The Mekong River is an extremely powerful river that’s a real treat to experience firsthand. On Mekong river cruises 2015 you can view miles of scenic Asian coastline while stopping off to explore exotic and interesting ports of call. The wild Mekong River is one of the most untamed and exciting bodies of water that you’ll ever have the chance to travel on. Home to the third largest waterfall in the world, the Mekong river also has sandbanks, rapids and narrow bends to keep your cruising experience interesting. Depending upon what time of year you decide to cruise the Mekong River, the water levels may be fairly low. In the spring you will typically find water levels low, while in November when the water reaches it’s peak, it can be as high as over 50 feet. Rain and wind can create wildly different cruising conditions very quickly as well. All of this combined can make your Mekong River cruise one of the most spontaneous, adventurous and interesting cruises you will ever take.
When it comes to your on-shore experiences, the sky’s the limit. A Mekong River cruise can take you to Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, China, and Vietnam. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang, former capital of Laos. Tourists come from all over to experience the town’s early morning almsgiving ceremony and to visit the Haw Kham, a national museum that was once a royal palace. Or visit the Golden Triangle, where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar (also called Burma), and Laos meet. If you enter the Golden Triangle from the Thailand side, you’ll be able to explore the rest of the Chiang Rai Province, which is one of the most popular areas for tourists in all of Thailand. The biggest draw in this area is the fantastic mountain and valley scenery, though you can also visit the Doi Wawi community to sample and buy tea from the people who produce more of it than any other area in the country. A tour of the tea plantation can be a fascinating excursion.
Other interesting stops along your Mekong River cruise may include the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia, where you can visit the Angkor National Museum and tour an Angkor silk farm, or Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Visit village markets and Southeast Asian fish farms and take walking tours of small rural villages to meet the locals. All of these things are possible during a Mekong River cruise. Traveling on one of these cruises is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the thrill of cruising, the wonder of exploring new areas, and the fascination of learning about the history and culture of countries with long and rich pasts. There’s no better way to see and learn about the countries Southeast Asia than by touring them along the thread that ties them together, the Mekong.
Best Mekong River cruises 2015 – our top choices.
- Amawaterways offers the AmaLotus which was built in 2010 and carries up to 124 guests. There are 56 balcony cabins and 12 suites available. You can choose from 7 and 15 night itineraries.
- Avalon Waterways river cruises offers the ship Avalon Angkor, built in 2012. This is the first ship in the industry who’s design allows for trip all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (and vice versa.) This eliminates over 7 hours of travel time to and from your ship so you can enjoy more time cruising. There are a total of 16 cabins on the ship with 18 crew members, ensuring an intimate experience. Trips vary from 14 days to 21 days combining a cruise and land vacation.
- Uniwold river cruises has a 15 day trip called Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong. You spend 7 nights onboard the River Orchid and then 7 nights in deluxe hotels. The River Orchid is the newest ship on the Mekong River. There are 30 staterooms all with french doors that open onto a spacious promenade. A flight is included between Siem Reap and Hanoi. All meals are included (14 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches & 10 dinners.) Highlights include Apsara dance with dinner in Diem Reap, water puppet show in Hanoi and Vietnam War veteran presentation at Chu Chi Tunnels.
- Sailing out of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the Viking Mekong with Viking river cruises, offers a 14 night trip visiting Angkor Wat, Kampong Cham, My Tho, Phnom Penh, Sa Dec, Siem Reap and Tan Chau.
Irrawaday River / Myanmar Cruises
