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THE BEST OF THE MEKONG CRUISE COLLECTION

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MekongRiverCruises.com is the official website & an authorized booking agency of all Mekong River Cruises with International Travel Licence No #01-638/GPLHQT. It is always cheaper, quicker and more guaranteed when booking with us because you can check your booking status with Experts and the cruises directly.

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Don't hesitate to send us your request on anything you need. Seasonal promotions, early-bird offers and many more are always available to provide you by our Mekong cruise experts in order to keep you updated with all Best Cruise Deals & Best Price Guarantee.

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Taking pride as an official authorized Mekong cruise booking agent with 20 years’ experience, you may find it easy to arrange a perfect journey with best rates offered. We make sure to get you the best choice within your budget and will always be willing to make necessary customized services on your request.

We are always here Best Local Suppport 24/7

Taking a Mekong river cruise trip should be a stress-free adventure. By booking your Mekong river cruise with us, you will have everything arrange smoothly in advance. Be locals, we especially focus on customer care services so we are always here to support you 24 hours/ 7 days by email or telephone.

Themekong RIVER CRUISES THE BEST CHOICE TO DISCOVER MEKONG RIVER

MekongRiverCruises  team is proudly a part of Inside Travel™ – the leading Mekong tour operator with over 20 years of experience in organizing private and escorted tours, quality cruises for couples, families and groups with selection of luxury, deluxe, budget and charter cruises.

Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. MekongRiverCruises.com is the collection of the best choices to discover Mekong river delta. There are so many choices for you with the luxurious and comfortable services + best offers… Everything will give you special feelings and unforgettable time in our beautiful land.

Myanmar (Burma)

Let The Journey Begin

With Myanmar river cruises you can discover all the famous sites, Temples, Pagodas...

Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap has a beauty of a historic city...

Siem Reap - Saigon Cruise

Siem reap - phnom penh cruise, mekong cruise in cambodia, cambodia vietnam cruise, tonle river.

Tonle River is a part of the Lower Mekong River basin in Cambodia. This amazingly narrow and meandering river connects the Great Tonle Sap...

Natural World Heritage Site

Halong bay cruises are the best choice to Discover Halong Bay...

Kampong Cham

Being the third largest city in Cambodia, Kampong Cham is a peaceful capital of the eponymous province stretched along the banks of the Mekong...

Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is an exotic city with fascinating scenery and enjoyable attractions...

Phnom Penh - Saigon Cruise

Phnom penh - siem reap cruise.

Chau Doc is a part of An Giang Province, is the first town in the S-shaped country that the stream of Bassac River or Hau River...

Mekong Cruise in Vietnam

Saigon (ho chi minh city).

Saigon is one of the best tourist destinations that keeps the country's ancient culture and traditions alive in every corner...

Saigon - Siem Reap Cruise

Saigon - phnom penh cruise, vietnam cambodia cruise.

Sa Dec is a true hidden gem in the Mekong Delta, Sa Dec is a lovely town of tree-lined streets, authentic markets, beautiful pagodas...

Cai Be is famous for Cai Be floating market, a featured highlight of the lives on the rivers of Mekong Delta...

Cai Be - Can Tho Cruise

Can tho - cai be cruise.

My Tho is a city located about 86 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City and also one of the prominent tourist attractions not to be missed in Mekong Delta...

Phu Quoc is a well-known tourist destination and one of the best islands of Vietnam for stupendous beach holidays...

Saigon - Phu Quoc Cruise

Phu quoc - saigon cruise, can tho, vietnam.

You will definitely find some of the best floating markets in Can Tho, the largest city of the Mekong Delta...

Among six countries that great Mekong river flows through, it's a must for an exciting cruise through Laos, an ethnically diverse country in the region with a collection of green-covered landscapes...

Mekong Cruise Vientiane

Mekong cruise luang prabang, latest mekong river cruise deals.

Heritage Line Jahan Cruise

Mekong Cruise Expert

The Jahan is Heritage Line's most romantic cruise liner. The Jahan cruise is decorated by England-India Style When guests aren't relaxing in their luxurious cabins they can meet friends in the atmospheric East India Club, soak in the Jacuzzi on the Pool Deck, challenge a new friend to a game of chess in the Observatory Lounge, or enjoy a pampering massage in the Apsara Spa.

Downstream Saigon - Cai Be

Departure date, save up to 15% now  , heritage line jahan cruise downstream saigon - cai be.

Upstream Cai be – Phnom Penh

Heritage line jahan cruise upstream cai be – phnom penh, upstream saigon - phnom penh, heritage line jahan cruise upstream saigon - phnom penh.

Upstream Siem Reap Cai Be

Heritage line jahan cruise upstream siem reap cai be.

Heritage Line Anouvong Cruise

Being the baby brother of the renowned Jayavarman Cruise, Jahan Cruise is another captivating story-teller from Heritage Line Cruise Fleet that creates unforgettable 5-star journeys in lower Mekong Delta. Named after the 16th century Indian emperor, Jahan is a new flagship river cruise with elegant beauty evoking the glory of former British-India's art. Offering the same itineraries as its brother, Jahan Cruise blends the exotic charm of romantic style and lavish ambiance from fine interior & exquisite artworks inspired from Indian heritages. The ship has on-board outdoor jacuzzi pool, spacious sundeck, and 26 well-designed staterooms with private balconies in each room, which brings leisure river cruise experiences into a new realm and make Jahan itself the signature style of luxury Mekong river cruise

Gecko Eyes Cruise

Bassac Cruise

Mekong Eyes Explorer Cruise

Mekong Prestige Cruise

HERITAGE LINE JAYAVARMAN CRUISE

RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Being the baby brother of the renowned Jayavarman Cruise, Jahan Cruise is another captivating story-teller from Heritage Line Cruise Fleet that creates unforgettable 5-star journeys in lower Mekong Delta.

ALL MEKONG RIVER CRUISE CATEGORIES

Mekong river cruise 2022 2023.

We would like to provide you the Mekong Cruise Departures & Mekong Cruise Schedules in 2022 2023, All Mekong river cruise departures are updated daily

Mekong River Cruise & Travel Guide

How to Choose Best Mekong River Cruises for Your Mekong Trip

A Mekong River Cruise Trip is the perfect way to embark on an ultimate cultural and historical journey in the…

To have an extraordinary experience during your Mekong river cruise trip, it is very important to choose a suitable cruise…

THE real local life experiences

Mekong River Cruise

Our family including 4 and 8 year old children absolutely loved our journey along the Mekong River. Hong was so helpful and thorough working out our requirements and making sure everything was to our satisfaction. I sent numerous requests and questions, and Hong patiently and efficiently handled them all. The river cruise was wonderful, and exceeded our expectations. We were a little worried about the safety of the 4yo on board the boat, but the staff were fantastic and the other passengers were very kind to both children. I thoroughly recommend this company to ensure a fantastic and memorable Mekong River cruise Valerie Vermaas - Australia

Luxury Mekong River Cruise

We joined the river cruise - Jahan. The boat was amazing cabin spacious and bathroom spacious It was so spotlessly clean with lovely food and good wine.Staff amazing always happy. Thank you Jahan cruise for an amazing time and for all that you give back to the communities you travel to. Joy Thompson - New Zealand

review 2 - [502]

We had such a great time on our Mekong Cruise! Thankyou Mrs.Lisa - Australia

review 1 - [490]

Thank you We have to say the trip exceeded our every expectation and then some thanks to Ms Lacey and Ms Nham. It went off without a hitch. The boat was perfect the staff was outstanding. The arrangements you made from the pickups to the tour guides were fabulous. Particularly Kiki the tour guide on our Saigon tour. He was a delight! I am sure to recommend your services to all of my friends and acquaintances and I am already considering a tour for next year and will certainly be in contact for that trip. Again thank you Lawrence Weber Lawrence P Weber - United States

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Mekong River Cruises

Why Cruise The Mekong?

The mighty Mekong is one of the planet’s most spectacular waterways and southeast Asia’s longest river, coursing 2,700 miles through six countries. From the Tibetan Plateau source to the Mekong Delta , the timeless Mekong River reveals incredible contrasts of landscapes and biodiversity, along with riverside destinations rich in culture, ethnicity, and history – best experienced on one of our curated portfolio of overnight Mekong River cruises.

Explore the Lower Mekong River on the best river cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring converted rice barges and traditional-style sampans, enthralling voyages that both cruise the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and meander across the border into captivating Cambodia . Alternatively, adventure seekers can now cruise the Upper Mekong River , a relatively uncharted, pristine, stunning region of northern Laos, where an unhurried riverine life transports passengers back in time.

Mekong Cruises

Our hand-picked portfolio of Mekong River cruise ships and small boats has been carefully chosen to include remarkable vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers in the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.

Mekong Princess

Aqua Mekong

Bassac Pandaw

Mekong Navigator

Laos Pandaw

Champa Pandaw

Indochina Pandaw

Sabaidee Pandaw

Victoria Mekong

Mekong Destinations

Cambodia Mekong Cruises

Laos Mekong Cruises

Vietnam Mekong Cruises

Mekong experiences.

Luxury Cruises

Family Cruises

Adventure cruises.

Honeymoon Cruises

Charter Cruises

Solo Cruises

Cruise packages.

