Mekong River Tour & Trip Reviews

What to Look for in Mekong River Cruise Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

Altogether, travelers on Mekong River cruises are affluent, experienced, and adventurous travelers. Many expect a high standard of service coupled with getting a true cultural experience in the tours.

Positive Mekong River tours highlight the local guides and their in-depth knowledge of their countries. The various activities, such as biking, kayaking, and walking tours, play a major role in the overall experience of the tours. Angkor Wat, the killing fields, and other cultural and historical sites are the main highlights of many travelers to the Mekong River.

Unfavorable reviews may come from travelers’ expectations of comfort in travel. Many of the longer tours, or when the water is too low to travel, include buses or cars to transport travelers to the next destination.

One thing to remember is much of Southeast Asia is underdeveloped and recovering from recent conflicts. Many of the roads and overnight trains will not be in the same quality as those in many Western countries. Travelers with disabilities may find traveling in the rural areas more difficult and may be limited to certain activities.

When visiting Southeast Asia, the cities will be a flurry of people and vehicles. Travelers new to Southeast Asia may find it difficult to adjust to the modes of transport, accommodation, and foods that are uniquely Southeast Asian.

Each Mekong River tour has a preordained itinerary. Due to the water levels of the Mekong River, some scheduled stops may be skipped. Some tours include more cities than rural villages or more temples than activities. The themes of the tours are important to pay attention to because each focuses on something specific to its tour. This can be adventurous activities, city life, or rural villages. Picking the tour theme that best fits you will make your trip on the Mekong River the best it can be.

For a professional take on traveling to the Mekong River, see the Travelstride Mekong River Guide »