Mystic Waters: A Traveller’s Guide to the Mekong River
Majestic, magical, magnificent – there’s no shortage of ways to describe the Mekong River. As one of the longest in Asia, it meanders its way through some of the continent’s most culturally rich and fascinating destinations. The best way to really get into the heart of any location is on…
Majestic, magical, magnificent – there’s no shortage of ways to describe the Mekong River. As one of the longest in Asia, it meanders its way through some of the continent’s most culturally rich and fascinating destinations.
The best way to really get into the heart of any location is on a river cruise, and that’s why this guide is here to cover what you need to know about sailing along the Mekong, from the best time of year for cruising to the top highlights of its two primary destinations, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Timing Your Voyage: Choosing the Best Time to Cruise the Mekong River
Booking the perfect time to cruise along the Mekong River is really important. This decision impacts the weather conditions, prices, crowds and activities on offer during your cruise, so let’s look at the benefits of going at different times of the year.
November to March: The dry season provides a sweet spot for Mekong River travel. It offers the best combination of cool, dry weather conditions, making it ideal for shore excursions. Given how popular this period is, guests can expect higher prices but also a wider variety of activities and events to enjoy.
March to May: Just before the wet season starts in May, the shoulder season is ideal for those who don’t mind the heat in exchange for better prices and quieter voyages.
Discover Mekong River Cruises
At Bolsover Cruise Club, we offer Mekong River cruises that allow guests to explore the riches and secrets of Asia. Explore our itineraries and sailings today to find the Mekong River cruise you’ve always dreamed of.
The Land of the Nine Dragons: What to Do in Vietnam
Many of our Mekong River cruises begin in Vietnam, so let’s look at what guests can look forward to throughout the first part of their ultimate adventure.
The first highlight of Vietnam is Hanoi, a city of incredible colour, culture and culinary art. Guests can get to know the history of this iconic port by exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been at the centre of politics and culture for a millennium, and the ancient village of Bat Trang, where traditional porcelain and pottery reveal a long history of craft and creativity.
Next, there’s Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s largest metropolis. The street food culture here is rich with smells and flavours to excite every palate, and guests can spend hours soaking up the city’s incredible past. The War Remnants Museum tells important stories of the Vietnam War, while the Notre Dame Cathedral provides a staggering architectural contrast, bringing the city to life.
Leaving the cities behind, the river weaves through so many treasures of the Mekong Delta. The Cai Rang Floating Market hosts hundreds of boats, gathering to sell their wares and food, and Tan Chau is home to the brightly coloured Cao Dai temple, a monument to the blended ideas of Caodaism.
Temples and Tradition: What to Do in Cambodia
Crossing into Cambodia, Mekong River cruises continue to provide sensational experiences, and the first stop is perhaps one of the nation’s best.
In Phnom Penh, guests can walk or ride a tuk-tuk to the Royal Palace of Cambodia, a stunning structure of sparkling style that’s home to the nation’s king, or to the bustling Central Market, where traditional souvenirs and Art Deco design guarantee an afternoon of wonder.
For an experience that feels truly immersive, no Cambodian river port has as much impact as Angkor Ban. This traditional village feels like a genuine snapshot from the past with its 19th-century wooden houses. Local traditions survive here, such as wearing traditional krama scarves, and guests can also enjoy a stroll between the town’s historic temples and monuments.
One of the last but also greatest ports along the Cambodian stretch of the Mekong River is Siem Reap. The highlight here is certainly the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the 9th-15th-century Khmer Empire temples, which offer an unbelievable glimpse into Cambodia’s history and its people.
Top Cruise Lines Offering Mekong River Voyages
Emerald Cruises
On board one of Emerald Cruises’ state-of-the-art river cruise ships, guests can combine the natural and cultural wonders of the Mekong River with some of the best onboard service in the world. Whether they’re savouring the Indian fusion cuisine of Saffron or unwinding in their ship’s heated pool, guests can sail the Mekong River in bliss with Emerald Cruises.
Scenic River Cruises
Blending the luxury of a five-star hotel with excursions that immerse guests in life on the Mekong River, Scenic River Cruises offers adventure and comfort in equal measure. Dine in style in the on board restaurant or take it easy in the Scenic Sun Lounge before embarking on a Scenic Freechoice excursion that provides unmatched freedom to explore.
Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club
\Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Explore Mekong River Cruises
Discover the treasures of Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond with an enriching and luxurious Mekong River cruise. Browse Bolsover Cruise Club’s variety of Mekong River cruises and set sail on your next adventure.
I had never been on a river cruise before so was very interested to see how it would compare with the ocean cruises I have experienced before. I was not quite sure what to expect. Overall I was highly impressed by the quality of service, guided tours and the much more personal nature of Riviera Travel's river cruise ships compared to the larger ocean-going cruise ships I am used to.
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