The Mekong River flows from the Tibetan Plateau in China through five nations in Southeast Asia—Myanmar, Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam— into the sea by passing through a large delta, a lowland area at the mouth of the river formed from sedimentary deposits. Known as the longest river in Southeast Asia, it is also the 7th longest in Asia and the 12th longest in the world, stretching approximately 4,900 km in length.
Flowing from icy waters in its upper reaches to lush tropical landscapes downstream, the Mekong River offers countless options to explore. Myanmar, Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are potential places to savor the beauty of the Mekong River's natural landscape in the downstream region.
Whether enjoying the serenity on a boat during sunset while savoring the delicacies of its species or casually watching the hustle and bustle of livelihoods around it, the Mekong offers something unique and worth visiting for every traveler.
Read also: The Mekong River: Southeast Asia's Lifeline and Its Multifaceted Significance
Cruising or Chilling
Watching the sunset across the horizon on the Mekong River is a worthy wishlist experience. Starting from the simplest to the most luxurious, cruises usually last around 2 hours, whether you’re enjoying the bustle of the city from the middle of the river in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, or taking in the scenic views in Luang Prabang, Laos. With luxurious options, you might even have a romantic or family dinner with unforgettable views on the cruise.
Another option to wind down is to visit the Mekong Delta in Vietnam on a short cruise to the Cai Rang floating markets or aboard a converted rice barge, stopping by small towns along the way. Made up of countless tributaries from the Mekong River, the 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don, in Laos is perfect for backpackers who love quiet and scenic places to explore. Located not far from the border of Cambodia, this area features over 4,000 islands wrapped in rice paddies.
Living on board
A riverboat cruise is the next level of a sunset cruise—not only enjoying the dusk views but experiencing life from dusk until dawn. Spend days fully immersed in the experience of the "Cuu Long," or "Nine Dragons," as nicknamed by the Vietnamese.
Either discovering the Golden Triangle—where the Mekong River serves as a border for Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. A small glimpse of the Mekong essence in Luang Prabang, Laos, or chilling at Kuang Si waterfalls, this journey will take at least three days. The longer the route, the more days are needed.
Along the way, you can enrich the journey by including cultural stops at riverside villages, ancient temples, and bustling markets. Thus, you will also have an extraordinary adventure through the heart of Southeast Asia.
Spotting the wildlife
As the second most diverse river on earth, with over 1,300 species of fish, the Mekong River—especially the Mekong Basin—is also home to an enormous diversity of endangered species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, the Giant Ibis, and the Siamese crocodile.
Luck is the most important thing you need for this kind of adventure. Spotting one of the 92 Irrawaddy dolphins left in a 190-kilometer stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Laos is a rare experience. Kratie is the best place to stay, while the dolphins themselves are located in Kampi, an area about 15 km north of Kratie.
Late afternoon is the best time to see them. All you need is a small riverboat, which includes a local driver who will bring you to the spotting area. Be prepared to spot any dolphin when they make low leaps, as Irrawaddy dolphins are neither particularly active nor acrobatic.
Read also: Hidden Wonders: Newly Discovered Species in Southeast Asia's Mekong Region
When is the best time to visit?
Dry season —around November to April— is the the best season to visit and enjoy a variety of activities in this area, due to cooler and less humid weather, especially if you choose a sunset cruise or an overnight riverboat journey.
In this season, the waters are also clearer, providing better visibility and making it easier to spot endangered species like Irrawaddy dolphins. Meanwhile, in the wet season, dolphins are occasionally seen south of Kratie.
More preparation is needed if you decide to enjoy the lavish green landscape green landscapes and also cooler temperatures during the rainy season. The moonson may bring heavy rain, muddy waters, and even flooding in some regions.
