Top Mekong River Budget Trips & Packages In 2025/2026

Our 48 most popular Mekong River Budget Trips & Packages trips. Compare tour itineraries from 20 tour companies. 45 reviews.

48 Trips match your criteria (1 - 22 shown)

Thailand & Laos Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bangkok , Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Mekong River , Vientiane

Highlights

  • Travel from Thailand's lively capital and activity-filled Chiang Mai, to the riverside tranquillity of Laos and its stunning scenery.
  • Discover just why Luang Prabang has UNESCO status as you uncover the French influence, beautiful temples, traditional arts and the world renown night markets.
  • Discover impactful local organizations that support local communities in various ways, including empowering local women through preserving traditional textile making, or caring for those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.
  • Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat at Mandalao. Read more about this Intrepid Foundation supported project here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/elephant-sanctuary-laos/
  • Rise with the sun and watch saffron-robed monks shuffle between houses, where the faithful wait with offerings as part of an alms giving ritual.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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South East Asia Uncovered
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bangkok , Chiang Mai, Halong Bay , Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Luang Prabang, Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Saigon, Vientiane

Highlights

  • The two day boat journey down the iconic Mekong River passes incredible rural scenery and is one of the must-dos to truly experience South East Asia.
  • Sample local food wherever you go, from a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, street snacks at markets, a meal at a buddhist nunnery, coconut candy and tropical fruits in the Mekong Delta, and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant.
  • Sail through Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay's discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
  • Discover the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat.
  • Rise with the sun and watch saffron-robed monks shuffle between houses, where the faithful wait with offerings as part of an alms giving ritual.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mekong River

Highlights

  • Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this short trip and experience the Golden Triangle, the infamous area where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet
  • Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a beautiful region up in the mountains where tea is grown and local hilltribe people come to sell their crafts in the town market
  • No trip to Chiang Rai would be complete without a visit to the funky White Temple. Check out the startling modern design, and see where traditional Thai art and murals are broken up with pop culture references
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

Themes

Cultural, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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South East Asia Loop
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Bangkok , Battambang , Chiang Mai, Halong Bay , Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Luang Prabang, Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh , Saigon, Siem Reap, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Discover the incredible Angkor Wat. As well as a guided tour, you'll also have a pass to cover your whole time in Siem Reap. So you can explore this World Heritage temple complex as much and as often as you like.
  • The two-day boat journey down the iconic Mekong River passes incredible rural scenery and is one of the must-dos to truly experience South East Asia.
  • Discover the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat.
  • Sample local food wherever you go, from a seafood dinner on Halong Bay, street snacks at markets, a meal at a buddhist nunnery, coconut candy and tropical fruits in the Mekong Delta, and dinner at KOTO restaurant.
  • Discover Kampong Luong and the countryside around Battambang with a visit to a floating village and a bike ride around farms and cottage industries.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

Trip dates & details
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Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Northbound)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vinh Long

Highlights

  • Welcome to Vietnam
  • Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class and lunch
  • Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vinh Long

Highlights

  • Welcome to Vietnam
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Temple of Literature; lunch at a local restaurant; take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter; water puppets performance
  • Cruise on Ha Long Bay
  • Fly to Siem Reap
  • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple; Apsara dance performance
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Northbound)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vinh Long

Highlights

  • Welcome to Vietnam
  • Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class and lunch
  • Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Mekong Discovery (Northbound)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vinh Long

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
  • Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration
  • Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by children from a local orphanage
  • Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit one of the Cambodian Killing Fields, or visit the lively central market
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Mekong River Budget Trips & Packages Reviews

W

Warwick

Oct 2015

Written on

Well thought out trip itinerary (particularly the

Well thought out trip itinerary (particularly the 2 day boat trip down the Mekong), well organised and often the opportunity to get some first hand experience of loc...

K

Kathryn

Sep 2015

Written on

The laid back pace of tour, small

The laid back pace of tour, small groups, use of local guides.

E

Elizabeth

Sep 2015

Written on

This trip is was good for us

This trip is was good for us but some of our friends would like a ...

D

Delani

Sep 2015

Written on

It was well organised, our tour host-

It was well organised, our tour host- NOK was excellent and it was a wonderful holiday.

C

Caroline

Dec 2019

Written on

It was a great holiday.

Margaret and I would like to thank you for looking after us so well. It was a great holiday. The only thing we didn't like was the hotel where we had ...

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