Our custom Mekong River tours seamlessly combine expedition cruises with bespoke land tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-sellers below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ho Chi Minh

14-day tour from $10,450 usd.

Highlights of Laos

14-day tour from $5,275 usd.

Angkor Wat & Mekong River Cruise

10-day tour from $3,425 usd.

Classic Vietnam

14-day tour from $5,125 usd.

Upper Mekong & Southern Laos

14-day tour from $5,650 usd.

Best of Vietnam

10-day tour from $2,900 usd.

Cambodia's Lake, Rivers & Mountains

14-day tour from $5,075 usd, travel guide.

Want to know more about cruising the Mekong River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Mekong River travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

19 Best Places To Visit In The Mekong Delta

Floating Markets of the Mekong River

Upper Vs Lower Mekong – What’s The Difference?

When Is The Best Time To Do A Mekong River Cruise?

7 Interesting Facts About The Mekong River You Never Knew

Where Is The Mekong River?

Do i need a visa to travel to the mekong river.

The Mekong River traverses multiple countries, so your visa requirements will depend on the cruise you want to take and your point of entry into the countries you will visit.

If you are taking a cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, you will only need to acquire a Vietnam visa on arrival – your Cambodian visa will be stamped in your passport during the cruise.

However, if you are taking the downstream cruise and entering Vietnam on the river from Cambodia, most likely you will need to get your Vietnam visa before your cruise,  while the Cambodian visa can be easily acquired on arrival at the airport.

If you are cruising the Upper Mekong, you can get the Laos visa upon arrival at the airport or at the Thai border crossing, if your cruise starts in Huay Xai.

Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Or Malaria Tablets Ahead Of Travel?

Some travelers start taking malaria tablets before traveling to the Mekong River, but it is not a requirement. Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. You may also want to take precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss Near The Mekong River?

There are countless sites and attractions along the Mekong River , one of the reasons it is such a popular spot for river cruises. On the Lower Mekong, the floating markets in the Delta  are a must-see. In the Upper Mekong, make sure to visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang.

What Is The Local Cuisine Like?

Traveling along the Mekong River gives you the chance to try all different kinds of local cuisines. Southeast Asian countries are famous for their noodles and rice in many variations, and – along the Mekong – the local fish.

Dishes aren’t spicy and there are many vegetarian options. You can expect freshly made dishes using local vegetables, herbs, and soy or fish sauce to accompany them.

Mekong food specialities to try include the elephant ear fish and local rice pancakes popular in the Mekong Delta, in Cambodia its Khmer cuisine, and in Laos the lard and sticky rice.

Is The Mekong River Safe?

The Mekong River is a safe location. The only thing of which to be aware is that parts of it may be polluted. However, this should not be an issue if you are on a Mekong cruise. Practice good water safety and common sense and there is no reason you shouldn’t have a safe trip.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Mekong River?

The most pleasant time of year for a Mekong River trip is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier (especially in the evening) with no rainfall.

Although, if you are interested in entering Tonlé Sap Lake by riverboat, you should aim for the end of the rainy season (August – mid November) when the water in the river is naturally higher making the lake accessible.

Is The Mekong River a Good Family Destination?

Taking a Mekong River cruise with kids is possible but most Mekong boats don’t allow kids younger than 7 years old on board. The Mekong Delta is an exciting destination for the whole family , with activities such as cycling, agricultural and cultural experiences, school visits, and ancient temple exploration.

Is The Mekong River a Good Honeymoon Destination?

The Mekong River can be a great honeymoon destination depending on your tastes, especially around its delta . With breathtaking sights, unique cultural experiences, romantic accommodations aboard luxurious riverboats, and serene riverine vistas, the Mekong is ideal for newlyweds who want a remote and adventurous honeymoon.

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ZigZag 

Authentic Mekong

Unleash the Real Mekong: Authentic food, motorbike, boat, tuk-tuk experiences. Personalized, flexible tours for sustainable adventures. Discover the vibrant soul of the Mekong Delta!

the real Mekong

Ditch the tourist traps and sail down hidden canals where the only traffic jam is a family of ducks. Imagine this: peaceful waterways, barely two boats sharing the serenity, and the gentle whisper of palms dancing in the breeze. This ain't your average tour; it's an invitation to slow down and truly experience Vietnam.

Forget the cookie-cutter itineraries . We don't herd you from shop to shop; instead, we stop whenever whimsy strikes, soaking up the local charm and savoring authentic moments. Think roadside coconut stands, impromptu chats with smiling villagers. 

Trade fancy hotels for a homestay experience, and siesta like a true local when the afternoon heat sets in.

This ain't a job for us, it's a way of life. We're a small family business, and we prioritize balance over hustle. We invite you to join us on this intimate journey, not as tourists, but as fellow travelers seeking something genuine.

You might catch us strolling around in flip-flops and shorts, keeping things laid-back and down-to-earth, without any fancy introductions or airs about certain topics. Us folks from the Mekong Delta are hospitable souls, eager to show you around and just be ourselves in the process, all easy and chill.

No fancy tourist spots here, no tourist traps either. We'll just stop for some sugarcane juice by the roadside, maybe pluck some coconuts from someone's backyard, wander through the market, or just randomly stop wherever you fancy along the way. Oh, and yeah, we do have homestays and boats ready to accommodate you. You know, that's just how it goes, can't really do without them, right?

After lunch, it's best to take a nap to avoid the heat, and if you're thirsty, just stop for a drink. You're here to have fun, not to meet KPIs. We want to live a relaxed life, and hopefully, you do too. Simple as that.

Discover the Mekong Delta

From enjoying our quiet and unique sailboat cruise, trying amazing local Mekong food, kayaking through small lush canals, learning the local life, to drive zigzaging through coconut villages, learn to make organic coconut candies, or cook with the local....

Saigon to Ben Tre Explore Full day trip

Scooter, Culture,  Sailboat,  Food

Duration: 12 hr

Mekong Flavors Cooking Class

Scooter, Market, Cooking, Eating

Duration: 4.5 hr

3hr exploring Ben Tre countryside

Scooter, Countryside, Culture, Food

Duration: 3 hr

Ben Tre Hidden Gems Full day trip

Duration: 8 hr

1.5h Sailboat, Drinks & Snacks on Mekong River

Sailboat, Drinks & Snacks, Scooters

Duration: 1.5 hr

Coconut candies making ​(not available now)

Coconut candies making from a-z

Duration: 2 hr

Ben Tre Adventure Half-day trip

3hr Sailboat & Floating dinner​ on the Mekong river

Sailboat, Drinks, Snack, Sunset/ Sunrise

Tailor-made Mekong: Uniquely Yours

Your Style, Your Pace

Duration: Flexbible

Best seller

What our customers said.

"I’ve travelled a lot around the world and few things have bro ught me more happiness in my travels than the row boat from Si’s place (the local guide's home). For me, the peace and dream-like scenery there ravelled the feeling I had being in the Sahara desert. It was magical."

Kari Blacklake Parker

Mekong Tips

To make the most of your visit and ensure a warm connection with the local community and environment, we have some friendly tips to keep in mind

Capturing Moments

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MekongZigZag tour with us using the hashtag #MekongZigZag on INSTAGRAM

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Accommodations suggested

• Sep 7, 2023

VN - Innerzen Mekong Riverside Homestay Ben Tre

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EN - Innerzen Mekong Riverside Homestay Ben Tre

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Ba Danh - A Traditional Mekong homestay

• Destinations

The river divides Laos and Thailand, before a stretch passing through Laos alone. The Mekong River in Thailand continues to wind its way right through the Northern part of the country before reaching Cambodia where it receives the Sap River. The Mekong River in Thailand is one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world and is home to numerous species of flora, fauna and animals endemic to the Mekong River Basin. The river is joined by several other great rivers of Thailand which include the Ing River, Ruak River and Mun River which in turn is joined by the Chi River, Dom Noi River and Lam Ta Klong Rivers. The Mekong River in Thailand is home to several of the largest freshwater fish species in the world such as the mythical Mekong Catfish, Chaophraya Catfish (Dog eating Catfish) and Giant freshwater stingray and various other River Monsters. The Mekong River in Thailand is a magical fishing destination which is steeped in mystery and the unknown. Fishing on this awe inspiring river in Thailand presents the ultimate angling challenge for visiting anglers to Thailand who wish to fish for true native monster freshwater fish in one of the wildest and remote rivers in the world.

Thailand River Cruise

Company: RV River Kwai Cruise

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 10 cabins

From: $1,000 /pax

Company: Classic Barges

Type: Midrange, Private

From: $529 /pax

Company: Asian Oasis

Type: Cheap, Sharing, 8 cabins

Company: Anantara

From: $230 /pax

Company: Diva Marine

Type: Luxury, Sharing, 7 cabins

From: $1,500 /pax

Company: June Hong Chian Lee

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 6 cabins

From: $1,904 /pax

Company: Mekong River Cruise

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 15 cabins

Company: Mekong Kingdoms

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 13 cabins

Type: Luxury, Private

Company: Burma boating

Type: Midrange, Sharing, 7 cabins

Company: Heritage Line

Type: Luxury, Sharing, 10 cabins

Type: Luxury, Sharing, 4 cabins

Company: Thanatharee cruise

Type: Midrange, Sharing

Company: Nagi of Mekong

Type: Cheap, Sharing

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4 tiny tots at Baan Lad Khammune

Wandee's 45m river boat, explore the mighty mekong river in laos on a mekong kayaks’ kayaking tour or river adventure cruise, with village home-stay, beach camp, or mountain biking, live the adventure.

