Top Things to Do in Mekong River for a Truly Authentic Experience

The Mekong River flows through the heart of Southeast Asia, shaping the lives, cultures, and traditions of millions. It’s more than just a river, it’s a journey through living history, lush landscapes, and captivating communities. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Mekong River, this guide from Find My River Cruise will help you discover the top experiences from Vietnam to Cambodia. Let the Mekong surprise you with its beauty and depth.

Cruise the Mekong River in Style and Comfort

One of the most iconic things to do in Mekong River is to embark on a scenic river cruise. The cruise experience offers a perfect balance between comfort and cultural immersion. As you glide past rice paddies, bamboo villages, and sacred temples, you’ll gain a unique perspective of local life that’s impossible to find on land.

Join a Multi-Day Luxury Cruise Through Vietnam and Cambodia

For those seeking a deeper journey, a Mekong cruise is the most enriching way to explore. These cruises typically span between 4 and 10 days, connecting major destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. Along the way, you’ll step off the boat for guided excursions to floating markets, temples, and small river towns. Onboard, guests enjoy gourmet meals, spacious suites, and cultural activities.

Recommended luxury cruises include:

Aqua Mekong – This sleek, contemporary ship offers high-end comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows, curated daily excursions, and locally sourced fine dining.
Jayavarman by Heritage Line – Inspired by French colonial and Khmer heritage, this elegant boutique cruise delivers history and hospitality in one floating hotel.
Mekong Princess – Known for its personalized service and small-group experience, this intimate ship captures the charm of the region with a French-Indochine design.

Take a Short Day Cruise to Explore Local Life at a Slower Pace

Shorter river cruises are excellent for travelers with limited time or those looking for a relaxing excursion without committing to a full journey. These half-day or full-day cruises typically depart from key towns like Can Tho, Cai Be, or Phnom Penh.

During the ride, you’ll pass vibrant floating villages, watch fishermen at work, and stop at local workshops or temples. These cruises are usually done by smaller wooden boats or motorized sampans, offering a closer view of daily life along the riverbanks.

Highlights of short cruises include:

Cai Be Day Cruise – Visit fruit orchards, candy factories, and floating homes with English-speaking guides.
Can Tho Sunset Boat Ride – Enjoy a peaceful golden hour on the Hau River, a major tributary of the Mekong.
Phnom Penh Cultural Boat Trip – Combine river views of the Royal Palace with a stop at Silk Island or a floating village.

Explore Vibrant Floating Markets and Riverside Communities

One of the most authentic things to do in Mekong River is to immerse yourself in the floating markets and riverside villages that thrive on its waters. These places are not just tourist attractions, they are living communities where people trade, worship, and preserve centuries-old traditions. Visiting these areas gives travelers a rare opportunity to witness local life up close, far from the polished city experiences.

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

Cai Rang is the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta, and a visit here is often considered a must-do for anyone exploring the region. Starting as early as 5:00 AM, dozens of boats converge on the Hau River to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, breakfast dishes, and local products.

You’ll see:

Local vendors displaying their goods on tall poles to attract buyers.
Sampan boats selling piping hot bowls of Hu Tieu, a local noodle soup.
Traditional bartering between farmers, wholesalers, and everyday shoppers.

Joining a morning boat tour at Cai Rang is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Mekong River, especially for photographers and food lovers who want to capture the energy of daily river life.

Cham Minority Villages on Stilts in Chau Doc

Just outside of Chau Doc lies a series of stilt-house villages inhabited by the Cham people, a Muslim ethnic minority with deep historical roots in the region. These peaceful communities give travelers a fascinating look at another side of Mekong culture that is often overlooked.

During a guided visit, you can:

Walk across wooden bridges and observe the daily life of Cham families living above the water.
Visit a mosque and learn about the Islamic traditions practiced in southern Vietnam.
Watch women weave traditional textiles by hand using wooden looms.

For those interested in cultural exchange and learning, this is among the most educational things to do in Mekong River.

Floating Villages of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia

In Cambodia, the floating villages of Kampong Chhnang are a quiet, charming counterpart to the busier towns of the Mekong. Located near Tonle Sap Lake, these communities shift with the seasons—literally floating during the wet season and settling on land during the dry months.

What makes this visit special:

You’ll travel by long-tail boat through canals lined with houses on rafts and bamboo poles.
Children paddle to school, while vendors row by selling groceries and snacks.
You can stop by a local pottery village to see how traditional Khmer ceramics are still crafted by hand.

