Why You Should Cruise the Mekong River in the High-Water Season
The Mekong River is one of the world's longest rivers, flowing from the Tibetan Plateau through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is a key resource for people who live alongside it and connects some of the region's most isolated settlements. There are several cruise voyages to the Mekong, particularly from Vietnam and Cambodia. If you're on a river cruise along this mighty river, you'll probably embark and disembark in either southern Cambodia or southern Vietnam.
The Lower Mekong River is a year-round tourism destination, but it still has two distinct seasons: the high-water season and the low-water season, corresponding to wet and dry seasons. Many believe that the best time to take a river cruise in the Mekong is during the dry season, which lasts from December to August. In fact, depending on when you visit the region, you’ll have a different experience. In the following, we will showcase why you should travel to the Mekong River in the high-water season.
When is the high-water season in the Mekong?
The weather in the Lower Mekong is tropical; therefore, humidity is high all year. The average temperature fluctuates between 23°C and 34°C. The difference between day and night temperatures is not significant.
The high-water season in the Mekong River runs from early September until the end of November. In contrast to the Mekong's low water level during the dry season, which reveals vast sandbanks and floodplains, the rainy season delivers a pleasant shift in the weather, with increasing rainfall and humidity. The rain frequently falls in a short time, causing strong downpours followed by sunlight, making outdoor activities still possible.
When all is said and done, the period of the high-water season changes unexpectedly each year, depending on rainfall and water levels. High water levels may occur earlier or later. River cruise lines will change their itinerary on short notice. Aside from that, they cannot confirm whether your trip will embark on the high or low water program. The water condition may change at any time, and the cruise operators will notify you as soon as they learn anything new.
Why cruise the Mekong River in the high-water season?
The number one advantage of visiting the Mekong during the rainy season is that the scenery is at its most lush since the vegetation is thoroughly hydrated by the intermittent monsoon. The vegetation along the riverbanks thrives, bringing brilliant greens to the picturesque flooded landscape. On the water and along the shores, signature flowers of the high-water season, such as water hyacinth, water lilies, and sesbania sesban, bloom, forming a colorful and authentic rural setting.
During this time, the Mekong River is more spectacular than ever. After heavy rain showers, the air becomes fresh and crisp, perfect for river cruises. Sitting on the boat and soaking in the surroundings will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to observe locals employing traditional techniques to catch seasonal food, which is an important part of their everyday lives. If you like, you may even taste the fresh delicacy from these catches.
There are fewer passengers during this season as well, so you won't have to compete for space at popular locations. Also, keep in mind that cruise routes may alter slightly between the wet and dry seasons as the water levels in the Mekong, Tonle River, and Tonle Sap Lake are higher, with access to some sites only possible during the wet season. This means your ship will most likely be able to cruise the entire journey, crossing the Tonle Sap to Siem Reap dock; then, with a short driving ride, you’ll arrive at the town of Angkor temples. Besides, tourists can avoid the need for hours on the cruise’s buses or short plane rides in the low-water season.
In southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is renowned for its yearly flooding season from July to October. During this period, the river exceeds its banks, flooding the surrounding lowlands and depositing nutrient-rich sediment in the area, making it perfect for cultivation. It is also a culturally significant time for the region's inhabitants, who hold festivals and ceremonies to celebrate the coming of the floodwaters.
It's crucial to note that it doesn't always rain during the wet season. Instead, you'll experience short bursts of really intense rain. In between these showers, the sun shines brightly, and temperatures and humidity rise dramatically. That being said, it may get uncomfortably hot at times, and there is the possibility that your shore excursions will be delayed or perhaps canceled due to flooding. It’s time to enjoy your blissfully air-conditioned cabin and get away from the heat.
Where to visit in the Mekong during the high-water season?
Tra Su Cajuput Forest
This enchanting gem is set in the heart of the Mekong Delta, surrounded by serene canals, tall cajuput trees, and abundant wildlife, making it a true natural marvel. During the flooding season, the area is covered with a bright, fresh, and lightweight layer of green water lily and elephant ear plants. Rowing boats in the extremely magical and picturesque Tra Su is an experience that should not be missed in the Delta.
Cai Rang Floating Market
One of the most well-known and largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is a wholesale market that sells fruits, vegetables, and agricultural goods from both Can Tho and nearby provinces. It is also a living museum of southern traditional culture, which has been enriched by the Delta's interconnected canal networks. A boat trip to experience Cai Rang floating market provides an excellent opportunity to observe how locals use the waterways for transportation and trade.
Tram Chim National Park
Nature lovers are drawn to Tram Chim National Park by the rich birdlife there. Against the backdrop of the flooded forests, birdwatchers can see the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of Sarus cranes soaring to the air. Through a boat tour of the Mekong's canals and waterways, visitors can find hidden treasures and feel the region's soft embrace.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Among the three biosphere reserves on Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most visited by travelers, especially birdwatchers. Located at the northwest tip, this sanctuary is primarily covered in freshwater swamp forest and is home to many rare waterbirds, including greater and lesser adjuncts, milky stork, black-headed ibis, spot-billed pelican, grey-headed fish eagle, painted stork, and many more species. Join a boat tour, and your guide will share information about bird migration and breeding, as well as how the reserve and its birds are being carefully protected.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Kampong Phluk is a small village situated in the midst of Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Cambodia. It is renowned for its unique houses, constructed on wooden stilts about 8 meters high. During the rainy season, the water level rises and covers the stilts, creating the scene of floating houses in the water. The residents depend on farming and fishing for their livelihood and adapt their way of life to the flow of the lake’s water levels. Nearby Kampong Phluk, travelers will find flooded mangrove forests that can be explored by a traditional wooden boat rowed by locals.
Packing tips for your Mekong trip in the high-water season
When planning a river cruise in the Mekong, keep the weather and diverse shore trips in mind. Here are some important ideas to help you prepare for a comfortable and pleasurable journey:
- Choose light, breathable clothing in neutral hues and consider suitcase weight and size.
- Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Pack personal toiletries, cash, a power adaptor, medications, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Travel with a reusable water bottle to refill.
- Research local dress codes for religious places.
If you're a nature enthusiast and love discovery, embark on a Mekong River Cruise trip in the Mekong River during the high-water season. It will be a great adventure, taking you close to local culture and unique natural wonders that you see nowhere else.
