Mekong River Tours & Trip Packages

Mekong River Tours & Trips

106 Mekong River trips. Tours from 61 tour companies. 374 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

106 Trips match your criteria (81 - 100 shown)

Untamed Cambodia
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Visit Angkor Wat
  • Enjoy a boat cruise on Mekong
  • Explore the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family.
  • Learn about the rescued Sun bears at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
  • Enjoy a unique experience in Elephant Valley Project
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It is a difficult job to make everybody happy all of the time, but you ladies do a superb job. We were definitely off the beaten path, and when following that path there are sometimes unexpected surprises, but every bump was handled beautifully."

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Laos,the Mekong & Thailand Tour
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5/5 Excellent
26 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Luang Prabang, Mekong River

Highlights

  • A superb tour combining two of Asia’s most enchanting countries, with amazing scenery, wonderful cultural legacies and some of the world’s most engaging people
  • Explore the upper reaches of the Mekong in Laos visiting tribal communities on a fascinating two-day boat cruise that’s way off the beaten track
  • Stay in four and five-star hotels, including a charming riverside eco-lodge
  • Stay and tour Luang Prabang, the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, acknowledged as south east Asia’s best preserved traditional town
  • Visit the poignant WWII memorial at Hellfire Pass on Burma’s ‘Death Railway’ travelling by train over the infamous ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from India & Shimla solo travellers trip. A fantastic time was had by all, we did so much in 2 weeks. Thank you to Riviera for your great organisation and always there to help if needed. Special thanks to Matt our tour guide for all the laughs, information on the places we were seeing, keeping us all in check (if he could ha ha) and his great organisation and compasion if needed. I would greatly recommend Rivera Travel and cannot wait for my next trip with them in September to the Kerala Backwaters. Keep up the good work all."

Trip dates & details
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The Mekong: From Laos To China
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5/5 Excellent
9 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Luang Prabang, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Enjoy watching lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages
  • Cherish moments in walking tour of Ban Park Bor (Kmu Tribal) Village
  • Visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall
  • Enjoy the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own explorations ashore

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the RV Mekong Pandaw in Kampong Cham for a 3 night cruise to Phnom Penh. I wish we had booked for 7 nights! Amazing staff, gorgeous staterooms, a welcoming and comfortable sun deck and saloon bar. The ship is beautiful and was the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Thank you Pandaw for a truly fantastic holiday experience. Your staff are courteous, hard working and lots of fun to be around. Brilliant."

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The Laos Mekong
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5/5 Excellent
9 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Luang Prabang, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Enjoy your day at lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages
  • Explore the unique Pak Ou Caves
  • Visit butterfly garden and elephant camp
  • Cherish the day at jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the RV Mekong Pandaw in Kampong Cham for a 3 night cruise to Phnom Penh. I wish we had booked for 7 nights! Amazing staff, gorgeous staterooms, a welcoming and comfortable sun deck and saloon bar. The ship is beautiful and was the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Thank you Pandaw for a truly fantastic holiday experience. Your staff are courteous, hard working and lots of fun to be around. Brilliant."

Trip dates & details
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Mekong Downstream Cambodia Vietnam on Mekong Navigator 5 days 4 nights cruise
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5/5 Excellent
13 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong River , Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • The spectacular Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
  • Mighty Mekong River
  • Vovinam Show in My An Hung
  • Sa Dec market
  • Margettet Duras house
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Nice crew! Delicious food!!! Like excursion to Long Khanh- nice people; ferry trip. Do not like S21 and Killing Fields. Terrible history but important. Food + athmosphere on boat. Aircondition at Lounge too cold, restaurant little better.""

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Vietnam Highlands
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hong Kong, Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Saigon, Victoria Peak

Highlights

  • By Mekong river cruise visit the local colorful floating markets of Cai Be, where you will cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables
  • Explore Hanoi City Via Victoria Expres
  • Explore Hong Kong is a place of contrasts: geographically, socially and economically
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh
  • Visit to One Pillar Pagoda which was built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054.

Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I have worked with Swain for travel in Australia and Africa. On both continents they have always exceeded expectations. I have never written a review until now, but I am truly impressed by their precision in handling the required covid tests for multiple country itineraries in Africa. Numerous travelers have been able to experience Africa with ease because of how easy to follow and clearly pre-arranged travelers testing and requirements. Experts in knowledge and service!"

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Thailand Scenic 9 Days 7 Nights
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4.7/5 Excellent
99 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hong Kong, Mekong River

Highlights

  • Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimitr) to see its solid-gold Buddha
  • See the riverside Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and ride a motorboat along the Chao Phraya River
  • Visit Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets
  • Visit the Elephant World Sanctuary for rescued elephants
  • Visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, famously connected to the ‘Death Railway
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We did the tour to Bangkok and Phuket in off season. We were concerned about the weather and if we would get a sub-par experience. But we had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend Affordable World!! Great company. Very organized and thorough. Our tour guide was amazing! He explained all of our stops and even some extra tid bits about the country. We were transported in air conditioned vans/sprinters to every stop. We felt right at home!"

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10-Day Mekong River Adventure Cruise: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Siem Reap

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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Mekong River Reviews & Ratings

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

Amber

Oct 2015

Written on

very well organised, great leader.

very well organised, great leader.

m

michael

Oct 2015

Written on

Sodyka Im was an awesome tour guide

Sodyka Im was an awesome tour guide and i loved seeing the culture while channgling myself.

S

Suzanne

Sep 2015

Written on

The tour was well run, the tour

The tour was well run, the tour guide (Sodyka Im) was very knowledgeable and helpful, hotels were clean, there was a wide variety of activities and it was good to ge...

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...

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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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