Exploring Kampong Chhnang offers a peaceful and intimate look at life along the Mekong, and is one of the lesser-known yet rewarding things to do in Mekong River.

Get Hands-On with Local Culture and Daily Traditions

Beyond its beautiful landscapes, one of the most enriching things to do in Mekong River is to take part in daily life and traditional crafts that define this region. From handmade treats to spiritual rituals, these cultural experiences give you a deeper connection to the communities that thrive along the riverbanks.

MakeTraditional Rice Paper and Coconut Candy in Ben Tre

Ben Tre, known as the “land of coconuts,” is the perfect place to get involved in local production. Here, you can visit small family-run workshops where artisans make rice paper and coconut candy using age-old techniques passed down through generations. During this hands-on visit, you could have chances to:

Watch locals mix, roll, and dry rice paper by hand using rice flour and steam.
See how coconut flesh is boiled, stretched, and shaped into sweet chewy bites.
Try your hand at wrapping the candy, then sample warm treats fresh from the pot.

Enjoy Traditional Music and Dance Performances on the River

Cultural performances are an essential part of life along the Mekong, and witnessing them is one of the most meaningful things to do in Mekong River. These shows celebrate the music, stories, and costumes that define local identity. You might encounter:

Apsara Dance in Cambodia – This elegant form of classical Khmer dance features slow, graceful movements and ornate costumes inspired by ancient temple carvings.
Don Ca Tai Tu in Vietnam – Recognized by UNESCO, this traditional southern Vietnamese music blends folk melodies with poetic lyrics. It’s often performed live aboard cruises or in village homes.

Visit Riverside Temples for a Glimpse into Spiritual Life

The Mekong is lined with temples and pagodas that are not only religious centers but also cultural landmarks. Visiting these sacred sites is one of the most peaceful things to do in Mekong River and a great way to understand the local beliefs that guide daily life. Each temple tells a story of faith, community, and history, making a temple visit one of the most insightful things to do in Mekong River.

Highlights include:

Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho – A striking mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architecture, this temple features giant Buddha statues and beautifully manicured gardens.
Wat Hanchey near Kampong Cham – Perched on a hilltop, this ancient Cambodian temple offers sweeping views of the Mekong and remains an active site for monks and pilgrims.
Phat Hoc Pagoda in Chau Doc – Known for its serenity and intricate carvings, this Buddhist site is a spiritual retreat for locals and visitors alike.

Savor the Distinctive Flavors of Mekong River Cuisine

When planning your trip, one of the most rewarding things to do in Mekong River is to dive into the region’s unique culinary traditions. The cuisine here reflects the richness of the land and water. From casual street snacks to home-cooked specialties, the food along the Mekong tells the story of its people.

Authentic Mekong Delta Dishes in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is a food lover’s paradise, where you can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals in both floating markets and countryside homes. Many dishes are made with fish caught right from the river and vegetables grown nearby. Exploring this cuisine is one of the tastiest things to do in Mekong River, especially for those curious about Vietnamese food beyond pho.

Here are some must-try dishes:

Elephant Ear Fish (Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu): This river fish is deep-fried until golden and served upright on a wooden stand. You’ll wrap the tender meat in rice paper with herbs and dip it in homemade fish sauce.
Banh Xeo Mekong Style: A large, crispy rice pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Often paired with lettuce and herbs for wrapping before dipping in a light chili-garlic sauce.
Canh Chua Ca Loc (Sour Snakehead Fish Soup): A refreshing sweet and sour soup made with tamarind, pineapple, tomatoes, and river fish, garnished with sawtooth coriander and bean sprouts.

Traditional Cambodian River Cuisine

Crossing into Cambodia, the Mekong’s culinary personality shifts subtly. Cambodian cuisine along the river emphasizes aromatic spices, freshwater fish, and tropical ingredients. Exploring local food in towns like Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham is one of the most immersive things to do in Mekong River, offering insight into Khmer culture through flavor:

Fish Amok: Often called Cambodia’s national dish, this creamy curry made with river fish, coconut milk, and lemongrass is steamed in banana leaves and served with fragrant rice.
Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles): A traditional breakfast favorite of cold rice noodles topped with green curry gravy and fresh herbs. It’s sold by street vendors and at local markets near the river.
Grilled River Skewers: Found in open-air night markets, these skewers feature fish, beef, or chicken marinated in lemongrass and spices. Served with pickled vegetables and spicy dipping sauce.