Explore the mighty Mekong River in Laos on a Mekong Kayaks’ exhilarating river tour by kayak, riverboat or mountain bike, through a wilderness untouched by time, where you can push your boundaries as you follow in the footsteps of famous Lao explorers after whom our tours are named.

Step back in time and experience authentic, Lao riverside village hospitality and culture, that’s been unchanged for generations. The river is the villagers only means of contact with them outside world, as there are no roads, cars, or distributed power. Even Google Earth doesn’t know many of the names of these villages along the river, they are so isolated.

Just chill out and immerse yourself in the majesty and serenity of the spectacular scenery along the Mekong, as you kayak or cruise the world’s 12th longest river, as it snakes through jungle clad gorges beneath karst mountain peaks.

Kayak Adventure Tours

+  village home stay + camping + mountain biking 1 day,  2 days,  3 days or longer.

Cruising Adventure Tours

+  village home stay + mountain biking 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or longer.

Myanmar Plans to Launch Direct Flights From Yangon to Vientiane in May

Next stop for Chinese tourists – Laos

Mangrove Magic at Trapaing Sangke, Cambodia CBT

Event Calendar

Bodhi Tree Watering Festival, Myanmar

Hung Temple Festival, Viet Nam

His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday, Cambodia

Prince Festival of Bai People at Shaxi, China

Boun Visakhaboucha, Lao PDR

Visakha Bucha Day, Thailand

Vesak – Celebrating Buddha’s Birthday, Viet Nam

Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Cambodia

Via Ba Chua Xu Festival, Viet Nam

Worship Gathering in the Three Temples, Yunnan, China

Raosanling in Dali, China

2024 Hue Festival, Viet Nam

Smart Tourism Ecosystem Development Readiness in Southeast Asia

WTTC Consumer Trends Report 2023

Tourism Education Guidelines

Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023

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Best Of Thailand

Customizable private tour with flexible start date

• 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

• Experience best of Thailand in 2 weeks on a classic route from north to south
• Explore bustling Bangkok, famous for its temples and local cuisine
• Visit the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya
• Witness the spectacular beauty of Chiang Rai
• Discover the temples and tea plantations of Chiang Mai
• Cruise the Upper Mekong to the border of Laos and Myanmar
• Indulge yourself on the tropical beaches of Phuket
• Full day tour to explore the scenic Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park
• Private guided excursions and transfers to enrich your experience
• Activities and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste and budget

Thailand is a place of dramatic contrasts. This ancient country’s historic sites, welcoming people, lush jungles, elephants, gorgeous beaches, and fabulous food all combine to make it an enchanting and fascinating destination. From the stunning gilded temples and exotic klongs (canals) of Bangkok, to exploring the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the temples and tea plantations of Chiang Mai, the tribal highlands of the Chiang Rai Province, to life along the Upper Mekong, this Best of Thailand adventure will delight and enchant you. There is also time for relaxation on the idyllic secluded beaches of Phuket and the Andaman Coast. Oh, and did we mention the elephants…

A tour of two cities

Your best of Thailand private tour begins with a three-day city-break in the thrilling capital of Bangkok, where you can indulge in a Thai massage, explore the capital’s buzzing markets and gold-tinged temples, ride on a long-tailed boat through narrow canal ways, visit the iconic floating market of Damnoen Saduak, and sample delicious treats in the night markets of Chinatown before discovering the rich past and ancient ruins of the grand complex of Ayutthaya. Located about an hour from Bangkok, this former capital of Thailand was once one of the wealthiest cities in the region. Here, dozens of ruins, many of which have been at least partially restored, offer a tantalizing glimpse into Ayutthaya’s rich past.

Temples, tea, and elephants

Delve into the temples of Chiang Mai on this next leg of your Thailand temple tour, where you will be drawn by the golden spire of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples, which glitters near the summit of Doi Suthep. Visit a tea plantation, pick your own tea leaves, and later spend an afternoon interacting with the beautiful elephants of the Patara Elephant Sanctuary. In the Chiang Rai Province, near the famous Golden Triangle, cruise the Upper Mekong, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the traditional hill tribe villages, observe commercial trade on the border of Laos, and again on the border of Myanmar.

Phuket and Phang Nga Bay

Finally head to the sublime whiter-than-white tropical beaches of Phuket to chill out and take in a cabaret show before island hopping through the islets, caves, mangrove lagoons, and sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water in the Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park. Visit James Bond Island and the floating fishermen’s village on Panyi Island. Swim or grab an inflatable canoe and paddle around the dramatic karst formations. The birds and wildlife are almost as stunning as the cliffs themselves, making this a spectacular way to spend your final day.

Accommodations and Food

Throughout your Best of Thailand tour, you will be staying in comfortable four-star city hotels and upmarket beachside resorts, where you can enjoy superb service and luxury facilities as well as outstanding Thai and western cuisine. There will be opportunities to sample street food, and you can enjoy ample free time for private exploration, relaxation, and shopping.

All excursions and transfers on this tour are on a private basis, featuring private transport with private guide, and all day trips, activities, and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste, budget, and the time that you have available in accordance with your personal wishes.

Itinerary & Prices

PLACES VISITED

• Phang Nga Bay

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 13 Nights Hotel Accommodation
• English Speaking Guides
• Private Pick-up & Transfers
• Meals as Stated in the Itinerary
• Flights as mentioned in the itinerary (Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Phuket-Bangkok)
• All Entrance Fees

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

• Travel Insurance incl. medical evacuation International
• International Flights
• Anything not stated in the Itinerary

Welcome to Thailand!

Welcome to Bangkok – the city that truly never sleeps. Your guide will meet you at the arrivals, for our private car ride to the hotel in the city center.

Take the rest of the day to relax and rest. Time permitting – try some of the spa treatments – Thai traditional massage after the long flight will be a great way to start your holiday!

Highlights of Bangkok

Morning drive to Wat Pho – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho houses the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride via Pak Klong Taland Flower Market towards the spectacular Grand Palace, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald).

Continue with a walk to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride along the “klongs” (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavor of local life. Stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II.

After lunch at a local restaurant, cross the river and drive to Chinatown for a first-hand look at Old Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road with shops selling everything from gold and garments to antiques and musical instruments. Explore the bustling Talad Kao Market where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer before returning to your hotel.

Meals: (B, L)

Floating Market and China Town Street Food

Depart early morning for the 2hr drive to the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market located 100km (62mi) from Bangkok. This vibrant, most famous of the local markets features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats.

Always crowded with hundreds of sellers, buyers, and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market up close is to board a boat and float through the small canals, shopping away.

This floating market is one of the most photographed places in Thailand and a Bangkok icon.

In the early evening, meet your guide again and head to the Chinatown area, part of Old Bangkok dating back to 1782 housing Bangkok’s Chinese population, many of whom were laborers tasked with building the new capital, for a chance to really become a Thai food insider. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes adventure indulging in the local sights and flavors of this “foodie” neighborhood.

There is a good chance to see the local cooks at a work station (cooking station) and hear their stories through your guide. Sample delicious treats from some of Bangkok’s favorite street vendors, local eateries, and/or in restaurants nearby before returning to your hotel.

Meals: (B, D)

Ayutthaya Ancient City and Transfer to Chiang Mai

This morning depart for a 1.5-hour drive through Bangkok’s rural outskirts to the Ayutthaya History Park and visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a beautiful collection of European, Chinese and Thai buildings built in the 17th century and restored by King Rama V.

Continue to Ayutthaya, the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767 resulted in the collapse of the kingdom.

The ruins of all the most important buildings have been consolidated, repaired, and sometimes reconstructed, giving visitors an idea of its past splendor and leading to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll around the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya’s days of glory, and Wat Mahathat, best known for a stone Buddha head entwined in tree roots, before returning to Bangkok. 

After lunch, we’ll transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Chiang Mai, Upon your arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel for the evening at leisure.

Monks and Temples

This morning, rise at dawn and drive towards Doi Suthep Temple to witness dozens of monks streaming down the mountain to the city of Chiang Mai to receive alms from the locals – a visually striking daily ritual.

Afterward, drive up the mountain to visit the picturesque Wat Doi Suthep set amidst the beautifully forested mountains. Founded in 1383 AD, Wat Phra is considered one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples.

Inside the temple compounds, explore the pagodas, statues, bells, and shrines and enjoy the superb panoramic view over the city before returning to your hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll take you on a deeper exploration of this ancient city. From the iconic Tha Phae Gate, ride through the old city’s labyrinth of narrow lanes before breaking out into the beautiful rural landscape of forest-lined roads.

Stopping for a moment beside a serene 7th Century Buddha, admire the picturesque surroundings before hopping back on the Vespas for a cool ride downhill to visit the artisans of a bohemian craft village in a tranquil garden setting.

Next, shift gears and join in the bustle of Chiang Mai’s most famous market, sampling exotic local produce and embracing the chaotic Thai market experience. Finally, visit Thailand’s most stunning temple, a truly spectacular sight with incredible photo opportunities, and a place to enjoy a light local snack. 

