How to tour the Mekong on your own
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, there should be two recommendations to adhere to. One, make sure your itinerary has the Mekong Delta in it. Two, do not, at all cost, visit Mekong by booking a day trip, from places like Saigon. Many have said that, it is best to undertake this journey on your own, without relying on tour guides. Your priorities need to be a cruise, visiting a floating market and booking a homestay. Here is a step by step guide taking you through the details on how to cruise through Mekong on your own.
Floating market
Your first priority that needs to be on the list is visiting the floating market at Can tho. You can purchase a ticket in Saigon and get a bus at the Ben Thanh bus station. This bus will drop you off close to the centre of this town. From here, head to your accommodation to get refreshed and start your day. Make sure to book a floating market tour in advance for the next day. These boat trips are different from one another. Depending on your needs, you can book a short or long boat trip. The short trips about three hours long and the long trips can go up to seven hours. As it takes almost an hour to reach the Caí Rang floating market, it is better for you to book the long one. The long trip will cover two markets and you’ll also be able to witness a rice factory, enjoy a delicious local lunch and even go on a hike right alongside the canal. Most of the hotels can book this trip for you.
Cruises
If you’re looking for a Mekong river cruise in Luang Prabang, then there are plenty of tours you can opt for. You can check out the ones offered by Mekong Kingdoms for luxury tours. These tours are some of the best ways to enjoy the glorious sunset and the picture-perfect views from a different vantage point. The best part of these cruises is that you have many options to choose from. You can do day cruises is covering the Mekong Delta and it’s picturesque scenes or go for an overnight cruise, spanning multiple days. This will be one of the best ways to discover South East Asia and its beguiling waterways. The cruise will start from Luan Prabang with an overnight stay over in North Thailand, and then back again to Laos. They offer boundless comfort and luxury and cover many destinations. Make sure to take your cameras out and click away! You are bound to have the time of your life in these waters!
Home-stays
The next priority is, of course, visiting Vinh Long for your homestay. You can take a local bus if you’re looking for cheaper options. If you don’t mind splurging a little you can book a VIP bus. Once you reach the place, make your way towards the tourist office in order to book a homestay. It is recommended you at least spend a night here. An Binh Island is one of the best places here to have this adventure. You’ll be taking a ferry to this island. The home-stays here cater to all your needs. They have hammocks lined up at the patio which overlooks the canals. You can have a truly authentic experience with the locals as they go about their day-to-day life. You can easily bond with other tourists and have a gala time. There are so many activities to do here from cycling to explore the countryside to eating authentic local meals.