Connect with Nature in Peaceful Wetlands and Forests

For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, one of the most peaceful things to do in Mekong River is to explore the region’s wetlands and protected forests. These areas are home to incredible biodiversity, from migratory birds to unique water flora.

A quiet boat ride through lush mangroves or a visit to a bird sanctuary can offer a soothing contrast to the busy floating markets and city tours. These destinations are perfect for birdwatchers, photographers, or anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tucked away in southern Vietnam near the Cambodian border, Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a serene flooded forest filled with towering cajuput trees, lotus ponds, and emerald-green duckweed. Visiting this forest is one of the most relaxing things to do in Mekong River, especially if you’re interested in eco-tourism. The best time to visit is during the flood season (September to November), when water levels are high and the scenery is at its most magical.

A sampan boat ride through narrow canals where birds perch quietly on tree branches and sunlight filters through the canopy.
A bird-watching tower with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding rice paddies—ideal for spotting herons, storks, and kingfishers.
Peaceful walking paths and wooden bridges where you can stroll through dense greenery and breathe in the forest’s fresh, eucalyptus-scented air.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary on Tonle Sap Lake

Located at the northwest edge of Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. It is one of the top things to do in Mekong River for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The best bird-watching season is from December to April, when the water recedes and birds gather in large numbers to feed and nest.

Take a longtail boat from Siem Reap to reach this floating sanctuary, passing stilt houses and fish farms along the way.
Spot rare and endangered bird species such as painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, grey-headed fish eagles, and Asian openbills.
Visit the local environmental education center, which supports conservation efforts and community-based ecotourism.

Tram Chim National Park

If you’re looking for peaceful things to do in Mekong River that also support sustainable tourism, Tram Chim National Park offers an ideal escape. Known as the “green lung” of the Mekong Delta, this wetland reserve stretches over 7,000 hectares and is home to more than 230 species of birds and 130 species of plants. Tram Chim is perfect for responsible travelers looking to include meaningful and nature-focused things to do in Mekong River in their itinerary.

While at Tram Chim, you can:

Hop aboard a solar-powered boat and glide silently through flooded grasslands.
Observe the rare Sarus Crane, an endangered species and park icon, especially during the dry season (from late December to May).
Enjoy an educational visit at the park’s visitor center, which explains its role in wetland conservation and the Ramsar Convention.

Enjoy the Mekong by Night with Unique Local Experiences

While the Mekong River is captivating during the day, it transforms into something truly magical after sunset. The river slows down, the air cools, and the atmosphere becomes intimate and inviting. These evening activities offer a peaceful yet memorable end to a day of exploration.

Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh or Can Tho

One of the most scenic things to do in Mekong River at night is to join a sunset cruise along its calm waters. These cruises offer a front-row seat to twilight reflections on the river and are a popular way to relax while taking in city lights or countryside silhouettes.

In Phnom Penh, sunset cruises glide past the Royal Palace, riverside parks, and pagodas glowing under golden light. Some boats offer cocktails, live Khmer music, or onboard dining for a romantic evening.
In Can Tho, the experience is quieter and more intimate. You’ll float past small villages, fishermen heading home, and boats lit by oil lamps. Many local operators offer private cruises with fresh fruit and folk music performances.

Stroll Through Riverside Night Markets

If you’re looking for lively nighttime things to do in Mekong River, visiting the local night markets is a must. These vibrant spots come alive after dark with the scent of grilled seafood, the sparkle of handmade goods, and the hum of laughter from locals enjoying their evening out. Exploring these markets gives you a glimpse of local life after dark and is one of the most social and flavorful things to do in Mekong River.

Phnom Penh Riverside Night Market: Located near the Tonle Sap confluence, this market offers everything from skewers and stir-fried noodles to locally made fashion and crafts. It’s a great place to shop and sample Cambodian street food.
Can Tho Night Market: Found along Hai Ba Trung Street, this market is famous for its grilled seafood stalls, tropical fruit smoothies, and local desserts like sticky rice with mango. Lanterns and music add to the warm, festive atmosphere.

The Mekong River is a destination that goes beyond sightseeing, it’s a journey through culture, nature, and connection. With a mix of adventure and authenticity, the Mekong offers a deeply meaningful travel experience. Let the rhythm of the river guide your way.

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