Mae Nam ("Mother of Waters)
The Mekong River is one of the world’s great river systems, flowing over 3000 miles (4,909 kilometers) through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Mekong has long been regarded as the foundation of Southeast Asia's economic growth and prosperity. Visit vibrant cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, historic ruins, villages and nature along the the River.,
Ho Chi Minh City :Rex Hotel, People's Committee Hall, Ho Chi Minh statue,
See ancient ruins Angkor Wat
Visit temples in Laos.
The 200 million acre Mekong River Basin’s biodiversity is immense, even in comparison with other parts of tropical Asia. The Greater Mekong region holds irreplaceable riches—ranging from rare wildlife in spectacular natural landscapes to communities with distinct cultural heritages. Its biodiversity is fundamental to the viability of natural resource-based rural livelihoods of a population of 60 million people living in the Lower Mekong Basin. This area is the ‘rice bowl’ of Asia and at its heart lays the Mekong River. Winding from the Tibetan plateau down to the South China Sea, the Mekong River boasts the world's largest inland fishery.
Take excursions on the Mekong River Tributaries.
See working landscapes along the river.
People have lived in the Greater Mekong region for more than 4,000 years. Today, the Basin is home to more than 300 million people from nearly 100 distinct ethnic groups. The Mekong River is steeped in a long history, and for thousands of years, it has been the lifeline of the populations that depend on it for survival. The earliest settlements along the river date to 2100 BC with the first recorded civilization—the Indianized-Khmer culture of Funan—dating to the 1st century. Excavations have uncovered coins from as far away as the Roman Empire. In the 5th century, the Khmer culture Chenla existed along the Mekong, and the Khmer empire of Angkor was the last great Indianized state in the region. Roughly 700 years ago, the Thai people escaped from South China across the Mekong to form Thailand (formerly called Kingdom of Siam), and the Mekong protected Thailand from invasions. The same ethnic group also settled in Laos. Since 1540, the Portuguese, Spaniards, French and Americans in various eras have had an influence on the cultural and economic development in the basin.
Excursions will allow you to experience villages along the Mekong
Explore the local markets
After years of political issues and various conflicts, calm has returned to the Mekong, and much of it remains undeveloped and even unexplored. It is closely tied to the daily lives and culture of over 60 million people—so when you cruise the Mekong on either a Regional (Pandaw) or International (such as Scenic, Emerald, Avalon or AMA Waterways) cruise line vessel you will have a choice of intrigue and adventure experiences to select from. The itineraries are designed for you to experience the culture, cuisine, history and the people in the natural environment of the Basin. These itineraries allow you to explore the local culture onshore without being deprived of amenities on board. You will find there are many places to visit on a river cruise where you can experience remote towns and villages in a way like no other. Mekong River Cruises can take you from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, to the majestic Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) in Cambodia to the sleepier town of Luang Prabang in Laos. Having experienced an intimate Pandaw cruise, sailing into the heart of many destinations along the Mekong I know it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Rolling Down the River on a Pandaw River Vessel
Relax each evening with family and friends; like cocktails on the upper deck of a Pandaw River Vessel
Experience fantastic and exciting local cuisines along traditional fares
Most cruise have evening cultural experience for passengers such as this one on a Pandaw River Vessel
If you’re interested in a Mekong River cruise or just to see the various countries of Southeast Asia please contact Sumac Travel Services [https://www.sumactravelservices.com/], call 219-706-5137 or Email: tom.davenport@cruiseplanners.com today and let me help you plan your perfect vacation experience.
[Pictures courtesy of Pandaw]
