The mighty Mekong River is one of the greatest rivers in the world. This transboundary river of 5,000 kilometers flows through 6 countries; China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam, creating great biodiversity and natural resources. While this river is popularly appreciated for its contribution to economic development and sustainability, it is also a haven for tourism and recreation. One way to get the most out of this destination is by taking the best Mekong luxury cruise that provides a unique and comfortable way to discover the Mekong River’s beauty and the local people’s culture.
Cruising the Mekong River allows you to see several must-see attractions covering many South East-Asian countries. Let’s look at some of the top attractions on the Mekong River banks in Vietnam and its neighboring locations.
Top Attractions on the Mekong River Banks
Cai Rang Floating Market in Vietnam
Cai Rang floating market is one of the biggest in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam. Anytime from 5 AM is the best time to visit this market when it opens and is at its liveliest, where you will find all sorts of vegetables and fruits, or even grab a bowl of hot noodles soup for breakfast. You can tour this market on a wooden boat called a sampan. The boat helps you navigate the market, going from one boat stall to another. The traders usually hang their goods on a long pole above the boat. Apart from the display of food items, you also get to see some local Vietnamese food factories where they produce coconut candies and other local food products.
Sa Dec Flower Village in Vietnam
Taking a trip to the Mekong Delta will not be complete without Sa Dec traditional village. Sa Dec is a small village that is best viewed on a sampan. In this village, there is something to tickle every tourist’s fancy that is sure to give you a feel of the Vietnamese lifestyle.
The village is home to the famous Huynh Thuy Le’s old house, whose love story was made into the classic movie “The Lover,” produced in the ’90s. You can watch the film to get a proper feel of this place before you visit. The house has a vintage Indochine design, attracting many tourists to take extraordinary pictures. You can still see pictures of the Le family and Marguerite Duras.
Apart from this, Sa Dec village is also known for its roses and marigolds and is known as the flower capital of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Vinh Trang Pagoda in Vietnam
This Buddhist temple is located at My Tho, in Tien Giang Province, Vietnam. It was built in 1849 with a very unique and remarkable architecture inspired by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Angkor features.
Surrounded by beautiful ornamental gardens, Vinh Trang Pagoda is a must-visit Vietnamese attraction. The pagoda has five buildings, two ornamental yards, and 178 pillars. The pagoda houses many artistic sculptures, such as the Amitabha Holy Trinity, which was carved in bronze, and statues made from copper, wood, and terracotta. The pagoda is also known for its precious 18 arhats made from jackfruit tree wood in 1907.
Xeo Quyt Forest in Vietnam
Xeo Quyt is a lush green forest located southeast of Cao Lanh, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam. The forest is appreciated for its natural beauty and as an embodiment of history. The forest has bunkers that served as hideouts for Viet Cong generals during the war. Running through the middle of the forest is a canal that can be explored on a boat. The forest is filled with tall melaleuca trees, which form a canopy over the canal and walking trails, wild grass, fauna, and flora.
You can explore parts of the forest to gain historical insights into the war. You can enter some of the bunkers and walk through some former minefields. The forest also has a whole underground house which was a major hideout. Visit this attraction site to admire nature’s beauty and discover expertly hidden bunkers.
The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh
After visiting the rustic countryside in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam, make your way to these two locations in Phnom Penh. Although gothic, these locations help you understand the downsides of Cambodian history. The museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide. Unfortunately, this site is not suitable for children as a result of the displays in the museum. You will see the skulls and bones of the victims of the genocide as well as their postmortem pictures and torture photos. These sites take you through a journey of how people suffered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge and its soldiers.
Taking a trip to these places almost feels like walking through history. On the museum walls, you can see tiny traces of splattered blood on the floor and walls. The Choeung Ek killing field was used as a mass graveyard for over 10,000 bodies. While these sights might look very gory, it is important to understand these people’s history and how many Cambodians were denied the right to live.
The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
The royal palace is another highlight of Phnom Penh. Constructed in 1860, the palace was home to the past Cambodian kings. Today, the palace swoons many tourists with its exquisite architecture and historical values. The Silver Pagoda is another beauty that got its name from its interior, which is inlaid with 5,329 solid silver tiles. The moonlight pavilion is also another royal attraction that will be worth your time.
Cruise the Mighty Mekong Now!
The top attractions mentioned above should convince you that the mighty Mekong is worth cruising. Cruising the Mekong promises to be an interesting, exciting, and thrilling adventure. Not only do you get to appreciate nature, but you also get to appreciate the diverse lifestyle and history of the different places you will visit. It is time to pack your bags and come with us to the Mekong to find even more alluring attractions.