Mekong River Cruise: 5 Amazing Cultural Experiences on the Mighty Mekong

Here, we’ll discuss 5 unique cultural experiences on this beautiful river and how we can help you make it a reality.

Life along the Mekong River is filled with unique trips, cultural tours, village visits, local market visits, cruises to remote island corners, etc.

You’ll get a unique opportunity to explore the cultures of Tan Chau, Kampong Tralach, Sa Dec, Kampong Chhnang, and My Tho.

1. A Luxury Tour

The Mekong luxury tour will take you on a journey of contrasts as you dive deeper into Cambodia and Vietnam’s cultures and histories. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the locals and their lifestyles along the waterway, explore the monastery of Wat Hanchey, and discover the surrounding sights.

This tour will allow you to explore Angkor Ban and the wooden rural houses, visit Phnom Penh, and immerse yourself in French architecture. Some cruises include a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, so if you want to visit this place, make sure to check with the cruise company and get your facts straight.

Make sure to bring a camera with you and make stunning memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

2. Discover Phnom Penh

What’s a better way to immerse yourself in the diverse culture of a country like Cambodia than exploring the Silk Island and Phnom Penh? There are plenty of trips that head to the Silk Island, where tourists can witness the silk-making process and even visit some local schools.

Phnom Penh's travel highlights are not all about Khmer Rouge or the Khmer-era temples; Cambodia has a lot more to offer. So, you might be wondering what the best things to do around Phnom Penh to get the ultimate cultural experience are.

First of all, we recommend visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. This is a different type of palace, nothing like the Belvedere Palace in Vienna or the Versailles in France. You will get lost in the breathtaking Khmer architecture and enjoy views like the Silver Pagoda or visit Emerald Buddha.

Later on, you can head out to the Cambodian non-profit organization and witness the beauty of the Apsara, a traditional dance performed at the National Museum of Cambodia. Don’t forget to visit the Central Market (also known as Phsar Thmey) and buy some souvenirs, local food, crafts, and clothes and engage with the bustling crowd.

It truly is a unique experience you must not miss!

3. The Lost Civilization

Another captivating cultural experience is a trip to the lost civilization. Most river cruises sail along the Mighty Mekong as the tourists discover the cultures and rich heritage. During the trip, you will learn more about the colorful markets, historic pagodas, and rural villages.

The local villagers are pretty friendly, so you can expect to make friends with most of them and exchange experiences. You can also witness the witty artisans and admire their unique handicrafts.

The Lost Civilization tour takes you upstream to the mighty river, where you can visit the most prominent local floating markets, head out to floating fish farms, and explore the river’s features in depth.

4. Visit Cities and Villages

The Mekong River gives off friendly and peaceful vibes, so tourists enjoy embarking on such a trip. However, it’s common among tourists to be hesitant about visiting certain places; or not knowing which ones to visit.

It is a good idea to visit the local villages along the Mekong River, of course, as long as the cruise allows occasional stops. If so, the first place you should visit is Siem Reap in Cambodia. It’s a city that belongs to its namesake province and a region where one of the world's seven wonders is located.

To learn more about the city and its culture, visit the Angkor National Museum, take a tour of the Wat Preah Prom Rath, or to the Apsara theater.

Ho Chi Min is a city in Vietnam and is known as the “Young City.” This place has a 300-year history and is rich in culture. The Ben Thanh market is the trade center and the symbol of Sai Gon, so make sure to visit it and enjoy your coffee sitting on the street banks.

5. Visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, boasting idyllic beaches, crystal clear waters, and evergreen forests. It’s located in the southern part of Vietnam, and it’s the heart of Vietnamese culture.

Enjoy!

Each trip helps us learn more about other cultures and shows us a different perspective on life. Make sure to enjoy the Mekong River cruise and get the most out of it!