world's second-longest bug.

The Indochinese tiger, Asian elephant, Irrawaddy dolphin, and Mekong giant catfish are just a few of the endangered species found in the region. The Greater Mekong region, in particular, is home to a plethora of indigenous species, including the saola, a large bovid that is one of the world's most endangered mammals.

Mekong River cruises

One of the best ways to see the wonders of the Mekong is to travel on the water. You’ll see everything from amazing creatures to lively floating markets, and even entire communities that rarely set foot on dry land.

You have a couple of options, both of which are pretty easy, to see the Mekong on all its glory.

There’s the organised way, which is a little less stressful and helpful if you like to know what to expect. Our recommended tour is the Mekong River Experience, a fully organised tour that includes all the most important sites like Angkor Wat and the floating markets.

The other option is to wing it and hop on slow boats or catch a ride with locals. This is a great way of doing it if you have an adventurous streak, but be prepared to deal with the language barrier, lack of mosquito nets, chance of getting seriously lost or missing the important parts trying to figure out how to get onto the next boat.

If the second option sounds more like you, then we’d advise booking your connections and boat journeys in advance. At least then you can spend more time exploring each stop along the way, rather than bartering for your next trip or getting stuck somewhere where there isn’t much to do.

Where to go on a Mekong river cruise

When you plan your Mekong river trip, you'll usually have two choices. Sail downstream from Saigon to Siem Reap or go upstream from Saigon to Siem Reap. The destinations on your itinerary will be the same regardless of the option you choose, simply in a different order.

Ho Chi Minh City

You'll find a dynamic, buzzing city in Ho Chi Minh City, a noisy and colourful place that never seems to sleep. Visit the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon's stunning colonial-style post office, as well as the bustling Ben Thanh market, where you can pick up some unusual gifts to take home. The Cu Chi tunnels, a sophisticated underground network utilised by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War, are a more thought-provoking adventure.

Phnom Penh

It's easy to see why Cambodia's bustling city was dubbed the "Paris of the East" during colonial times as the Mekong River reaches Phnom Penh. In contrast to the architecture of the city's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, many exquisite buildings have been retained in the ancient French Quarter. A cycle-rickshaw is an unusual method to visit Phnom Penh's must-see sights.

Vientiane

Vientiane is famed for its laid-back feel, and it's true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who appreciate a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Exploring centuries-old Buddhist temples on foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk is one of the most popular things to do in the Lao capital.

Along the Mekong River are quirky markets, and colonial buildings are typically museums with thousands of artefacts reaching back to prehistoric times. Grab your camera and head out into the streets of Vientiane, where you're sure to come across a plethora of unique sights.

Sa Dec

A colourful local market awaits you farther up the Vietnam river at Sa Dec, while a trip of the neighbouring Cao Dai Temple is likely to pique your interest. Cao Dai Temple was founded in 1926 as the centre of a unique indigenous religion known as Caodaism. Taoism, Buddhism, and Chinese Confucianism, as well as Christianity, Islam, and spiritualism, are all revered here. Joan of Arc, Shakespeare, and Winston Churchill are among the saints honoured in the temple.

Siem Reap

The excitement builds as you arrive at Siem Reap, which serves as the entryway to Angkor Wat, one of the world's largest religious temples. The temple is part of a massive UNESCO-listed archaeological site that includes over 150 important sites. When the morning mist lifts, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is — bring your camera to capture an unforgettable holiday image.

Unmissable things to do on the Mekong River

A storekeeper sells pineapples in the Kampong Phluk Floating Village

Discover the Kampong Phluk Floating Village, Cambodia

Kompong Phluk, Cambodia's floating town, is a must-see for everyone visiting the country. Travel from Siem Reap to this lovely location, where you'll board a fishing boat to explore the canals. You'll get an interesting glimpse into how the locals live in the area here.

Views of the countryside along the journey, float past homes, marketplaces, schools, and the floating forest, then stop to see the sunset over Tonle Sap Lake. The floating village of Tonle Sap is built on stilts in the famed Tonle Sap river.

Go tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng is the latest South East Asian party town to spring up. The once-quiet farming community has become a something of a magnet for backpackers who rock up to drink cheap local booze and float down the Mekong on an inflatable rubber ring, a pastime known as tubing.

Join in the fun, but remember to support the local community and party responsibly. That means leaving the river as you found it and respecting locals when it comes to noise and having good fun!

Eat with the locals at Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam

The Cai Rang Floating Market is Vietnam's most well-known and visited floating market. Once you've arrived in May Tho, you can simply visit the Cai Rang Floating Market. However, don't forget to set your alarm clock for 5:00 a.m. every day to catch the market. From Ninh Kieu pier, rent a boat that will transport you to the market in 30 minutes.

Cai Rang is a wholesale local market where farmers advertise their wares by hanging them on a long stick. Nam Roi grapefruit, Vinh Long pink kiwi kumquat, and Cai Mon durian are among of the land's fruits. Visitors to Cai Rang market can not only observe the early morning activities of the residents, but they can also eat breakfast on the boat, which consists primarily of southern noodle soups. Other snacks include coconut-leaf cake, corn or banana pancakes, and more.

