Mekong River Tours & Trips

98 Mekong River trips. Tours from 61 tour companies. 347 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

98 Trips match your criteria (41 - 60 shown)

Sightseeing Tour: Best of Vietnam and Thailand
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • City tour of main cities, such as Saigon, Bangkok;
  • Happy boat trip on Mekong River
  • Visit ancient cities of Thailand;
  • Unique train ride at Dealth Railway

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Education / Learning, Photography, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River, including Angkor and Saigon
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Spend two days exploring the legendary religious sites of Angkor, in the company of our experts and local guides
  • Visit communities and learn the ways of life along the river, including subsistence fishing and small industries
  • Explore Phnom Penh and Saigon, touring sites important to the cities’ 20th-century histories
  • Travel in extraordinary comfort and see many of the countries’ cultural highpoints.

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"UnCruise is an amazing dream!! The crew, the sales team, the office team, all go out of their way to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We were on the August 1, 2020 cruise. Even tho things didn’t go quite the way we planned, UnCruise was unbelievable. We will be back. UnCruise was my first ever cruise. They will be the only company we ever cruise with."

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Magnificient Mekong
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River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Cruise Map : Explore the stunningly scenic and culturally distinctive lands that lie along the remarkable Mekong River on this 15-day cruisetour.
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : Ho Chi Minh City has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village called Prey Nokor. With a population of about 7.2 million people, it is now Vietnam’s largest city.
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia : Once known as “the Pearl of Asia,” this bustling Cambodian capital is home to both charming French colonial architecture and the monumental Angkorian complexes for which Cambodia is revered.
  • Mekong River, Vietnam : The Mekong River boasts one of the richest areas of biodiversity on the planet: the Mekong river basin.
  • Angkor Wat, Cambodia : Built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is the most iconic portion of the Hindu temple complex located in Angkor, Cambodia.
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Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostly told stories of their own upbringing and the conflicts they lived through. There was not much history on any of the excursions; and none of the buildings we saw gave us an opportunity to go inside, even the paid excursions. The accommodations were excellent, except that we paid for the best veranda but could not sit on our veranda because for the first 5 days our ship was packed tight next to another Viking ship. Food was good, except for dinners which were quite mediocre and never captured the flavor of the local foods."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Vietnam, Cambodia & Riches of the Mekong
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River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy a local boat ride to Sa Dec Village
  • Visit Buddhist Monastery in Oudong
  • Visit rice paper and candy-making workshop
  • Enjoy City Tour and Royal Palace Visit in Phnom Penh
  • Enjoy Phnom Penh Walking Tour
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Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Mekong River , Siem Reap, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Experience the tranquility of UNESCO listed Luang Prabang
  • Swim in the turquoise pools of Khuangsi Waterfall
  • Hike to remote hill tribe villages in Northern Laos
  • Asia's largest waterfall in Laos' 4000 Islands
  • Marvel at the impressive seven-tiered pyramid at Koh Ker
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Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"Our group of four, were very well supported by an experienced group of Nepali guides, cook, kitchen boys and porters. Our leader – Bir Singh – was exceptional. He ensured everything went smoothly, from recommending “fleecy buffs”, dispensing medication, answering endless questions, to estimating the severity of earthquakes. He offered endless reassurance, always with a smile."

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Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Northbound)
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River Cruise
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
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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."

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Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi & Ha Long Bay (Southbound)
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River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 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
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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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River Cruise
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
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Mekong River Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
347  Reviews
See all Mekong River tour reviews
Excellent
78
Great
23
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
H

Heather W

Feb 2024

Written on

Outstanding Services!

Exotic Voyages is first class all the way. Lacey our travel advisor helped plan a trip for my brother and I to Thailand. I gave Lacey a rough of idea of what I wante...

M

Mariann Z

Apr 2023

Written on

Magical Family Adventure To Thailand

We had a trip of a lifetime to Thailand thanks to the perfect planning from Exotic Voyages. They covered every detail the moment we stepped off our international fli...

S

Supercarkids

Apr 2023

Written on

Wonderful family adventure!

"We just returned from an amazing family adventure to Thailand, with many thanks to Lacey at Exotic Voyages! We had little time to plan the trip and left almost ever...

J

Jim

Jun 2020

Written on

Another Great trip to Thailand

Mai Phuong put together Another wonderful trip for us. (She booked our beautiful trip to Vietnam in 2017). We went to Thailand over New Year’s and Mai took care of e...

J

Juerg

May 2020

Written on

Best 14 days Tour around Thailand

A very big compliment to Ha Vy, Mai Phuong, and everybody involved in setting up our Thailand itinerary. From the moment our first tour guide Patrick picked us up at...

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Mekong River Tour Selection Trips

  • Common choices include either a one-week Mekong-only cruise or a two-week land-and-water tour of the region that includes the week-long cruise. 
  • Winter is the best, or at least the coolest, time to take a Mekong cruise; summer is rainy season. 
  • Temperatures are hot any time of year. 
  • Be sure to apply for visas to Vietnam and Cambodia well in advance.

Additional details

The best Mekong River tours are about experiencing the local lifestyle, culture, and beauty of the river. You’ll have full days of excursions with time to rest on the boat between destinations. The amount of stops and cultural attractions you will see depends on the length of your trip and route.

