Mekong River Cruises

The Mekong River traverses multiple countries, so your visa requirements will depend on the cruise you want to take and your point of entry into the countries you will visit.

If you are taking a cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, you will only need to acquire a Vietnam visa on arrival – your Cambodian visa will be stamped in your passport during the cruise.

However, if you are taking the downstream cruise and entering Vietnam on the river from Cambodia, most likely you will need to get your Vietnam visa before your cruise,  while the Cambodian visa can be easily acquired on arrival at the airport.

If you are cruising the Upper Mekong, you can get the Laos visa upon arrival at the airport or at the Thai border crossing, if your cruise starts in Huay Xai.

Some travelers start taking malaria tablets before traveling to the Mekong River, but it is not a requirement. Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. You may also want to take precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

There are countless sites and attractions along the Mekong River, one of the reasons it is such a popular spot for river cruises. On the Lower Mekong, the floating markets in the Delta are a must-see. In the Upper Mekong, make sure to visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang.

Traveling along the Mekong River gives you the chance to try all different kinds of local cuisines. Southeast Asian countries are famous for their noodles and rice in many variations, and – along the Mekong – the local fish.

Dishes aren’t spicy and there are many vegetarian options. You can expect freshly made dishes using local vegetables, herbs, and soy or fish sauce to accompany them.

Mekong food specialities to try include the elephant ear fish and local rice pancakes popular in the Mekong Delta, in Cambodia its Khmer cuisine, and in Laos the lard and sticky rice.

The Mekong River is a safe location. The only thing of which to be aware is that parts of it may be polluted. However, this should not be an issue if you are on a Mekong cruise. Practice good water safety and common sense and there is no reason you shouldn’t have a safe trip.

The most pleasant time of year for a Mekong River trip is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier (especially in the evening) with no rainfall.

Although, if you are interested in entering Tonlé Sap Lake by riverboat, you should aim for the end of the rainy season (August – mid November) when the water in the river is naturally higher making the lake accessible.

Taking a Mekong River cruise with kids is possible but most Mekong boats don’t allow kids younger than 7 years old on board. The Mekong Delta is an exciting destination for the whole family, with activities such as cycling, agricultural and cultural experiences, school visits, and ancient temple exploration.

The Mekong River can be a great honeymoon destination depending on your tastes, especially around its delta. With breathtaking sights, unique cultural experiences, romantic accommodations aboard luxurious riverboats, and serene riverine vistas, the Mekong is ideal for newlyweds who want a remote and adventurous honeymoon.