The Mekong River flows from the Tibetan Plateau in China through five Southeast Asian countries—Burma, Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—to the ocean, flowing through a big delta, a lowland area on the river’s mouth manufactured from sedimentary deposits. Known because the longest river in Southeast Asia, it is usually the seventh longest in Asia and the twelfth longest on the earth, stretching for roughly 4,900 km.
Flowing from icy waters upstream to lush tropical landscapes downstream, the Mekong River offers limitless sightseeing opportunities. Myanmar, Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are potential destinations to enjoy the attractive natural landscape of the lower Mekong River.
Whether you are luxuriating within the quiet of a ship because the sun sets, having fun with the delicacies of your species, or casually observing the hustle and bustle of the people around you, the Mekong offers something unique and value a visit for each traveler.
Read also: The Mekong River: Southeast Asia’s lifeline and its multifaceted significance
Watching the sunset on the horizon over the Mekong River is a bucket list-worthy experience. From the only to probably the most luxurious, cruises typically last around 2 hours, whether you are absorbing the hustle and bustle of the mid-river city in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, or taking within the scenic views in Luang Prabang, Laos. Thanks to the luxurious options, you possibly can even organize a romantic or family dinner with unforgettable views in the course of the cruise.
Another option for rest is to go to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam on a brief cruise to the Cai Rang floating markets or aboard a converted rice barge, stopping in small towns along the best way. Consisting of countless tributaries of the Mekong River, 4,000 islands or Si Phan Don, Laos is a great destination for tourists who love quiet and picturesque places to explore. The area, situated near the border with Cambodia, includes over 4,000 islands surrounded by rice fields.
A river cruise is the subsequent level of sunset cruise – not only are you able to benefit from the views at dusk, but you too can experience life from dusk to dawn. Spend your days completely immersed within the experience of “Cuu Long” or the “Nine Dragons” because the Vietnamese call them.
Or discovering the Golden Triangle – where the Mekong River forms the border of Thailand, Laos and Burma. Slightly glimpse of the essence of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos, or relaxing on the Kuang Si Waterfalls, this journey will take at the very least three days. The longer the route, the more days it takes.
Along the best way, you possibly can enrich your trip with cultural stops at riverside villages, ancient temples, and bustling markets. This way you will even experience a rare adventure through the guts of Southeast Asia.
As the second most diverse river on the earth, with over 1,300 species of fish, the Mekong River – especially the Mekong Basin – can be home to an enormous diversity of endangered species corresponding to the Irrawaddy dolphin, the enormous ibis and the Siamese crocodile.
Luck is crucial thing needed for this type of adventure. Seeing one among the 92 Irrawaddy dolphins stranded on the 190-kilometer stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Laos is a rare experience. Kratie is the very best place to remain overnight, while the dolphins themselves are situated in Kampi, an area about 15 km north of Kratie.
Late afternoon is the very best time to see them. All you wish is a small river boat with an area driver to take you to the sighting site. Be prepared to identify any dolphin making low jumps, as Irrawaddy dolphins are neither particularly lively nor acrobatic.
Read also: Hidden wonders: newly discovered species within the Mekong region of Southeast Asia
The dry season – November to April – is the very best time to go to and luxuriate in the realm’s various attractions as a result of the cooler and fewer humid weather, especially for those who select a sunset cruise or night river cruise.
The waters are also clearer this season, providing higher visibility and making it easier to identify endangered species corresponding to Irrawaddy dolphins. Meanwhile, in the course of the rainy season, dolphins can sometimes be seen south of Kratie.
If you choose to enjoy the luxurious greenery, verdant landscapes and cooler temperatures in the course of the rainy season, you wish more preparations. The moon could bring heavy rains, muddy water, and even flooding in some regions.