The highlights of the trip are being able to get off of the boat and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the villages that sit on the river. Many of these stops provide options for you to interact with the culture such as bicycle riding, cooking classes, and temple visits.

When to Travel on the Mekong River

In southern Vietnam and Cambodia the temperature stays consistently between 75-95 degrees all year round. The summer months are the rainy and more humid season. During the summer, the rain falls in short bursts of downpours in the afternoon. There will be plenty of sunlight to still see things during the day.

Even though the dry season is recommended to be on the Mekong River, the wet season is also a good time to visit. During the wet season, the river is higher which allows the boat to travel farther into the river to see more villages. However, the wet season will also include a healthy amount of mosquitos. Make sure to back plenty of bug spray.

In late-January to the end of February, the Lunar New Year is celebrated. Vietnam and Cambodia both follow the holiday, along with other national holidays. Many shops, transportation, and restaurants will be closed the days around the new year. Additionally, for the three weeks of the holiday, transportation and stores will be affected and will make getting around the countries a little more difficult. Double check the calendar for major holidays or festivals before booking your trip.

Who Will Enjoy a Mekong River Cruise

History and culture lovers will love the Mekong River. Mekong River tours pass through some of the most cultural and historical regions in mainland Southeast Asia. Cultural and historical stops such as Angkor Wat, the floating markets, and Toul Sleng are snapshots into the historical makeup of southern Vietnam and Cambodia.

For those seeking a more casual river cruise then those of Europe, a Mekong River cruise will be right up your alley. The Mekong River flows through much of the rural countryside of Cambodia and Vietnam. Many stops along the river include small villages that seem like they are frozen in time. These rural villages provide a break from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh and have a relaxed vibe to them.

The Mekong River is the best spot for amateur photographers. The river flows through rice paddies, small colorful villages, and towering green hills that would fill up anyone’s camera. Make sure to have enough room in your camera to capture every new view around the riverbend.

A word of caution for new travelers to Southeast Asia. Many of the stops on the river will include rural villages and rugged landscape. This means there may be little to no cell reception, non-Western toilets (squat toilets), dirt roads, and very busy streets. Make sure to bring good walking shoes because walking through the villages or getting in and out of small boats may be a little tricky. Travelers who are active and looking to really get into the landscape will enjoy the day excursions.

Mekong River Cruise Safety and Accessibility

Most river cruises are only a few floors high to fit into the smaller areas of the rivers. But, this doesn’t mean there won’t be elevators for travelers traveling in wheelchairs. It may, however, restrict your movement on the ship.

It will be helpful for wheelchair travelers to have another traveler with them. Disembarking and boarding can be difficult due to smaller confines and weather issues. Many of the stops on a Mekong River guided tour feature villages with unpaved roads and floating markets with very small boats which may limit the activities one may do. For travelers with disabilities, it is recommended to do research beforehand to see whether the rugged landscape and day trips would work for you.

Many of the cruise ships have Wifi on board. However, due to traveling in rural and remote areas of the Mekong River, Wifi may be slow and not connect at all. You likely will not have service or Wifi in the villages, but will have better luck in the larger cities. Many of the cafes in the larger cities provide free Wifi.  

The Mekong River is in an area with a growing population, but not unsafe. However, it is important to make sure all valuables are locked and stored in your room before leaving on an excursion. Take just enough money for the day to lower your risk of pickpockets and some of these stops will not have an ATM to use to take out more money. Also, some of the cruise ships only take cash, so make sure to convert enough money before you arrive.

Food along the Mekong River is a cultural experience one shouldn’t miss. However, double check the street food before you take a bite. Make sure the food has been cooked or fried and hasn’t been sitting outside in the sun all day. If you bring along a bottle that can purify water then you can drink from the tap, but it’s best to stay cautious and only drink from bottle water.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit the Mekong River?

Most travelers, but not everyone, who visit Vietnam and Cambodia will need a visa. A few of the European countries and the United Kingdom are allowed to be in Vietnam up to 15 days before requiring a visa. Travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a visa no matter the length of stay. All travelers to Cambodia will need a visa unless you are from a country on the exempt list.

Visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airports or online. Both will need a passport picture, especially if you decide to get a visa upon arrival. For stamp fees upon arrival in Vietnam, US dollars or Vietnam Dong are the only accepted payment for a visa. For online applications, documentation of application should be printed to show the airlines when you check in to your flight, especially for Vietnam. It is recommended to check your country’s international travel websites for a complete and up-to-date description of how to obtain visas for each country.

Common Mekong River Tour Lengths

Mekong River cruises are generally at least two weeks in length to see everything. These two weeks usually include a full day in the starting and final city. If you decide to go with a tour that includes Hanoi or Bangkok, it will be closer to 17 days to include days in those cities and flights to and from the departure city of your cruise.

There are some cruises that are only one week. These tours are more truncated and jam packed every day with new destinations. If you have only a certain amount of time, these tours would be the best option. Most of these tours include many of the main stops, but if you have the time and want to see the entire river, the longer tours would be the way to go.

What Languages are Spoken Along the Mekong River?

The main languages encountered on the Mekong River will be Vietnamese and Khmer (Cambodia). English will be spoken on the cruises and in much of the major cities. However, there may be some communication issues in the smaller villages where English is spoken less.

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