Go bird watching at Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam

Tram Chim National Park, located in Dong Thap province and easily accessible by motorbike or car, is paradise for twitchers on the Mekong Delta.

Tram Chim National Park covers a total area of 7,500 hectares and is home to 200 different species of birds, many of which are uncommon and endangered.

This represents a fifth of the Vietnamese bird population. In Tram Chim Park, you can also witness a large number of Vietnam's uncommon white lotus.

Find inner peace at Vinh Trang Temple

Vinh Trang Temple is a unique temple in the Mekong Delta region, occupying an area of 2000 square metres and embellished with the greenery of trees and the hues of flowers.

Vinh Trang, built in 1849 in My Phong village, is an excellent blend of European and Asian architectural elements. The temple's magnificent façade will make an immediate impression on you.

Vinh Trang is a typical of Buddhist temples in southern Vietnam, with five buildings, two ornamental yards, 178 pillars, and two triumphal arches.

See more pagodas on this guided Pagoda tour including Mekong cruise from Ho Chi Minh City.

Head back in time at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a must-see stop on any Mekong itinerary, and it's only a 20-minute drive from Siem Reap. However, Angkor Wat is just one of several incredible temples of Angkor, which also includes the ruins of Ta Prohm, a late-12th-century temple overrun by tree roots and dripping with Indiana Jones-esque atmosphere.

With a total area of over 400 acres, Angkor Wat is considered the world's greatest religious structure. Angkor Wat, Cambodia's most famous monument, was built in the early 12th century on the orders of Khmer King Suryavarman II in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu. The structure was constructed as the Khmer state temple and the king's eventual mausoleum, and it is known for its size, grandeur, and intricate relief sculptures.

Pak Ou Caves

Tham Ting and Tham Theung are two natural caverns on the western bank of the Mekong that make up the Pak Ou caves. The site's beautiful setting - at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Ou River – only adds to its allure. The caves are called after Ban Pak Ou, a town on the other side of the river confluence that may be seen in the distance.

They're 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) north of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist site for those interested in witnessing the Tak Bat alms giving ceremony or exploring the surrounding area.

What to pack for a Mekong River cruise

Pack light and comfortable – and leave all non-essentials behind. The heat, humidity and chance of losing stuff overboard means expensive electronic devices should be left behind (take a low-cost travel camera or a specific phone for travelling instead.

Clothing-wise, lightweight, loose-fitting shorts, tops, and trousers, as well as a sun hat and sunglasses, are must-packs.

Excellent walking shoes are also a necessity. While shore excursions will be leisurely and may include various modes of transportation such as a rickshaw or junk boat, you may be on your feet for several hours at a time. When confronted with a breathtaking vista, no one wants to be thinking about heel blisters.

To avoid mosquito bites, bring long-sleeved tops, trousers, long dresses or skirts, and long-sleeved tops. Also, bring plenty of bug repellant.

Mosquitoes can be an issue if you aren't prepared, especially during the rainy season, so bring plenty of insect repellent. Long-sleeved outfits double up for visiting religious sites and temples, as you’ll need to cover your shoulders and legs.

Where to stay on a Mekong River cruise

Plantation Resort & Spa, Phnom Penh

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is centrally positioned in Phnom Penh, immediately behind the Royal Palace. It has two outdoor swimming pools, as well as an on-site restaurant and a bar where visitors may enjoy meals and drinks. There is free WiFi throughout the resort.

Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 is 0.7 miles distant, whereas Aeon Mall is 2.2 miles away. Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is a 10-minute walk from Phnom Penh's entertainment district and the busy riverbank. The property is 6.4 miles from Phnom Penh International Airport. The resort charges an extra fee for airport transfers.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a premium hotel with an old-world elegance. Each room has a private balcony with pool or garden views. Guests can swim in the outdoor lap pool and dine at one of the two restaurants or enjoy a drink at the bar. In all of the rooms, there is free WiFi.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall 2 is located in the centre of Phnom Penh, about 1.9 miles from Raffles Hotel Le Royal and a 20-minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport. The National Museum and the Royal Palace are both 1.2 kilometres away.

The Myst Dong Khoi, Ho Chi Minh City

The Myst Dong Khoi is a stylish hotel in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 that features classic contemporary décor and designs. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool or simply rest on the pool deck while taking in views of the city and the Saigon River.

The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and provide lots of natural light through large windows. Soft, neutral colours with classic furnishings characterise the well-appointed apartments.

Crowne Plaza, Vientiane

Crowne Plaza Vientiane is conveniently positioned along the Samsenthai Road in the city centre, about 15 minutes from Wattay International Airport.

Crowne Plaza Vientiane is ideal for explorers, with 198 well-appointed rooms and suites that combine traditional Lao and modern comforts to offer a peaceful stay.