The Mekong River is around 4,500km long and traverses some of the world’s most intriguing and interesting sites, both historically and aesthetically. Flowing through Tibet, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – it truly is the lifeblood of Asia. Any journey along its waters is such a wonderful experience that it will stay with you for the rest of your life. Here are some of our recommendations to give you a taste of what is on offer on the Mekong.
Pak Beng (Laos)
The route down the Mekong is a popular transportation route, not to mention spectacular and flourishing as a result. On the banks lies this little unblemished village cradled by the hills and overlooking the turbid waters. Pak Beng is an incredibly beautiful way to experience the true soft beauty of Mekong life in a rural setting.
Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
The Rivers Mekong and Ou meet at Ban Pak Ou in which two caves formed out of limestone cliffs are home to an amazing array of Buddhas. The Pak Ou Caves house as many as 4000, all existing under the magnificent vertical entrance close to the river and nestled in a lush jungle setting.
Luang Prabang (Laos)
Luang Prabang sits beneath a temple-topped hill, and is truly one of the cutest small cities in all of South East Asia. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it refuses to succumb to the pitfalls of mass tourism, maintaining an incredibly clean, uncorrupted wonder and charm. Touches of European architecture sit alongside the traditional wooden houses of Laos and all this is nestled amongst lush, panoramic greenery, sheltered by hills and comforted by the warm arms of the Nam Khan and the Mekong. Narrow winding lanes, beautifully restored Buddhist Temples, Palaces and Waterfalls await you on your visit.
Satri House’s architecture reflects the French Colonial flavors of last century.
Nong Khai (Thailand)
In Thailand, around 20km from Vientiane the capital of Laos, lies Nong Khai – The Naga City, a bustling hub and a gateway to its neighbour. The Naga is the giant serpentine guardian of the Mekong River and representations of this serpent are everywhere: street lights, temples, the main city fountain, shrines, temples and the six story Naga overlooking the Sculpture Park. Nong Khai is home to a specific north-eastern Thai culture called Isaan and the people here are known for their incredible kindness and friendliness and are an evolution of both Lao and Thai roots. An extraordinary plethora of items can be found at the Taa Sadej Market and a variety of festivals can be enjoyed throughout the year. Temples such as Wat Pho Chai, known for its striking and highly revered Buddha image are also motivations for you to visit this thriving city.
Vat Phou (Laos)
Vat Phou (or Wat Phou) is an essential place to visit given its status as a UNESCO world heritage listed site. Translating as “Temple-Mountain,” this aptly named wonder sits serenely at the foot of Mount Phu Kao around 6km from the Mekong River in Southern Laos. It is an ancient temple complex of Hindu Khmer origins that dates as far back as the 5th century when a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva once stood on the site.
There are two palaces north and south on the lower portion of the complex and you can climb the somewhat precarious stairs up to the higher terrace for a wider view of the lower terrace and Mekong Valley. On this terrace you can also explore more remarkably preserved structures given its nearly 1000 year history. The ornate buildings are nestled within the greenery give a mythical atmosphere of times and worlds passed by.
Vat Phou Cruises organize excursions to Vat Phou ruins on both ways up and downstream to Champasak.
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
For a more edgy, buzzing experience of the life and culture of South East Asia, the capital city of Cambodia Phnom Penh is definitely the adventure you are looking for. Once called “The Paris of the East” in the 1970’s, it still retains a beauty all of its own with plenty of interesting attractions to visit. If you look around carefully enough you will not only find amazing temples and palaces but lovely tree lined boulevards, cafes and French colonial architecture. The locals are some of the friendliest you will find in any capital city.
While in Phnom Penh, do not miss the best restaurant in town.
Saigon (Vietnam)
The traditional and the modern have a marvellous way of co-existing in this wonderful city, the capital of Vietnam. You can feel the rush of life in the busy markets such as Ben Tanh and in the streets flooded with small motorcycles whizzing past in an almost graceful chaos. Grab a cyclo ride around the city to avoid the traffic, and stop at any of the markets or cafes. Amongst some beautiful French colonial architecture, you can also visit many landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Independence Palace and for a more sobering but educating experience, memories of the tragic US-Vietnam War are housed at the War Remnants Museum. You can also take a trip out to the Cu Chi tunnels that were instrumental in the strategy that thwarted the US Army during the war.
With its impressive white facade, Villa Song is right on the Saigon River and offers its own speedboat to commute.
My Tho (Vietnam)
After the bustling hub that is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), lies the contrasting and pleasant market town of My Tho. It is around 70 km from the city along the north bank of the Mekong River. Don’t let this description fool you however, this market town is busy enough to keep you entertained with a lively atmosphere which is far from silent, especially given its position on the Mekong being of commercial importance. This charming place can take on a romantic air at night with young couples and families roaming the streets under the town lights and night sky.
The Island Lodge is built on an island, in the middle of the Mekong Delta
