Vietnam River Cruises

Ports along the Mekong

Hanoi 

Formerly the capital of French Indochina and now Vietnam’s, Hanoi has wealth of colonial history to its name as well as a hoard of more traditional treasures to unearth. The Old Quarter is the city’s main tourist destination, offering shopping opportunities galore, while the French Quarter has an authentic colonial vibe. Wherever you go, colonial architecture is all around but there’s also the chance to experience more traditionally eastern landmarks such as Chua Tran Quoc pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Owing to its relative proximity, many river cruise operators also offer excursions from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which is revered as one of the world’s most celebrated areas of natural beauty.

My Tho (for Ho Chi Minh City)

As you would imagine, the former Saigon offers the opportunity to explore this country’s turbulent history by way of the popular War Remnants Museum and a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former South Vietnam government building, preserved exactly as it was during the war. Historic Ho Chi Minh Square offers some incredible architecture, with other city highlights include the celebrated Central Post Office and Saigon Opera House. For the ultimate view of it all, be sure to head for the Saigon Skydeck.

Cai Be

This picturesque river town is a port of call for a number of Vietnam river cruises. Boasting a colourful riverfront, a floating market and also an impressive French Gothic cathedral, it’s also home to some particularly picturesque flower gardens if you’re in search of a little Eastern tranquillity. Rice paper is also made here and a number of river cruise lines offer excursions to a local workshop to discover how it is made.

Sa Dec

Directly across the Mekong from Cai Be lies Sa Dec, meaning that you’ll often visit both during the same day of your Vietnam river cruise. There’s another celebrated traditional market to browse here, as well the opportunity for a traditional ride on a smaller sampan boat along some of the river’s smaller tributaries. The main cultural attraction is the Ancient House of Huynh Thuy, the subject of one of French author Marguerite Duras‘s most celebrated works, The Lover.

Tan Chau

Tan Chau offers a further look at the traditional Vietnamese way of life, and your tour of it will likely be complemented by the authentic experience of a rickshaw ride. As well as offering a real feel for local life, itineraries which call at the village often include a trip to Evergreen Island, which gives visitors a compelling window into traditional Vietnamese agriculture and crafts.

Vietnam river cruise travel tips

• The currency in Vietnam is the Dong
• You will need a visa to enter the country, so make sure you obtain one before you travel
• It’s considered good manners to ask permission before taking photos
• Rremember to dress modestly if visiting any places of worship