Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go

• The Mekong river passes through several countries including China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With great variance in everything from language and customs to currency and cuisine, you should plan for your ports of call specifically. Be sure to bring cash in the appropriate denominations, as many of the rural shopkeepers and traders will not take card payment.
• Although your guides will help translate your conversations with locals and shopkeepers, it’s a good idea to prepare a basic phrasebook for the countries you’ll be visiting, even if it’s just a few polite words.
• The dry season is the best time to cruise the Mekong Delta, and extends from December to May. You can expect comfortable temperatures and dry weather during this time, and with lower water levels, exploring the waterways across the region becomes far easier. The wet season has its highlights as well, though; there’s no better time of year to see the greenery of the region come to full vibrant life, or visit the floating markets.
• Bring light and breathable clothing to walk and explore in, good walking shoes, and a sunhat. If you’re planning on taking walks in the jungle, some bug spray is a good idea too. When visiting temples, be sure to dress modestly, and remove your shoes before entering the halls.

Things to Do

• Taste local cuisine. The complex history of this region lends itself to a melting-pot of cultures and traditions, which is as interesting from the cultural perspective as from the culinary. Cambodian, Vietnamese, French and Chinese cuisines are just a few that you can sample while you’re ashore. There’s plenty of delicious fresh fruits to sample directly from the floating market of Cai Be, too.
• Learn about local history. From the works of the Khmer Empire to the more recent wars in Vietnam, there’s plenty of cultural and historical content to absorb on your cruise. Visit monuments and museums, take tours of significant sites, and so much more.
• Appreciate natural beauty. From the vistas of the Mekong to the lush, verdant greenery surrounding the river banks and towns, this region is a truly gorgeous one. Take pictures from the deck, go on walks through beautiful rainforests and wetlands, and soak in the gorgeous sights that surround you. There’s so much gorgeous flora and fauna to see, too.
• Visit temples. The stunning temples you can visit from the Mekong River are world-renowned, and in one case, even known as the world’s ‘eighth wonder’. Whether it’s the magnificent Angkor Wat itself, any of the other temples in the Angkor complex, or other beautiful Buddhist temples at your ports of call, these are an iconic part of your cruise.
• Your Mekong River cruise puts you in just the right place to extend your stay in the beautiful Ha Long Bay, accessible via a short seaplane trip from Hanoi. Reputed as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and a recognised World Heritage Site, the limestone islands and pillars dotted about the bay are a sight so spectacular you’ll remember it forever. Visit the hidden gem that is the floating village Cua Van, arriving via kayak or rowboat, and marvel at the stunning sights.

Why Book With Kenwood Travel

When you embark on your Mekong River cruise, you want everything to be exactly right for you, and that’s what we’re here for. When you book with us, we’ll be delighted to secure the best possible deal for your cruise, and our expert advice is available every step of the way. Whether you want help picking your itinerary or want to know more about the ports you’ll be calling at, our cruise experts are there for you. Your Mekong River cruise with us is ATOL and ABTA protected, too, making certain you have total peace of mind while you’re away.