Cruise Lower Mekong, Vietnam & Cambodia

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Cruises down the Lower Mekong River from Siem Reap, Cambodia or up-river from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with focus on important stops in Cambodia and Vietnam are popular with visitors to Southeast Asia. Cruising on the river allows travelers the luxury of exploring the culturally significant sites adjacent to the river’s banks from the comfort of a floating hotel. From the impressive French colonial architecture that fills Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, where cruisers may visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum along with the iconic and historically significant temples and monuments of Angkor Wat, the infamous “Killing Fields” and detention centers of the defeated but not forgotten Khmer Rouge to charming fishing villages and vibrant nightlife of the capital cities of both countries. The Mekong's route in these two countries traverses lush countryside, small villages with their existence dependent upon the river along with larger industrial cities and towns. Most Lower Mekong River itineraries incorporate the top tourist sites while hoping to guide cruisers to a deeper understanding of the local culture and people. Some of the stops include stays in local hotels, excursions and meals on-shore. Boats that cruise the Mekong range from small river ships that accommodate less than 35 passengers to luxury vessels shepherding up to 125 passengers. Lower Mekong River cruises can run from 7 to as long as 16 days. One popular itinerary sees the cruise embarkation in Siem Reap while moored at Tonle Sap Lake with its prodigious bird population and quaint fishing villages. Although visiting ports with names that are probably not familiar to most Westerners, the cruise then may visit Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Tralach with options including an oxcart ride from the river bank through the countryside to the picturesque Buddhist Temple, Wat Kapong Tralach Pleu, with extensions available to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Next on the river is Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and largest city, famous for its French colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, ancient structures and bustling commerce. From Phnom Penh the cruise vessels make the border crossing into Vietnam at Tan Chau where passengers then transfer to smaller boats, possessing the agility to navigate through narrow channels to visit a selection of local interesting sites. Next along the route is Sa Dec where buses await to transport passengers to a strategic base of operations used by the French and USA during the wars in the middle of the 20thcentury, Xeo Quyt, now an important ecological site with vast, submerged forests. The spectacular floating market at Cai Be in in this colorful port city may also be toured from Sa Dec. The cruise comes to an end at the Port at My Tho, where the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea for the larger boats with the smaller vessels able to navigate into Ho Chi Minh City. Coaches will then relocate passengers to Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) for the ships that end their cruise at My Tho. Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City typically include sites associated with the Vietnam War, such as the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels among their must-see locations while enjoying the dynamic, modern city. Many options for touring the Lower Mekong River are possible including itineraries that allow visitors to spend time in Bangkok, Thailand, before or after the cruise. Your dream of touring some of the most important sites in Cambodia and Vietnam might best be realized by including Cruise the Lower Mekong River on your list. There are important considerations as to the best time of the year to visit so good planning is essential. Add it to your list now and do the research to make sure this cruise becomes the trip of a lifetime you desire.

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