Stops include: Tha Phae Gate, Wat Doi Kham Temple, Art & Craft Village, Warowat Market, Silver Temple

Tea Plantation and Elephants Experience

This morning discover Araksa Tea Garden in Mae Tang District – a verdant plantation, specializing in producing high-quality Assam tea.

Upon arrival at the tea plantation, you’ll be greeted by the staff, who will explain the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants.

Afterward, follow the resident plucker to the tea bushes and learn how to gather tea leaves. Feel free to join them in plucking tea leaves. Next, continue to the roasting station, to observe the art of making tea entirely by hand, from kneading to roasting. After the roasting, enjoy a cup of tea with a delicious Thai snack!

After lunch, we’ll drive to Patara Elephant Sanctuary. The program teaches you how to approach the elephant, discern the elephant’s temperament, feed it and check its health. You can learn how to take care of the elephant, bathe and brush it in the river.

Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience participating in giving daily healthcare for pregnant elephants and their babies. You can also have a chance to observe elephants interacting with their families in the natural environment.

Drive back to your hotel in the early evening.

Transfer to Chiang Rai

After leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic ride to Chiang Rai near the famous Golden Triangle. Arrive at your hotel in time for lunch and have a quiet afternoon in these beautiful surroundings.

Life Along the Mekong

This morning we’ll take you on a trip along the Upper Mekong at the Lao PDR border. Start at Chiang Saen, one of the oldest archaeological sites in northern Thailand, and make a stop at Wat Phrathat Chomkiti.

Visit Ban Had Bai, a Thai Lue weaving village. Lunch is at Rai Saeng Aroon, a farm specializing in organically grown produce. Continue down the river to Chiang Khong. This major commercial crossing at the Thai-Laos border marks the beginning of the road to China. See how local people live and observe the trade between the two counties.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Hill Tribes of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is among Thailand’s most ethnically diverse provinces and home to many hill tribes.

Start the day with visits to traditional Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha originated in Tibet and are among the poorest of Thailand’s ethnic minorities. The Yao originated in China and are strongly influenced by Chinese traditions. Although different in many ways, they have managed to live peacefully for decades.

Arrive in Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, and one of the very few official land crossing points between Thailand and Myanmar. Many people from Myanmar come over during the day from Thakhilek to work or do business, hurrying back home before sunset. Lacquerware, gems, jade, and other goods from Laos and Myanmar are sold in shops along the main street.

After lunch, return to Chiang Rai, arriving in the late afternoon.

Transfer to the Beach Paradise and the evening Show

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel and, depending on flights availability we’ll take you to one of the nearest airports for your flight to Phuket – the capital of beach life in Thailand.

Here you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the resort. The guide will meet you again in the evening for your Simon’s Cabaret experience.

Stunning costumes, bright lights, a state-of-the-art sound system, and expensive sets are all part of this theatrical extravaganza featuring glamorous “ladyboys” performing non-stop musical numbers and dance routines.

Today enjoy the famous Thai beach and local food. Relax in the sun or explore the restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Whatever you do, don’t miss the spectacular sunset!

Full Day of Sea and Sun

Full-day tour by speedboat to explore Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park, famed for its rock formations rising out of the sea.

On arrival, explore some of the area’s fascinating caves by inflatable canoe accompanied by an expert guide. Visit Hong Island as well as Dark Cave, Mangrove Cave leading to a lagoon with mangroves, and Diamond Cave, named for a glittering flowstone inside.

Cruise to James Bond Island (Khao Tapu), famous for being in the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Continue to Panyi Island noted for its picturesque village built over small pilings and extending out across the water and inhabited mostly by Muslim fishermen.

After a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant, swim at Lawa or Naka Island before returning to Phuket and your hotel.

Transfer to Bangkok

Spend your morning on the beach and after check-out head back to the airport, escorted by your guide, for your flight to Bangkok.

There we will transfer you to the hotel in the city center for your last night in Thailand. Don’t forget all the shopping and once again find your favorite food before the end of the day!

Your driver will pick you up from the hotel for the ride to the Bangkok airport. Have a safe flight home!

Accommodations

Hotel options.

The Legend Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai 5 Star

DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort

Phuket 4 Star

Riva Surya Bangkok

Bangkok 4 Star

Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11

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Luang Prabang, Laos

A sleepy peninsula at the heart of northern Lao mountains where time stands still, Luang Prabang will slow your pulse and make your holiday unhurried with its easygoing vibe and world-class comfort. If this historic town is on your bucket list, make sure you give it more a couple of days to experience all of its incredible charm, from cultural gems to natural wonders and fun outdoors. Set at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River that almost surround the city, Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and becomes world-famous when its ancient town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The whole townscape is a delight for taking a stroll and traveling back in time to uncover much of the town’s history past. As a visitor, you cannot help but get amazed by the exceptional fusion of Lao traditional urban architecture and 19th century European colonial style buildings, which is all co-existing in a perfect harmony with the verdant greenery and rugged mountains of the sacred Mount Phousi.  Let’s start your cultural trip in Luang Prabang with an early wake up to witness Tak Bat or the Alms Giving Ceremony. Every morning before the sun rises, the monks in saffron robes will walk barefoot with their alms bowls to silently collect almsgiving from the faithful Theravada Buddhists, from the main street of the town spreading out to all the side streets. The tranquil scene is one of the most meaningful experiences in Laos, and tourists are expected to watch the old tradition respectfully from a distance. Continue your journey towards a collection of historical structures in this beautiful town. The most famous site is Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest monastery in the city built in 1560. The temple is noted for its typical roofs in Lao style and a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic on the western exterior wall. Other noteworthy attractions are Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Wat Pa Phai, and Wat Mahathat. While in the town, you can also spend time exploring local centers like Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center or Big Brother Mouse to learn more about the culture of Luang Prabang residents and how they try to make the life better. For foodies, participating a cooking class is an excellent option to sample authentic Lao cuisine as well as take home some great recipes. If you get enough discovery on culture and heritage, venture out of town to the nature. You can choose a host of outdoor activities with varied levels of difficulty, such as taking a swim in the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, river cruising to Pak Ou Caves, trekking with elephants through lush jungle, getting off the beaten path along meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking or rafting along the river of Nam Xuang.

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 Being romantic cruise on Mekong River cruise in Laos

 The cruise is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents.

 Meeting friends at Café-Bar & Lounge, relaxing on terrace deck with sun loungers and cabanas and experiencing Bodhi Spa on board. 

 Your luxurious room feels like home from the very first moment.

 Preparing the rich and flavourful cuisine of Laos and Southeast Asia with the best and freshest ingredients.

 Interesting activities on board: Local dance & music performances, sandbank barbecue and cocktail events,cooking class, evening cinema, kayaking, traditional welcome ceremony.

Upstream Golden Triangle Traverse

Downstream golden triangle traverse, upstream laotian serendipity.

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during 11-day cruise with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit to the opium museum in the Golden Triangle

 Have chance to take part in the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February

 Visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall, a butterfly garden and elephant camp

 Explore of the delightful French city in Laos.

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos.

Chiang Saen to Vientiane

Vientiane to chiang saen.

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during cruise journey with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside

 Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos

 Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon

 Exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces

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2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise

This is a private journey for slow-pace travelers with iconic sights and hidden treasures. It includes a discovery of the unbelievable Cu Chi tunnels in lively Saigon, a deep and unique exploration of the remarkable Mekong Delta , an uplifting learn of how Cambodian people conquered the darkness of the Khmer Rouge , and a thorough unveiling of the Angkor Wat mysteries with a Khmer scholar .

We can customize this trip by adding anything you're interested in and scheduling days to fit your pace. We would happily organize a unique theme or activities for birthdays, young children, anniversaries, etc.

• Best For: Slow Pacers and Couples
• Departure date: Up to you
• Sample Price: From US$3,499 each(2 per room)*
• Flights: SE Asia's included (international on request)

* The price is based on a private tour for 2 people.

Vietnam-Cambodia Mekong Cruise Tour Map (Suggested Route)

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Tour Highlights

Here are the fantastic attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Venture into the unbelievable Cu Chi Tunnels and realize there are always more ways than difficulties.

Stay on a luxury ship and explore the remarkable mekong delta at a slow pace but with great depth., experience cai rang floating market at its busiest and interact with passing locals., attend a particular blessing ceremony performed by local monks and gain a deeper understanding of cambodian culture., unveil the mystery of angkor wat with the knowledge of a dedicated khmer scholar., suggested itinerary for inspiration.

The itinerary serves as a mere example of a personalized tour, designed exclusively for you. Your preferences will shape the authentic journey. We are fully prepared to craft an tailor-made tour that fulfills your desires.

Welcome to the lively city of Ho Chi Minh. Your private guide and driver will meet you and escort you to the hotel.

