Highlights of the Mekong River

The Mekong River rises among the glaciers of Tibet before flowing through the Yunnan province of south west China. Here the river is characterized by steep-sided gorges hiding inaccessible meanders, and it’s not until it reaches the more southerly stretches that it becomes Southeast Asia’s iconic, languid and tranquil waterway. Here, we dive into what to see on the Mekong River, to help you start dreaming of how to plan your trip – whether it takes you to just one country or across borders.

The Mekong is as diverse as it is wonderful. There are peaceful, scenic sections, and stretches that buzz with life as they thread through city centers. There are riverside villages for which the Mekong is the main source of food as well as the only way to access the outside world, and there are tributaries and deltas which provide some of the most enduring images of this mighty river. Most of all, the river unites countries and regions, mankind and nature, and it provides a brilliant theme to hang an itinerary around. These highlights are arranged from north to south, following the direction of flow.

Mekong River highlights

Slow boat to Luang Prabang, Laos

After crossing from Thailand into Laos at Houayxai, there are three options for the river trip to Luang Prabang: the speedboat, which is fast (six hours) but noisy, restrictive and possibly dangerous; the budget slow boats, which ferry you first to Pak Beng for an overnight stop and continue in cheap and cheerful style – light on comfort – to Luang Prabang on day two; or the well-appointed modern river cruisers which throw in full board and much greater comfort but still take two days.

Whichever method you choose, the fluvial surroundings and rustic villages are a soothing backdrop, sliding by in the heat. Green hills and rocky bluffs surround the mighty brown waterway and every now and again riverside life can be glimpsed on the banks. A classic Asian experience, with the UNESCO-listed splendor of Luang Prabang as the reward.

Vientiane, Laos

Laid back and low rise Vientiane is a capital city that feels more like an oversized village and makes a great place to soak up some Mekong sunsets and enjoy some delicious food.

The shophouses, stupas and temples dotted through the city make a pleasant day’s cultural excursion, and the riverside terraces along Fa Ngum road are perfect for a sundowner with the swirling Mekong waters in the foreground reflecting the sunset colors. Night markets in the city are good places to snap up a souvenir or two while sampling the best of the city’s street food.

Si Phan Don, Laos

In the far south of Laos just before the Mekong crosses into Cambodia, the river fans out into a web of smaller rivers and islands where serene and appealing fishing villages are scattered. Si Phan Don translates to “4,000 islands” and, although this is an exaggeration, there are lots of off-the-beaten-track communities to explore.

The riverine archipelago is a snapshot of an Asia almost untouched by modernity and rich with the delights of ancient ways of life and unsullied riverside scenery. Make time to search for the elusive Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins, and to visit the impressive local waterfalls.

Tonle Sap lake and Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A curious and unique phenomenon characterizes Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. During the dry season, it is drained by the Tonle Sap River which channels lake water 62 miles (100km) downstream to join the Mekong. In the wet season, this process is reversed; the Mekong River expands and forces water back up the tributary into the lake bed.

This constant replenishment of the rich alluvial sediment from the Mekong waters makes the area very fertile when the lake recedes, and many stilted villages make a living from agriculture here. The northernmost point of the Tonle Sap reaches almost to Siem Reap, from where the wonders of Angkor Wat are easily visited.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

A patchwork of islands, wetlands, fruit farms and stilted villages makes up the Mekong Delta in the far south of Vietnam. This is where the Mekong disgorges the water it has carried for more than 2,400 miles (4,000km) into the South China Sea, and the delta’s landscape offers a lovely mixture of rice paddies, lotus flowers and pagodas.

Postcard-perfect, it’s an ideal place to while away a couple of days and enjoy a slower pace of life. Take a boat trip to some of the extraordinarily photogenic floating markets, or to the atmospheric and attractive towns of Vinh Long and Ben Tre.

Planning your adventure

Preparation is key when planning a trip to the Mekong River. The river stretches across six countries (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam), each offering unique cultural experiences. From floating markets to serene river cruises, the adventure possibilities are endless.

The best time to visit the Mekong River

Timing your visit to the Mekong River can significantly impact your travel experience:

• The dry season (November to April) is the best time to explore, with cooler temperatures and easier access to attractions. This time of year is ideal for boat trips, floating markets, and exploring riverside villages.
• Alternatively, the wet season (May to October) offers lush green landscapes and unique experiences like seeing the river at its most powerful, but it can limit your access to certain areas.

How to get around

Traveling along the Mekong River offers a range of options, depending on your budget and preferences. For the most convenience, river cruises provide all-inclusive itineraries that include meals, guided excursions, and comfortable accommodations. On land, motorbikes and tuk-tuks are common ways to get from A to B in towns and villages, while big cities like Phnom Penh and Vientiane are better for taxis and ride-sharing apps. For longer distances, domestic flights or buses can help you travel between Mekong River destinations.

Packing for your trip

Lightweight clothing is a must when exploring the Mekong River, as well as a sturdy pair of shoes for walking through riverside villages or temple ruins. A daypack is helpful, while dry bags will protect your valuables during boat rides. Don’t forget essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the intense tropical sun.

Discover our top Mekong River itineraries

• Off the beaten track: Laos & the Mekong River: Explore Laos in depth on this 18-day tour to see the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Waterfalls, and the tranquil 4,000 Islands. Highlights include zip-lining adventures, ancient temples, and exploring local markets.
• 13-Day Cambodia culture & wildlife along the Mekong Delta: This immersive 13-day adventure offers the best of Cambodia’s culture, history, and wildlife. From Angkor Wat and Siem Reap’s floating villages to Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie and Mondulkiri’s elephants, this tour is ideal for families and nature lovers.
• Discover the charm & beauty of Indochina: This 18-day tour through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia explores top Southeast Asia attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Angkor Wat, and tranquil villages in Laos. Enjoy guided excursions, authentic local experiences, and an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise for a memorable Indochina adventure.
• Ultimate Southeast Asia: best of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand: Looking for the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure? This epic 23-day journey travels through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Highlights include top attractions such as Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay, and Bangkok’s bustling streets, with expert guides and curated stays throughout.

Make it happen

The Mekong River is a magnificent conduit which threads its way through some of the world’s most unforgettable scenery. Many stretches are navigable and make for an interesting and ever-changing multi-day cruise. Explore our destination pages and get in touch with our local experts for your chosen destination, to start planning a unique, tailor-made adventure.