Mekong River Cruising Seasons
Most Mekong River cruises take place on the Lower Mekong between Laos and Vietnam, with the stretch between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in Cambodia regarded one of the most scenic. Water level fluctuations make for unpredictable cruising seasons, however the high-water season between November and February is considered the best time to travel.
Major Mekong River Destinations
Laos
Full of steep gorges and winding valleys, the Upper Mekong in Laos is generally regarded as one of the most picturesque parts of the river. It's also one of the most treacherous to navigate, however what it lacks in predictablity it more than makes up for in stunning scenery. This verdant landscape, home to misty mountain ranges and dense jungle canopies, remains one of the Mekong's most enchanting.
Vietnam
Occupying a vast corner of southwest Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is both an ecological wonderland and a wonderful place for river cruising. Teeming with floating markets, picturesque villages and a dizzying array of tributaries, Vietnam's colourful expanse of Mekong Delta offers a river cruising experience like no other.
Cambodia
Tranquil Cambodia offers a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Vietnam, a fact reflected in its peaceful river cruising. The countryside is transformed in the wake of the wet season into a lush landscape replete with green fields dotted with temples, making Cambodia a must-see destination on many a Mekong River cruise.