- Touring the awe-inspiring stone complexes of Angkor Wat, Cambodia, the world’s largest religious monument.
- Drifting past a parade of brightly hued pagodas, wats, and Buddhist temples.
- Encountering everyday but still-exotic life on and in the river: fishing boats, sampans, floating markets, children swimming, women doing their laundry.
- Visiting the cities of Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to witness their progress following the turmoil of war in the 1960s and 1970s.
Best Things to Do in Mekong River
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Things to do in Mekong River - Expert's guide
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is arguably the crown jewel of many Mekong River tours. Situated outside of the city of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest religious complex. The sprawling compound includes the main mound temple, concentric walls, and a 3-mile moat. Angkor Wat was the center of the Khmer Empire during the 12th century. The temple represents traditional Khmer architecture and has become the defining symbol for Cambodia.
Anyone visiting Angkor Wat should include plenty of sunscreen and water to protect against the harsh Cambodian sun. Also, make sure to dress respectfully. Since Angkor Wat is still an active temple, covering the shoulders and legs are required.
2. Cai Be Floating Markets
Cai Be is a region just a couple of hours outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Its world-famous floating markets are where the people of the Mekong River buy and sell local goods, produce, and seafood.
Tours are offered of the floating markets and the market is opened later to accommodate outside travelers. You can also take a sampan, a small boat, and lazily make your way through the colorful barges as you search for a new shirt or a snack.
3. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the heart of Cambodia. The capital city is a sprawling cultural hotspot with influences from France, China, and more. Travelers shouldn’t miss the beautiful Royal Palace or Silver Pagoda to see some of the world’s finest architecture. Visitors to both of these sites should dress appropriately and cover the shoulders and legs.
Adventure seekers to Phnom Penh shouldn’t pass up a cyclo tour of the city. The tour is a perfect way to see the city while getting in some exercise while on vacation. To refuel after the cyclo tour, head out on one of Phnom Penh’s street food tours to eat all of the noodles and local delicacies you could ask for.
4. Mekong Delta Villages
Around the Cai Be and Sa Dec regions of the river, you will be able to get out and explore local Mekong Delta villages. Due to the water level of the river, tours will use smaller boats to explore the backwaters of the river.
During these day trips, you will be able to ride bikes and tour the villages while learning about local industries. The Mekong River is known for the production of cotton candy and silversmithing. Many tours include visits to workshops or native craftsmen to learn more about their trade.
5. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the starting or ending point for most Mekong River trips. The largest city in Vietnam is a mixture of Vietnam’s storied past and vibrant present. Walking through the city you can visit historic temples, the War Remnants Museum, and popular rooftop bars in the city center.
Tour itineraries usually include two days to explore this massive city. One included excursion in some tours is to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside of the city that were used by the Viet Cong during the war. Make sure to stop at the Ben Thanh Market to do some shopping before going out on your tour or back home.
6. Siem Reap
Besides being the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a growing cultural city. The city has taken advantage of being the jumping off point for the Angkor region. With a growing tourism scene hostels, cafes, and restaurants are popping up all over the city.
Travelers to Siem Reap will be able to explore the historic city center, beautiful temples, and the nightlife of the popular Pub Street. With its influences from the past and present, Siem Reap is a true representation of the modern-day Asian city.
7. Killing Fields of Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge Killing Fields are multiple sites where more than 1 million people were killed during the Khmer Rouge Regime. The genocide was targeted at those who had connections to the former regime, descended from other countries, or thought to be influenced by outsiders. Many of the sites can be visited today with the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the memorial park at Choeung Ek being a couple of the most visited.
8. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a modern city with a strong connection to the past. Pagodas and temples can be found throughout the city in Hanoi’s numerous parks. Travelers shouldn’t miss visiting Ho Han Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a Confucian temple that sits on an inlet in the lake.
Exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is another must see. The mausoleum is the resting place for the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh who served as a leader during the Vietnam War and as prime minister.
The city is easily walkable and you can spend your day trekking through the multiple shopping streets dedicated to electronics, clothes, shoes, or scooter parts.
9. Chau Doc
Chau Doc is a city situated on the Cambodian-Vietnam border. The city is a melting pot of Khmer, Vietnamese, and Cham influences. In a region that was once a place of persecution, Chau Doc is now a city of cultural fusion. Churches, temples, and mosques can be seen throughout the city.
Travelers interested in a little hike can visit Sam Mountain near Chau Doc. Sam Mountain is the tallest point on the Mekong River and boasts spanning views of pagodas and the Cambodian countryside.
10. Angkor Ban and Wat Hanchey
An attraction on some Mekong River tours, Angkor Ban is a small village where time has stopped. All wood homes and buildings sit on stilts while cows chow down on the lawns. Visitors to the village may receive a blessing from one of the local monks before they leave.
If water levels are high enough to travel farther upstream, Wat Hanchey is a sight. This historic temple area represents all styles of the Khmer architecture through the years. The temple complex sits on a riverbend of the Mekong River and provides an amazing view of the landscape.
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