Cruising through the Floating Markets of the Mekong River September 28, 2009

The Mekong River is one of Asia's most prolific waterways, extending from the Yunnan province of China, through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and emptying into the South China Sea. Parts of the river have an infamous past as a major thoroughfare during World War II and more notoriously, the Vietnam War, but today the Mekong makes for more leisurely pursuits as visitors choose to cruise through some of the most colorful cities and traditional floating villages in this picturesque region of South East Asia. En-route, travelers visit historic sites and magnificent temples and experience the intersection of traditional and modern life on the water.

Most multi-day cruises depart from Vietnam and make their way to Cambodia over the period of a week or so, depending on the Cruise Company and number of stops. You will find that many itineraries are similar (the names Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City are used interchangeably, as are Siem Reap and Angkor Wat) and there are really only a handful of shipping companies that cover the Mekong route, including Pandaw, Bassac, Le Cochinchine, and Toum Tiou. There are also a few smaller boat operators whose trips are wholly within Laos and shorter Cambodian and Vietnam adventures. Cruises depart throughout the year but routes can vary because of seasonal fluctuations in water levels and access. Wet season may mean rain, but it also means access to more remote fishing villages and canals. Most trips will include interaction with local communities through visits to schools, businesses and sometimes to private homes.

Pandaw Cruises and La Marguerite cruise are two of the main operators of replica steamer boat trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor. These smaller scale ships allow for greater access to narrow waterways and fishing villages. Their eight-day Mekong River Exploration trip is priced from approx 2000USD per person based on a twin share basis. This price includes hotel-to-ship transfers at the start and end of voyage, seven nights' accommodations in luxury, air-conditioned en-suite cabins with twin or double beds, English-speaking guides, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and admission fees to all sightseeing locations. Highlights of the trip include a traditional junk boat to explore evergreen islands and the former Imperial residence, An Kiet House; The National Museum with its display of Khmer crafts; and the 8th century Chenla Empire Wat Hanchey; the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor; the twin holy mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei; and Tonle Sap with its prolific bird life and floating fishing villages. Please note that prices indicated on the Pandaw website are generally per cabin (except for single cabins), not per person. You can also purchase this cruiser through a number of Vietnam-based tour operators and on-sellers who professionally focus on cruise bookings

Refer at http://mekonghalongbaycruise.com or contact to Liz Mai who will always actively support you in choosing a right cruise trip on Halong bay (in North Vietnam) or Mekong Delta (in South Vietnam). Her email: sales@mekonghalongbaycruise.com or her cell: 84 (0) 915216661

Official Website: http://mekonghalongbaycruise.com/