• Explore the unbelievable Cu Chi tunnels with your own eyes.
• Visit Ho Chi Minh City's essential sites: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (outside look), Saigon Central Post Office , and War Remnants Museum .
• Taste a cup of Vietnam coffee at a famed street cafe(or fresh juice). Did you know Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer?
• Be ready at your Ho Chi Minh hotel lobby at 10:00 A.M and wait for cruise shuttle service transferring to the Saigon Port.
• Settle into Mekong Princess* cruise cabin.
• Lunch will be served soon after departure.
• Enjoy crafted cocktails and the fantastic sunset.
• Taste a classy Vietnamese dinner on board.
• *The following itinerary is based on the Mekong Princess cruise and changes if you prefer another ship.
• Note: The Mekong Princess departs Saigon on a biweekly basis, except for the period from April 19 to June 13, 2024. Consult your travel advisor for more detailed cruise times.
• In the morning, take xe lam (three-wheeler) and visit a coconut candy maker .
• Walk through the village and visit an orchard .
• Taste some fresh fruit and board a local boat for a trip through the narrow creek.
• Visit the Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and enjoy the welcome of unicorn dances .
• Enjoy dinner onboard.
• Onboard activity: lecture on "Vietnam's People, Culture, Colonial History."
• Board a sampan and explore the fascinating Cai Rang floating market .
• After lunch, continue the excursion to Hoa An village .
• Visit flower gardens , walk to a local house , and chat with the host .
• Continue the excursion to another village on a motor trishaw.
• Stop and visit the conical-hat-making families' places .
• Enjoy a leisurely walk in a peaceful village with rice fields and fruit trees.
• Board a sampan and visit Gieng Island .
• Visit Hong Ngu village and Hoa Hao temple .
• In the late afternoon, the ship arrives at the border area to complete exit procedures and continue up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh.
• Onboard activity: Cooking Class Demonstration with the Executive Chef.
• Take a cyclo to visit the Royal Palace , the Throne Hall , Moonlight Pavilion , and the Silver Pagoda .
• Visit the National Museum .
• Onboard activities: fruit carvings and tropical fruits demonstration ; lecture on "Cambodia's Geography and Life along the Mekong River".
• Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre and Memorial Stupa .
• Explore the Tuol Sleng Memorial —the notorious detention centre known as S-21.
• Have a leisurely afternoon to relax and reflect.
• Enjoy the Apsara Show (Cambodian dancing) on board.
• Pay a visit to Angkor Ban .
• Attend a blessing ceremony by local monks .
• Visit a local family and a school , where we join the children in their classroom.

After breakfast, disembark the ship at Kampong Cham port. Then be transferred by motor-coach to your Siem Reap hotel. Hotel checks in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Be met by your private tour guide at the hotel lobby at 8 A.M.
• Unveil the mystery of Angkor Wat with the Knowledge of a Khmer scholar (2 hours).
• Explore the essential parts of the Angkor Wat Complex with your local guide: Angkor Thom South Gate , Bayon Temple , the Terrace of Temple Elephants .
• Explore the unique pinkish sandstone temple— Banteay Srei and the famous jungle temple— Ta Prohm .
• Learn how APOPO Rats have saved hundreds of lives and give a big hug to the "Hero Rat".

You'll be escorted to Siem Reap Airport for your flight back home.

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Exceptional experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Please let us know your preference, and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Tour Price:

• The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
• The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
• We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
• We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

• Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
• English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
• Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
• Accommodation for all nights
• Flights/trains between itinerary cities
• Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
• 24/7 helpline while touring
• Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

• International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
• Visa fee, if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-mtc-9

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Home » Mekong Cruise Tours » Mekong River Cruise Tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Pak Beng- 3 Days

Mekong River Cruise Tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Pak Beng- 3 Days

Best places to visit: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Huay Xai – Pakbeng - Luang Prabang

English & Czech

Chiang Mai Tour to Laos with Huay Xay cruise to Luang Prabang via Pak Beng within 3 Days will give you the complete experience of cross border between Laos and Thailand. Luang Prabang in Laos is 475 km away from Huay Xai – the border of Thailand so it normally takes 13-15 hours by road. Choosing the slow boat option, the trip is expected to last for two days and one night with a variety of activities at the stops while cruising.

Itinerary :

DAY  1:  DEPART FROM CHIANG MAI – CHIANG RAI – CHIANG KHONG

A van will pick you up at 8 am from your hotel in Chiang Mai. On the way we stop to visit the hot spring, Wat Sang Kaew Photiyan,“Wat Rong Khun” or “White Temple”, see temporary art by Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat in Chiang Rai and lunch over there. Then we travel to Chiang Khong in the afternoon and check in at your hotel in Chiang Khong.

DAY 02:  DEPART FROM CHIANG KHONG – HUAY XAI – PAKBENG.  (B,L)

The next day in the morning we have a van to pick you up at 7:15 am from the hotel to take you to the Thai and Lao border No.4 and cross to Huay Xai Laos.

DOWNSTREAM CRUISE – 2 DAYS OF BOAT SERVICES Website : www.shompoocruise.com

• From October to March: Departure every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
• From April to September: Departure every Monday and Friday.

At 08:00am, the guests will meet our English-Speaking guide with a welcome sign at Houay Xay immigration office (Lao border). Our guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat.

During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide. Laos traditional Lunch set is served on board. Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Houa Phalam), a tiny cozy place which host about 90 families. Travelers will learn about rural lifestyle in a very remote area. The boat will arrive at Pakbeng before the night.

Overnight in your hotel in Pakbeng.

We recommend to the travelers to be at Chiang Khong thai immigration border at before 07:30am to make sure to meet our guide in Lao side on time. If the travelers are already in Houay Xay, we will arrange pick up at their hotel between 08:30am and 09am. The boat will leave Houay Xay at latest at 09am

Day 3: PAKBENG CRUISE TOUR TO LUANG PRABANG (B,L)

The boat will leave Pakbeng at 08am. Enjoy the beautiful nature and jungle during your journey. In the morning, our guide and cooker will make a short demonstration on how to make some lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon. First stop will be at Ban Baw village, a complex but harmonic mixed of three ethnicity: Lao Loun, Shan and Tai Lue. Today the village is famous for its lao lao whiskey making.

Right after the visit, a Lao traditional lunch set is served on board. In the afternoon, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousands Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage place for lao people. After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers. The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30pm.

End of services.

CHILD POLICY

• Free of charge for children under 6 years old.
• Between 6 and 12 years old, we charge 50% of the normal rate.
• Over 13 years old, full rate is applied.

PROGRAMS INCLUDED (only applicable for joinning cruise*):

• Welcome at Lao immigration in Houay Xay + assistance to apply for the visa to Laos.
• Transfer on a sharing minivan from Lao immigration office to slow boat Pier in Houay Xay for downstream and vice-versa for upstream program.
• Crew service during the cruise.
• Baggage handling during all the cruise.
• Admission fees for visiting sites serviced by our English-speaking guide.
• Lunch on board as mentioned in the program (except for charter boat). drinking bottled water, coffee & tea.
• Acommodation in Chiang Khong and Pakbeng with breakfast

  PROGRAMS EXCLUDED:

• Shuttle bus from Houay Xay to Chiang Khong (upstream cruise).
• Visa/immigration and/or overstay fees in Laos or in Thailand.
• Personal insurance.
• Beverages, personal expenses, and tips.
• Other expenses not mentioned above.

POLICY FOR LOCAL GUIDES and TOUR LEADER:

• Cruise and lunch on board are free of charges for local guides and tour leader.

How do I create a custom itinerary?

In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip, and want Vietlong Travel to do all the work for you, just click on the customized trip and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide your with invaluable information!

How do I book the trip?

To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Enquiry Now” on the web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your inquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term

How do I pay for the trip?

To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days (twenty-one days) before starting date of the trip.

Is there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping

To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our booking form No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.

How can I get Vietnam visa on arrival?

For those who travel with VIETLONG TRAVEL, we can arrange the visa approval letter allowing them to obtain a visa on arrival at Noibai Airport in Hanoi, Danang Airport in Danang, Tan San Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh. To apply for the visa, you are required to provide us such information as full name, gender, date of birth, home address, passport number, the expiry date of passport, nationality, date in & out of Vietnam, arrival flight number, place of getting the visa. After 3 or 4 working days, we will send you the visa approval letter. At this time, we charge US$ 50 for visa on arrival at the airport. This fee is subject to change without prior notice.

How safe is Vietnam?

iVietnam is a relatively safe country to visit but there are increasing instances of theft, especially in HCMC where pickpockets and snatch thieves on motorbikes are the worst menace. The best tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, glasses, etc.) at home, and don’t even wear flash costume jewellery. Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you value lying around unattended. I would also not advise taking cyclos late at night, especially in HCMC. our guides will advise you what is “do and don’t” case by case.

What about medical insurance?

It is advised that travelers should have some form of medical insurance before arriving in Vietnam. Although there are several international medical clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, generally the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries, especially in other areas. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure. Should I take my money in cash or travellers’cheques? The official currency of Vietnam is the dong, which can not be purchased outside Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC can handle a fairly broad range of currencies nowadays, but the dollar is still the most widely accepted. I therefore recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$ travellers’ cheques, with the bulk in travellers’ cheques for safety. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognised brands.

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A slow journey through the waterways and islands of southern Vietnam

In the southern reaches of Vietnam, life has revolved around the water for hundreds of years. Here, in the Mekong Delta and on the Con Dao islands of the South China Sea, communities continue to embrace old ways while looking to the future in this rapidly developing pocket of Asia.

Flashes of blood red and pearly white peer through curtains of coconut palms along the riverbank. Others push through the flotsam and jetsam of the Mekong, breaking up congregations of swollen-stalked water hyacinths and coconut husks borne along by the torpid current. Legend has it that this mighty waterway is ruled by river monsters, but these fiery eyes are painted onto boats — big ones laid low with mountains of coconuts, little ones ferrying fishing traps and fruit farmers cradling jackfruits and durians.

