5 reasons to cruise… the Mekong
The longest river in southeast Asia, the mighty Mekong is also known as the 'mother of waters' - flowing from China all the way south to Vietnam. When you cruise the Mekong, be transported on a journey, taking in history, culture and heritage. Enjoy the slower pace of life and take a glimpse of everyday life along its banks.
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, or hoping to cross several destinations off your bucket list, this could be your sign to book a Mekong river cruise. Here's five reasons why a trip to the Mekong should be considered.
The beauty of river cruising is staying close to the river banks and watching the scenery unfold before your eyes. When you're sailing the Mekong, you'll notice how diverse the landscapes are - one minute you'll pass lush rice paddies, the next, palm-fringed banks, and also stilted villages where you'll find local men fishing and women selling produce from their boats. You'll also notice the difference between Vietnam and Cambodia as you cruise the delta - in Vietnam, the river is wider and local life is livelier, while in Cambodia, it's quieter. Every bend offers a new perspective and during your cruise, you'll experience it all.
One of the highlights of cruising the Mekong is getting a taste of local life and feel for the communities that you pass through. You'll notice local people engaging in all kinds of handicrafts, many of which will have been passed down through generations, such as textiles weaving and ceramics. Music, dance and poetry are also a big part of the culture of those that live in around the Mekong basin - and on our 15-day Mekong river cruise, you'll witness an apsara show - a classical Khmer dance and traditional form of entertainment - with dinner. You can also look forward to unique and special experiences such as a water blessing from a Buddhist Monk and visit a local family who make incense sticks and the typical conical hat.
One of the biggest draws to exploring the region is the gastronomy. On board your river ship, you can look forward to tasting delicious traditional dishes in the restaurant - from Vietnamese pho to Cambodian fish amok, and coconut curries with sticky rice. Ashore, immerse yourself in the culinary scene, with street food vendors serving fresh spring rolls and markets selling herbs and tropical fruits. You may also enjoy several foodie experiences - such as homecooked meals with local families and back on board, cooking demonstrations to learn how to recreate the dishes you try at home. A trip along the Mekong is a feast for all of the senses - but especially the sense of taste.
It's not just the culture and scenery that make a Mekong river cruise so special, it's also the rich history. The awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap is a must-see, but don't miss the striking Bayon Temple, built in the 13th century and famous for its stone-carved faces and intricate detailing. Further south, Phnom Penh offers a powerful contrast: the elegance of the Royal Palace set against the sobering remembrance of the Killing Fields. Nearby Oudong, once the royal capital, is a peaceful place of reflection, with golden stupas dotting the hillside and telling tales of Cambodia's royal past. In Vietnam, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels - a fascinating, and at times haunting, underground labyrinth used during the Vietnam War. Then there's Sa Dec, a quiet riverside town with a colonial charm and literary connection. This was the setting for The Lover by Marguerite Duras, and you can even visit the old house that inspired the novel.
When you book a Mekong river cruise, more often than not, your trip will begin and end with hotel stays - in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you'll find the pace of life more frenetic, but with a couple of days to explore the cities with a mix of escorted excursions and free time, it will be a welcome contrast to life on the river. Siem Reap is the second-largest city in Cambodia and is home to abundance of cultural attractions. Many itineraries, like this 15-day escorted tour, will feature an excursion to Angkor Wat, the remarkable temple complex. In Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city in Vietnam, you'll find many examples of French colonial architecture, with highlights including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Opera House.
