Things to see & do along the Mekong
From its source in the Tibetan plateau to its exit into the South China Sea in Vietnam, the Mekong River has become a mythical must-see for travelers and an essential life blood for the people of Indochina. This 4,350km journey defines the borders between Myanmar and Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, as it cuts through Yunnan province in China and snakes southeast from Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle. During its course the Mekong passes the capitals of Vientiane in Laos and Phnom Penh in Cambodia before developing into a spider’s web-like delta system to the west of Ho Chi Minh City in southwest Vietnam.
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is a maze of tributaries stemming across the southwest of the country in a series of low lying flood plains. Nutritious silt and sediment is carried downstream to turn the land along the Mekong Delta into the country’s largest rice growing region. River banks are lined with bamboo stilt houses, floating family homes and villages supporting cottage industries, schools and fishing communities. Floating markets, all day river boat cruises and village home stays have all made the Mekong one of the main reasons to visit Indochina. Here’s how you can find out more and make the most of a Mekong vacation.
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is a maze of tributaries stemming across the southwest of the country in a series of low lying flood plains. Nutritious silt and sediment is carried downstream to turn the land along the Mekong Delta into the country’s largest rice growing region. River banks are lined with bamboo stilt houses, floating family homes and villages supporting cottage industries, schools and fishing communities. Floating markets, all day river boat cruises and village home stays have all made the Mekong one of the main reasons to visit Indochina. Here’s how you can find out more and make the most of a Mekong vacation.
Making the most of the Mekong
We recommend taking at least a couple of days onboard a slow cruise boat to really make the most of the Mekong. Cruising on the Mekong for around six hours each day opens up the cottage industries along its banks as well as providing plenty of time to rest and recharge midway through a two week tour. Although Mekong river cruise boats tend to be pretty rustic they are functional and include toilets, shaded areas, seats and sections for sunbathing, snacking, reading or playing cards – what more could you ask for?Northern Indochina is a favoured location for Mekong cruises with the stretch between the Thai-Laos border, from the town of Huay Xai, to Luang Prabang in northern Laos including a night in the riverside village of Pakbeng. En route you’ll also get the chance to stop off and visit the Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of Buddha statues decorate the entrance and the interiors, around two hours up river from Luang Prabang.
Tailor made and longer small group itineraries – over two weeks – may also include a river cruise on the Mekong Delta. You’ll set sail from the village of Vinh Long and visit the floating markets at Cai Be, Phong Dien, Can Tho and Cai Rang before being invited to stay overnight at a homestay-style guesthouse in Can Tho village, just a couple of hours from Ho Chi Minh City. An early start to see the sunrise and watch the floating market come to life is always an unforgettable Mekong moment.
It’s also possible to reach Angkor Wat as part of a 16 day small group tour from Saigon. Floating markets, canoe tours and the palaces and pagodas of Phnom Penh will all feature on a cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, alongside forest hikes and a ride on the legendary Battambang 'bamboo train'.
Some small group cycling vacations will also include some time out of the saddle to enjoy the Mekong. Leaving the bike on the mainland, you can travel to an island in the Mekong to stay in a homestay-style guesthouse and explore the canals and rivers of the Mekong Delta on foot.
Making the most of the Mekong is all about going with the flow and allowing the laid-back rhythm of the river to rock you into relaxation. Write your postcards, chat with new friends or simply watch the world float by as you experience life in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam from a completely unforgettable perspective.
Some small group cycling vacations will also include some time out of the saddle to enjoy the Mekong. Leaving the bike on the mainland, you can travel to an island in the Mekong to stay in a homestay-style guesthouse and explore the canals and rivers of the Mekong Delta on foot.
Making the most of the Mekong is all about going with the flow and allowing the laid-back rhythm of the river to rock you into relaxation. Write your postcards, chat with new friends or simply watch the world float by as you experience life in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam from a completely unforgettable perspective.
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Best time to visit the Mekong
Tailor made tours to Indochina that include some exploration of the Mekong River can depart any time of year that works for you. Small group tours are on one set date, throughout the year. The southern areas of the Mekong, in Cambodia and Vietnam, are hot and humid all year round, but life on the Mekong doesn’t stop just because there’s a shower or heat, so tours typically run year round, too. May to October is hotter and wetter than the drier cooler months from November to April. Worth remembering before you set sail.
More about Indochina
The best time to visit Southeast Asia is generally between November and February, when most countries are dry and warm.
Our Indochina travel guide incorporates all the charm, creativity and chaos of four of South East Asia’s most beguiling countries: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Follow the Mekong River as it traces a route through Indochina and provides a valuable source of work, food and transportation for local people as well as an ideal point of reference to make the most of your time in Indochina.
The beauty of traveling in Southeast Asia is that capital cities, such as Bangkok, and key cultural sites, such as Angkor Wat, are relatively close together and easily accessible, even if they’re in different countries.
Seeking out the street food stalls and cooking classes of Southeast Asia allows travelers to taste the difference and compare the cuisine of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
If you’ve been to Southeast Asia and feel like you’ve seen all there is to see, perhaps it’s time to check out Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam from a slightly closer perspective.
If you’re planning on traveling in Indochina with kids then go for it, as from primate rescue centers and bamboo rafting along the Mekong River to hidden temple ruins and friendly local people, this region of South East Asia is made for families who love to explore.
We’re proud to be able to publish some genuinely helpful Indochina travel advice that has come directly from our friends in Indochina with food advice and tips on visiting ancient cities just as insightful as tips on how to travel safely in Indochina.
We know that all responsible travelers want to travel right in Indochina which is why our responsible tourism page highlights the important issues, including orphanages, poverty, animal rights and boycotting Thailand’s tiger temple, plus what you can do to help.