“It’s a tradition of the area to decorate boats like this,” says my guide Jerry Le, baseball cap in hand, his American-inflected drawl lifted onto the breeze that follows in the wake of a large cargo ship passing our open-sided sampan boat. “We believe the eyes are a window to the soul, so by painting the eyes on, they’re giving the boats a soul. Then the boats help protect their owners — especially at night.”

Known locally as the Nine Dragon River, the Mekong has so many limbs that it’s easy to get lost in its anatomy. It writhes for 2,700 miles from China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia until eventually erupting in Vietnam at its widest point, where I’m sailing its delta for three days. From Ho Chi Minh City, we’d driven two hours south west to a tiny jungle dock at Mo Cay near the point where the river drains into the South China Sea. The plan is to head deeper west into its tributaries to reach the Mekong city of Can Tho.

Boat tours are part of the river’s modern currency and hotels have taken root on its islands, but at heart the Mekong remains an agricultural region. Responsible for a third of Vietnam’s total agrarian output, the delta is the country’s biggest producer of rice, fruit and seafood. Life and water intertwine. Family tombs punctuate the rice paddies that unfold from riverbanks into farms that have been passed down through generations. Fishing communities subsist in pontoon shacks in its tributaries.

In Ben Tre province, where my boat has launched, coconuts are at the heart of life for entire communities. We motor past women hunched in their riverside front yards, husking their harvests with machetes. Open-sided barns are piled high with coconuts ready for processing.

There are over 220,000 acres of plantations in Ben Tre, producing 600 million coconuts a year. They’re exported as far afield as Japan and South Korea for their water, milk, flesh and fibres, but the riverbanks still resemble a hive of cottage industries.

“Mekong river culture has existed in Vietnam for hundreds of years,” says Jerry. He tells me that although he was raised in Ho Chi Minh City, he grew up visiting family in the Mekong, learning to swim in these tributaries using coconut husks as buoyancy aids, and feasting on coconut flesh as well as spiders, snails and turtles. “The Mekong was a very poor region in the past and people didn’t have many choices on what they ate,” he explains. In recent years, Vietnam’s government has instigated a programme to attract international investors to the Mekong, improving public infrastructure and living conditions, but Jerry says many things remain largely the same. “People do still eat turtle,” he says with a shrug.

Turtle certainly isn’t on the menu for travellers, but it isn’t long before I get to try the province’s ubiquitous coconuts. On the Co Chien River islet of Ho, I find Tan Kiet Nguyen halfway up a palm tree, his toes curled around the trunk as he reaches to twist off the fruit he’ll use to make welcome drinks. He and his wife, Thi Hang Huynh, are one of eight households on the tiny off-grid island that have banded together to diversify their fruit-growing incomes by offering garden tours and meals for visitors. “All the island kids learn to climb coconut palms when they’re around 12,” Thi Hang says, laughing, as I watch Tan Kiet shimmy back down the tree.  

As the government pushes for development in the Mekong region, Ho is an example of life pushing against the tide — life is lived off-grid and there are no cars or motorbikes, just earthen paths winding through orchards of ballooning jackfruit and pomelos. Settled a century ago by a couple of farming families, the community has grown to 24 households. My tour of the island’s village weaves between family plots to hammock-strung homes where I sip tea the colour of sapphires, made from butterfly pea flowers; cook crispy ban xeo pancakes stuffed with garden herbs and river prawns; and try fiery bitter-melon rice wine that’s been brewed in a homemade earthenware pot still.

Ho’s community has grown but the land it lives off has shrunk because of landslides — one reason why the residents are looking for extra income from travellers. The islet isn’t alone in this battle. Land in the Mekong is routinely being eroded. Research from the Mekong River Commission, an intergovernmental body established in 1995 to monitor the region, shows climate change is making the delta increasingly fragile. Around 30% of this 15,560sq-mile region is below sea level and the forecast rise in global sea levels is expected to increase both the salinity and the risk of flooding in Vietnam’s food bowl.

I get to see how closely delta life is intertwined with the water on a bike tour the next day, after a night on an island near the town of My Tho. Miles of durian farms, irrigated by the Mekong, line country roads. Residents fish from porches, French doors flung open to catch the river breeze. Some abandoned brick houses crumble into the flaking banks, wide cracks pulling them apart at the seams.

Not all Mekong communities live so close to the water’s edge. Jerry wants to show me the region’s Khmer villages, deep in the Mekong’s Vinh Long province, two-and-a-half hours west of Ben Tre. Home to a large Khmer community — an ethnic group primarily based in Cambodia — the area contains one of Vietnam’s most spectacular Khmer Buddhist complexes, the Phu Ly 1 temple. It’s a 20-minute walk from the nearest river dock, and the stroll takes us through a village where groups of men lounge in front yards after work, cradling Saigon beer bottles and microphones, waiting for cues from tinny karaoke machines. We’re less than two hours from the Cambodian border, but Jerry says the Khmer presence here has little to do with migration prompted by the civil war that tore apart Vietnam’s neighbour from the late 1960s.

“They came here to build a community in 1653,” he says. “The temple complex was originally built to house the community and protect them from tigers, crocodiles and scorpions.” Only scorpions remain in the Mekong Delta today, but on arrival at the complex, its high walls still give the impression of a fortress. Just behind the blood-red gates is a 20ft-tall golden seated Buddha floating on a lotus, behind which is a series of temple halls, cremation rooms and quarters that sleep up to 200 monks at a time.

Vietnamese religious life is complex, often incorporating elements of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Cao Daoism and, in some areas, Catholicism — the latter largely due to French colonialism. But here at Phu Ly 1, I also spy the eagle goddess Garuda from Hinduism carved into temple walls and stone plinths bearing the three-sided heads made famous by Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. A monk in a turmeric-coloured robe is setting up plastic chairs and 6ft-tall speakers are crackling to life. “Community festival,” explains our host monk with a smile.

We’re soon back on the river, and my final stop that night is the region’s capital, Can Tho — the fifth-largest city in Vietnam, with a population of around 1.3 million. It hasn’t always been so urban. “Ten years ago, Can Tho was just a rural district, but now we have hotels and nightlife,” says Jerry, as our boat enters a water crossroads framed by high-rise hotels. The night-market stalls that line riverside promenades are lighting up like fireflies as dusk descends.

The city’s Cai Rang district is famed for its floating market — a feature of Mekong life for hundreds of years. “Before the road network, everything was done by boat,” says Jerry. Approaching the market from the river the next morning, I notice washing lines hanging outside many of the boats’ small cabins and decks slung with hammocks. “Mobile housing,” says Jerry, nodding to the makeshift living compartments — many of the people working here live permanently aboard their boats.  

Long bamboo poles hang from the boats, displaying what’s for sale that day: onion, garlic and pumpkins, along with huge quantities of watermelons roped together. But the collection of sampans here are not exactly the vast floating village I’d read about before my visit. Development means this aspect of Can Tho life is slowly dying out, with more people shopping off the back of motorbikes than boats. “People want to move forward,” says Jerry emphatically, clearly choosing his words carefully. “But we feel really sad that this market probably won’t be here for our kids.”

Welcome to hell

My next stop is the Con Dao archipelago at the very southeastern edge of Vietnam’s borders. Like the Mekong, it’s a region on the brink of change. As my plane comes in to land on the main inhabited island of Con Son, I’m greeted by the sight of a small flotilla of rainbow-coloured trawlers and squid boats, bobbing offshore like a thousand tiny satellite islands. High mountains covered in longan and bang nut trees line one side of the road from the airport while the other overlooks miles of empty beaches. Few tourists make it as far as these islands, but developers are starting to wake up to their potential. Close to the ferry terminal, builders are clearing seafront palms to sink concrete foundations for new resorts.

Even 30 years ago, it would have been unthinkable to have hotels on the island. “Con Dao used to be called ‘hell on Earth’,” says my young guide Thi Nhuan ‘Pumpkin’ Nguyen later that day. Wearing white trainers and a traditional conical hat, she leads me down quiet backstreets in Con Son town, where grand villas recall its French 19th-century colonists. Our destination is a notorious prison nicknamed the Tiger Cages — one of several built to house dissidents between 1887 and 1954, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. In the 1950s, the prisons were inherited by the Americans during the Vietnam War. Now they’re protected as a national monument.

We enter Phu Tuong prison to find the air inside still and stale, the walls slick with mildew. Pumpkin’s father, born in 1959, might have ended up here if things had been different. “When he was young he was called to fight in Con Dao with the resistance, but he was an only son and my grandmother didn’t want him to go,” she explains as we ascend a flight of stairs to a platform above a row of open-roofed concrete pens. Info boards describe how prison guards used the vantage point to throw a concoction of limestone and water into cells, gluing prisoners so they couldn’t move.

Many Vietnamese were less fortunate than Pumpkin’s dad. Fighters from all over the country went missing behind Con Dao’s palm-flanked shores when the town was used as a base for interrogation, imprisonment and execution by the French and then Americans. At Hang Duong cemetery, I find 2,000 tombs — half of them unnamed, simply embossed with the five-pointed yellow star of the national flag. The mood among the crowd of Vietnamese visitors, however, is surprisingly festive. For this is the resting place of Vo Thi Sau, a national hero who’s become synonymous with the islands.

