The Mekong River

About the Mekong
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Experience the cultures of Cambodia and Vietnam on a Mekong River Cruise

Ports-of-Call on the Mekong River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Mekong River as it flows through Cambodia and Vietnam.  These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises.  Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Mekong River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Angkor Wat

Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It was built by the King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in the capital of the Khmer Empire, Yaśodharapura, which is present day Angkor, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Angkor Wat and its vast array of buildings and temples are a definite highlight of any Mekong River cruise vacation. Although not on the Mekong River or its tributaries, Angkor Wat is a before or after cruise must-see and included on almost all Mekong River cruise itineraries.

Cai Be

Vietnam

Cai Be is a Mekong River town that is largely located directly on the waters of the Mekong Delta. The Mekong River is the lifeblood of this agricultural market town and that will be evident as you sail through this magical place on your river cruise ship. You will see many of the homes that are built on the water on stilts or on floating barges. And you will witness the daily trade routines as sellers and buyers shop their wares directly on the river from boat to boat. These floating markets are a fascinating look at the cultural uniqueness of this region of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Still popularly called Saigon, the thriving metropolis of southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular spot to either begin or end your Mekong River Cruise. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and features a rich cultural and historical heritage that is evident throughout. From the ancient Khmer rule to the French Colonial era to the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with historical treasures that will take you back to a time written in history books. Enjoy visits to the Reunification Palace, the Opera House, War Remnants Museum, and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

Kampong Cham

Cambodia

Kampong Cham is a small city in southeastern Cambodia along the Mekong River. Beautiful French colonial buildings still augment the city streets. On a cruise stop here you will visit Wat Nokor Bachey or Nokor Wat, where a modern pagoda is built on the site of an Angkorian temple. The hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei have temples at the top. Farther north, Prasat Hanchey has pagodas and Mekong River views. If you are lucky you will be able to enjoy a performance of an Aspara dance – a traditional Cambodian dance that is often performed in public in Kampong Cham.

Mỹ Tho

Vietnam

Mỹ Tho is the capital city and center of trade, education and technology, of Tiền Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. Mỹ Tho was founded in the 1680’s by Chinese refugees fleeing China. Once a part of the former Khmer Empire, the city was annexed to Vietnam in the 18th century. Mỹ Tho is named after the Mỹ Tho River and means ‘beautiful tree’ in Sino-Vietnamese script. Here you can visit the Vinh Trang Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple with many statues and exquisite gardens. You will enjoy the scenery of cruising on the peaceful Mekong Delta around Mỹ Tho.

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the vibrant capital of Cambodia. The city is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a commerce hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. Its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, is popular with river cruise visitors. Here you will also find the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around Cambodia. Jump on a rickshaw or ‘tuk-tuk’ by the river to go visit the popular and massive, art deco Central Market.

Sa Dec

Vietnam

Sa Dec is a provincial city in Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam. It is a Mekong river port and agricultural and industrial trading center. During the Vietnam War in 1966 and 1967, it was the site of Sa Dec Base, an American Patrol Boat River base. Later on, it became a Swift Boat base, as well. Today this romantic and charming town still isn’t very touristy and a true hidden gem in the Mekong delta. There is a busy and authentic market along the Mekong and a lot of architecture from the colonial period in town, such as the old market, and numerous old mansions and merchant homes. Sa Dec is also famous for its flower gardens.

Tan Chau

Vietnam

Tan Chau is well known for its beautiful and exquisite silk production, which has been in a popular local trade since the town’s founding in the mid-1700’s. On your visit here as a port on your Mekong River Cruise journey you will be able to purchase locally made silk wares from their producers. Beyond its traditional factories and local Vietnamese artisans, Tan Chau is a bustling small Vietnamese river town that’s filled with warmth and charm.

Your Mekong River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Mekong River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.