Best Things to See and Do on the Mekong River Cruise

10 Most Captivating Experiences in the Mekong Delta

1. Discover the Floating Markets of the Mekong Delta

No trip to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam is complete without exploring its legendary floating markets. In hotspots like Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, Chau Doc, or even across the border in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the river transforms into a bustling trading hub. Wooden boats piled high with tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, and handmade goods create a moving tapestry of colors and sounds.

Travelers can hop aboard a small sampan to weave through the maze of boats, taste exotic fruits like rambutan and mangosteen, and sip freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee served from floating vendors. Beyond shopping, these markets offer a rare window into a centuries-old river economy where communities live, trade, and thrive on water.

2. Cruise the Serene Waterways of the Mekong River

A Mekong River cruise is one of the most enchanting ways to experience the Delta’s beauty and culture. Whether you choose a short day trip on a traditional wooden sampan or indulge in a multi-day luxury cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, the journey reveals the region’s soul at a slow, unhurried pace.

As you drift past emerald rice fields, sleepy fishing villages, and lush coconut groves, you’ll witness everyday life unfolding along the riverbanks, children playing in the water, farmers tending to their crops, and monks crossing in saffron robes. These cruises offer more than relaxation; they provide an intimate glimpse into the tranquil rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam and Cambodia.

3. Experience the Fishing Villages of the Mekong Delta

Life in the Mekong Delta fishing villages revolves around the river, and visiting these communities offers travelers an authentic glimpse into age-old traditions. In places like Kampong Phluk in Cambodia, you’ll wander past wooden stilt houses rising above seasonal floods, glide by boat through the mangrove and flooded forests, and watch fishermen skillfully casting their nets.

Meeting local families reveals stories of resilience, how they adapt to the changing waters, depend on the Mekong for sustenance, and maintain a lifestyle deeply connected to the river’s rhythms. These encounters go beyond sightseeing, giving visitors a meaningful understanding of the cultural and environmental challenges that shape daily life in the Delta.

4. Taste the Flavors of Mekong Delta Cuisine

The Mekong Delta food scene is as vibrant as its waterways, blending fresh river seafood, tropical fruits, and fragrant herbs into unforgettable dishes. From slurping a steaming bowl of hủ tiếu (Vietnamese noodle soup) to savoring the tangy richness of canh chua (sour fish soup) or the delicate freshness of gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), every bite tells the story of the land and water that produce it.

Across the border, Cambodian cuisine introduces specialties like fish amok, a creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaves. For a hands-on experience, join a Mekong Delta cooking class where you can shop at local markets, learn traditional recipes, and prepare authentic meals alongside expert home cooks. It’s a delicious way to connect with the region’s culture while sharpening your culinary skills.

5. Immerse Yourself in Khmer Culture in Cambodia

A journey along the Mekong Delta in Cambodia is also a journey into the heart of Khmer culture. In Siem Reap, marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, where stone ruins intertwine with giant tree roots. Beyond temple-hopping, the culture comes alive through graceful Apsara dance performances, traditional silk weaving, and local markets filled with spices and handicrafts.

For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, attending a Khmer wedding or religious ceremony offers rare insight into centuries-old traditions, rituals, and beliefs that remain an essential part of Cambodian life. Every experience reveals the profound spiritual and cultural connection between the people and the Mekong River that sustains them.

6. Cross the Friendship Bridge Between Cambodia and Laos

The Mekong River not only nourishes life but also connects nations. One of the most memorable ways to experience its grandeur is by crossing the Friendship Bridge linking Stung Treng in Cambodia with Pakse in Laos. This symbolic passage offers travelers a panoramic view of the confluence of the Mekong and Sekong Rivers, where two waterways merge in a powerful embrace.

At sunset, the scene becomes breathtaking, the river glows with golden hues, local fishermen paddle across the shimmering waters, and the surrounding landscape takes on a tranquil charm. Whether you’re continuing north into Southern Laos or exploring remote corners of northeastern Cambodia, crossing the Friendship Bridge is both a practical route and a memorable travel moment in the Mekong region.

7. Discover Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau in Laos

The riverside town of Pakse, capital of Champasak Province in southern Laos, is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking Bolaven Plateau. Known for its cooler climate, fertile volcanic soil, and rolling highlands, the plateau is a paradise for nature lovers. Coffee enthusiasts can wander through Laotian coffee plantations, sample robust brews, and learn how the region became one of Southeast Asia’s premier coffee-growing areas.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to explore—Tad Fane Waterfall, plunging dramatically into a deep gorge, and the serene Tad Lo Waterfalls, surrounded by rustic villages. Trekking routes also offer encounters with ethnic hill tribes, giving visitors a chance to experience traditional Laotian culture in a tranquil, elevated landscape that contrasts beautifully with the lush flatlands of the Mekong Delta.

8. Encounter the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie, Cambodia

One of the most magical experiences in the Mekong Delta region of Cambodia is spotting the rare Irrawaddy dolphins near the riverside town of Kratie. These freshwater dolphins, easily recognized by their rounded foreheads and gentle demeanor, inhabit a special stretch of the Mekong River that has become a critical conservation zone.

Joining a riverboat excursion in Kratie allows you to watch these endangered dolphins surface gracefully, often just a few meters away from your boat. Beyond the thrill of wildlife watching, the experience directly supports local conservation projects and community-led eco-tourism initiatives. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the fragile beauty of the Mekong and the efforts made to protect its biodiversity.

9. Stay in Riverside Homestays Along the Mekong

For travelers seeking authenticity, a Mekong Delta homestay offers the perfect opportunity to live like a local. Families in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos open their homes to guests, sharing not just a place to sleep but a way of life. Imagine waking up to the sound of roosters crowing and boats gliding past on the river, then joining your hosts in daily activities such as fishing with traditional nets, planting rice, or cooking regional dishes over a wood fire.

These homestays go beyond accommodation. They are cultural exchanges where travelers experience warm hospitality while learning about local traditions, farming techniques, and family customs passed down through generations. Staying riverside brings you closer to the Mekong’s heartbeat, offering memories that feel both personal and profound.

10. Witness the Timeless Rhythms of the Local Life

Sometimes the most memorable experience in the Mekong Delta is simply pausing to absorb its timeless rhythms. Along the riverbanks, everyday life unfolds like a living tapestry: farmers tending lush rice paddies, children splashing in the shallows, and saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn. Each moment reflects the intimate relationship between the river and the millions who depend on it.

Find a quiet spot on a riverside terrace or sit aboard a slow boat at sunset, and you’ll see why the Mekong has been revered for centuries. Its steady flow mirrors the resilience and vitality of Southeast Asia itself, reminding travelers that sometimes the greatest reward is not in rushing from place to place but in simply watching life drift by on the river’s golden waters.