Aged 14, Vo Thi Sau joined the growing guerrilla movement against French occupation. It was the 1940s and Vietnam was part of French Indochina. Eventually captured and convicted, at the age of 19 she became the first woman to be executed on Con Dao — three years before the start of the Vietnam War that ravaged the country until 1975. This grim fate has led Con Dao to become a pilgrimage site for thousands of Vietnamese each year.

Despite the cemetery’s size, Vo Thi Sau’s grave is easy to find, surrounded by a throng of people. Decorated like a shrine with her sepia portrait at the centre, it’s lit by incense, festooned with chrysanthemums and piled with paper offerings in the form of mock handbags, combs and jewellery sets — all the accoutrements of young womanhood she might have enjoyed had her life taken a different course. “We admire her courage,” says one young woman mourner when I ask why she’s come. “She’s the spirit of the island.”

A brighter future

Today, about a fifth of the island’s inhabitants are still military, but Con Dao sees its future in nature tourism. Dirt tracks used only by hikers and the occasional motorbike taxi take me across the spine of the island to deserted pebble coves inhabited by shy black squirrels. One morning, I go clam collecting with a metal pail and an island guide, watching crabs skate across the sands as we trawl the beach with a bamboo rake. On a pontoon restaurant reached by boat, I eat Con Dao squid and crab fished out of open sea nets.

They may be eaten elsewhere but here turtles are the focus of conservation efforts. Little was known about their movements around the islands until 2017, when staff from the Six Senses eco-lodge on Con Son island’s east coast discovered a female green turtle had come ashore to lay a clutch of eggs. The lodge immediately applied for a licence to run a turtle conservation programme and in 2018 became the only private-sector hotel in Vietnam authorised to help protect this 200-million-year-old species.

As luck would have it, I’ve arrived on Con Dao just as the final eggs of the season are hatching. “Normally, places where turtles lay their eggs have to be pristine. A mother turtle came to this beach six times this year, which is very good,” explains Jun Nishimura, Six Senses’ assistant sustainability manager. He leads me down wooden boardwalks beneath a dense jungle canopy to the lodge’s mile-long swathe of sand. The hotel monitors the nesting with 24-hour beach cameras and the aid of local fishermen.

To improve the turtles’ chance of survival, they relocate egg clutches to a sheltered incubation zone that mimics their natural nest conditions. When I visit, I find a swarm of palm-sized baby turtles. “It’s a one in 1,000 chance of survival if left to nature,” Jun explains. While island tides, storm patterns, predators and fluctuating temperatures can interfere with nesting grounds, ocean plastics and fishing nets also await the hatchlings that make it to the sea. Although the islands are a national park, the protected zone doesn’t extend to the marine environment where the local communities fish.

The turtles’ first steps will biologically imprint them with this beach’s location, drawing the females back when it comes to laying their own eggs. “So far this year, we’ve had an 89% success rate with hatchlings, but it’s difficult to know what the survival rate is because they’re so small we can’t tag them,” explains Jun. “We will only know in 25 to 30 years’ time, if we see a mother return to this beach.”  

Once the hatchlings are transferred to the beach by trained handlers, we wait. “They’re programmed to go to the ocean,” says Jun, his bare feet in the surf, a nervous grin on his face. The baby turtle nearest my feet pauses, flippers wiggling as if testing the breeze. Nature works its magic and it’s off. “Good luck buddy!” calls Jun, as we watch the tiny creature propel itself in an ungainly manner across the sand. If it’s anywhere near as resilient as the other locals around these southern waters, I’ve no doubt it’ll be back.

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The best countries to travel to in Southeast Asia

From indonesia to malaysia, the must-visit destinations on this corner of the continent, article bookmarked.

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Southeast Asia is a blend of fascinating traditions and cultures, with some of the most incredible temples, palaces and natural sites on the planet.

This region is home to famed attractions, from Angkor Wat to Ha Long Bay, as well as a selection of sprawling cities – including Bangkok , Kuala Lumpur and Singapore – and miles of pristine coastlines around Indonesia and the Philippines.

And though places such as Bangkok and Singapore have seen high numbers of British tourists for decades, other destinations are starting to attract more people, from lesser-known Laos to the neighbouring backpacker favourite of Cambodia .

Whether you’re looking to throw yourself into exploring a city or hop around a handful of serene tropical islands, your options are pentiful in this corner of the world.

Below are Independent Travel’s  picks for the region’s best countries to visit on holiday; read on to start planning your next long-haul getaway.

Thailand has long been a tourist favourite for Brits, whether for travelling youngsters or business people. Its capital, Bangkok (known locally as Krung Thep) was the most visited city in the world for several years in a row before Covid and is just a short journey away from the ancient city of Ayutthaya .

With dozens of famous white-sand beaches around the country (such as Railay and Ko Phi Phi ), as well as several areas of natural beauty (one of the most unique being Khao Sok National Park) and dozens of temples and palaces, Thailand offers anyone visiting the country a diverse mix of sightseeing, city experiences and relaxation – not to mention the nation’s delicious cuisine.

Best time to visit Thailand

With a rainy season falling between July and October, the best time to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are higher (with average highs in the early 30s). May is usually a quieter time to visit, but the sunshine may be interrupted by short rain periods.

Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most notable in the region. Ha Long Bay is the country’s most famous natural area, while the beaches of Phu Quoc and the Cham Islands offer equal beauty in different settings. Other natural attractions include the caves of Phong Nha and Hang Son Doong, the Marble Mountains and the sand dunes at Mui Ne.

As for cities, Ho Chi Minh City , Hanoi and Da Nang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese ‘hustle and bustle’ (Da Nang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals and the well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings.

Best time to visit Vietnam

April and September fall just before and after the high season in Vietnam and also offer less humidity and lower temperatures than at the peak of summer. With weather that can vary quite drastically across the country in different months, these should give the best weather across the board too.

Read more on Asia travel :

• Why you should visit Koh Samui now
• Can Cambodia become Southeast Asia’s sustainable travel capital?
• Celebrating Thailand’s Songkran festival in Chiang Mai

Singapore is a popular destination for British expats, with an estimated 50,000 living there. It’s a country that is almost unlike any other; its urban planning strategy has created a metropolis and enabled almost six million people to live in an area roughly half the size of London.

Despite its diminutive size, the country offers numerous attractions , from its Botanic Gardens (a Unesco world heritage site) and historical and art museums to the Gardens by the Bay , a nature park spanning 101 hectares, and a Universal Studios theme park. It also hosts a Formula 1 race, which takes place in September on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore has significant rainfall all year, although the country’s dry season falls between February and April, when humidity levels are also at their lowest. Specifically, February and September offer the lowest rainfall and humidity, with average highs of around 31C. September also falls in low season.

By far the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia lies at the southern end of the region and consists of roughly 17,500 islands, including Sumatra and Bali. With so many islands, it’s no surprise that the archipelago contains some of the region’s most attractive areas. Bali in particular is a tourism hotspot, while many of the islands offer tropical rainforests, rugged terrain and even volcanoes (the country sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to both eruptions and earthquakes).

Jakarta is the capital and largest city in the country and is located – along with the popular tourist town of Yogyakarta– on the island of Java. Idyllic locations include Lombok and the Raja Ampat islands; Bromo Tengger Semeru and Komodo National Parks offer unreal nature and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Best time to visit Indonesia

The dry season usually runs from April to October, which is also when the country welcomes the most tourists. If you want to avoid crowds, May and June offer average highs of roughly 31C and over eight hours of sunshine per day.

Malaysia’s culture is an eclectic mix of European, Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, while the country itself is famous for its rainforest, beaches and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur , with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers being one of the country’s most iconic symbols.

Away from the capital, many tourists decide to visit the Malaysian part of Borneo – in the north of the island – where rainforest treks, wildlife viewing and relaxing on the beach are all possible. The Perhentian Islands and Sipadan are two other popular destinations, while nature-lovers flock to the Batu Caves, Mount Kinabalu and the Cameron Highlands.

Best time to visit Malaysia

You can expect fewer crowds from March to June; these months have average temperatures of around 28C, while June is the driest month of the year (though bear in mind you can still expect showers every month).

Philippines

Another archipelago, the Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands. Under Spanish rule for over 300 years, it is one of the only predominantly Roman Catholic countries in the whole continent and has been widely influenced by Western culture and traditions. For those keen to see its cities, Manila is the capital while Quezon is the largest.

Tropical white-sand beaches are plentiful on the nation’s thousands of isles, while the volcanoes of Mayon and Tail offer dramatic scenery overlooking the water. Other sites include Sigma Lagoon, Pagsanjan Falls and the Batad rice terraces.

Best time to visit the Philippines

The Philippines dry season falls right in the middle of the low season for tourism. The driest months are between January and March, where there is little rainfall and humidity falls to much more tolerable levels. Expect temperatures of up to 24C – and lows of 15C – every day.

Cambodia welcomes visitors eager to learn about its complicated history and experience its mix of Asian and French culture. A largely rural country, only three of its cities are home to over 100,000 people despite the country’s 16 million-strong population. Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city, while Siem Reap is another metropolitan centre that also acts as the gate to Angkor Wat, an ancient temple which today is the largest religious structure in the world.

The country’s islands, such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, contain pristine white beaches, sandy coves and coral reefs , and are popular spots for partying too. The Cardamom mountain range stretches over 4.4 million hectares of rainforest through the Southeast and into eastern Thailand, and is home to a vast range of wildlife, including sun bears, elephants and Siamese crocodiles. Tonle Sap lake is the largest in Southeast Asia, with its waters and floodplain home to over three million people and hundreds of different animal species.

Best time to visit Cambodia

Temperatures are at their lowest in the dry season between November and February, but you’ll still see average highs of 30C.

Laos is one of the continent’s smaller countries, and its shared borders – with Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west and Cambodia to the south – give you an indication of the geography that you’ll find here. Whether you want to go through dense jungle on a cruise along the winding Mekong River, trek through the jagged karst around Vang Vieng or simply relax in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, there’s something to appeal.

Laos’ most important landmark is the Pha That Luang, a golden Buddhist stupa in Vientiane, while the capital’s other highlights include temples like Wat Si Saket and the old quarter. If you have time, visit the peaceful Song River and the town of Vang Vieng, before exploring the Unesco city of Luang Prabang and surrounding nature, including waterfalls, plunge pools and the banks of the Mekong.

Best time to visit Laos

The weather is Laos is best between October and April, when conditions are dry and not too warm. For river cruises, November through to January is best for high water levels, while August is both the wettest and most humid month.

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Research and Innovation for Development in ASEAN (RIDA)

RIDA funds research and development in new technologies, and new approaches to existing technologies, that support Sustainable Development Goals in south-east Asia.

About Research and Innovation for Development in ASEAN ( RIDA )

Research and Innovation for Development in ASEAN ( RIDA ) is a research and development ( R&D ) initiative which started in 2023. It aims to support partnerships to:

• encourage the use of innovation to address United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) , and
• support low-income and vulnerable people in south-east Asia

Our working definition of ‘innovation’ is:

an intervention which improves the potential of new technologies, or new approaches to existing technologies, which can also to accelerate development impact.

In the first phase of RIDA , the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) Research and Evidence Directorate allocates up to £1 million. This is for support to new and existing academia-industry partnerships in south-east Asia.

The focus of RIDA phase 1 is  the science, technology and innovation (STI) priorities within the ASEAN -UK Plan of Action :

• climate adaptation and resilience
• energy transition
• agriculture

Funded projects should clearly demonstrate a proof of concept that demonstrates pathway to impact and relevance to SDGs . This includes evidence on the feasibility of new technologies, or scalability of existing technologies.

Funded projects in RIDA phase 1

The call for proposals for RIDA phase 1 was announced in August 2023 .

Projects funded under RIDA phase 1 include:

Revolutionising tuberculosis care among low-income patients in Southeast Asia through a multi-lingual asynchronous video observed therapy integrated health application

The existing Direct Observed Treatment strategy for Tuberculosis results in high nonadherence and mortality rates. The projects aims to address this through a multi-lingual mobile health application featuring asynchronous video observed therapy (VOT) integrated with other features. The current prototype, developed and tested by 12 domain experts in Malaysia, will be expanded to become a functional mobile health application in multiple languages.

• project locations: Malaysia, Indonesia
• lead institutions: Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
• Malaysian Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis
• Sunway Group
• Monash University
• Provincial Health Office Jakarta
• University of Leeds

Feasibility study for a high resolution Southeast Asian air pollution forecasting system

This project uses openly available coarse resolution global air pollution forecasts and data sources to generate street-scale resolution forecasts over large regions. It aims to empower citizens in south-east Asia to take action before air pollution episodes, and to provide easily accessible, high resolution air quality forecasts.

• project locations: Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia
• lead institutions: Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants
• Institute for Environment and Resources, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
• Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

An integrated decision support system for strategic flood mitigation planning towards sustainable agricultural waste management at the Mekong Delta

This project explores a smart decision support system to address the challenge of climate change on agriculture at the Mekong Delta covering Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It aims to mitigate economic, environmental, and social impact of flooding on sustainable agricultural waste management.

• project locations: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
• lead institutions: Cranfield University
• University of Bedfordshire
• University of Loraine
• Vietnam National University of Agriculture
• Asian Management and Development Institute
• Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change
• National University of Laos
• Mekong River Commission Secretariat

Pigmented rice varieties for ASEAN farmers

This project uses new sequencing technologies to identify pigmented rice varieties. These are better adapted to climate change, have higher nutritional quality and better suitability for farmers in south-east Asia.

• project locations: Indonesia, Thailand
• lead institutions: University of Warwick
• Universitas Gadjah Mada
• Rajanagarindra University
• Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology
• Diversity Arrays Technology
• Oxford Nanopore Technologies
• Jogja Benih
• Indonesia Assessment Institute of Agriculture Technology

Solar conduction dryer assessment within smallholder farmer communities in Cambodia and Laos

This project assesses the performance and supply chain capacity of solar conduction dryer (SCD) in south-east Asia to create viable market strategies and a return-on-investment for the technology. This expected to be a useful post-harvest processing technology for smallholder farmers in the region to increase revenues, reduce waste, increase climate resilience, and improve food quality and safety.

• project locations: Cambodia, Laos
• lead institutions: People in Need Cambodia
• Sustainable Agriculture and Environment Development Association

Seaweed social business

This project develops and tests a controlled system seaweed cultivation kit and social franchise model, in collaboration with women entrepreneurs in low-income communities. It enables all-year round cultivation, food safety and security, enhanced income generation and resilience.

• project locations: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines
• lead institutions: Yunus Thailand
• Scottish Association for Marine Science
• Kasetsart University
• Prince of Songkla University
• Albukhary International University
• Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation

Temporal-based burnt scar profiling for modelling risk of forest fires in ASEAN countries

This project aims to aggregate the detections of burnt scar from satellite images over time. It covers mainland south-east Asia, to improve forest fires risk assessment by compiling the levels of area-specific risks and visualisation.

• project locations: Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam
• lead institutions: Aberystwyth University
• partner institutions: Mae Fah Luang University

Supporting ASEAN energy decarbonisation through bespoke decision-support software

This project develops an integrated optimisation model tailored for energy market planning in south-east Asia. It aims to achieve regional energy transition, sustainable development goals, and net zero targets by sustaining economic growth.

• project locations: Malaysia, Philippines
• lead institutions: University of Surrey
• University of Nottingham Malaysia
• De La Salle University

Elucidating the antimalarial efficacy of curcumin derivatives on immunomodulatory proteins using in silico quantum computational studies, synthesis and in vitro assessment 

This project addresses the critical problem of parasite resistance against antimalarial drugs. It provides solutions by developing curcumin derivatives with enhanced efficacy, bridging the gap in targeting inflammatory-related proteins associated with severe infections.

• lead institutions: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• partner institutions: Universitas Padjadjaran

BREATHE-Cities: bolstering resilience and environmental air-quality through transformative healthy emission transport in cities

The project will use sensor technology to analyse transport patterns and air-quality in real-time. It will enable the development of innovative, data-driven, city-specific policy frameworks and spatiotemporal models to address transport-related air pollution in diverse hot-spots in south-east Asian cities.

• project locations: Thailand, Myanmar
• lead institutions: University of Huddersfield
• Asian Institute of Technology

Unlocking the commercial pathway for technical breakthrough in climate-smart, highly productive rice cultivation by smallholder farmers across ASEAN

This project develops a proof of concept exploring the market opportunity and commercial pathway in south-east Asia of the world-first gene-editing solution that enhances nitrogen use efficiency in rice. It has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in smallholder rice production.

• project locations: Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines
• lead institutions: Beanstalk AgTech Pty Ltd
• partner institutions: International Rice Research Institute

Hepatitis Elimination Alliance – HEA model: cost-effectiveness, stakeholder perspectives, and steps for scaling up in Cambodia, Laos and beyond

The project explores developing a public-private partnership to fast-track the implementation of viral hepatitis elimination strategy in south-east Asia through evidence-guided advocacy. It will expand a proven pilot to national scale and build alliances between governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• lead institutions: Health Poverty Action

Sustainable PCM (phase change materials) refrigerator using weak/off peak grid power (SustFridge)

The project addresses the critical gap of sustainable refrigeration in off-grid and weak-grid settings in south-east Asia. It aims to reduce food and medicine spoilage, promote energy efficiency, and enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities. The project uses innovative technology to maximise solar energy use, improve cooling efficiency, and enhance the sustainability of refrigeration systems in off-grid and weak-grid environments.

• project locations: Malaysia
• lead institutions: University of Nottingham
• Solar Energy Research Institute
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• PCM Products Ltd, UK

Intelligence green material for better resilience (IGNITE)

This project aims to enhance monitoring and assessment for structure components built from non-cementitious materials derived from agricultural by-products found locally. The project will enable farmers to earn additional income by converting agriculture waste into geopolymer binder materials, and will help provide safer infrastructure to the public.

• project locations: Indonesia, Malaysia
• Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November
• Institut Teknologi Bandung
• Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
• National Institute of Technology, Wakayama College
• PT Petrokimia Gresik
• PT Wijaya Karya
• East Java Provincial Agency for Industry and Trade
• City of Pekanbaru’s Environment and Forestry Agency

RIDA contacts

Rizky Januar, ASEAN Science and Technology Adviser, British Embassy Jakarta, [email protected]

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