The Mekong River in Thailand is a captivating destination, known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich biodiversity. Visitors can engage in river cruises, explore local markets, and experience authentic Thai hospitality along this iconic waterway.
The Mekong River, flowing through Thailand, is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant waterways and an essential lifeline for many communities. The river stretches over 4,350 kilometers, nurturing diverse ecosystems and offering stunning scenery, from lush mountains to serene villages. Travelers to the Mekong can explore historical landmarks, such as ancient temples, and enjoy picturesque boat rides that reveal the beauty of the surrounding nature. The Mekong is not only a vital source of water and food but also a cultural treasure, showcasing traditional fishing methods and vibrant festivals that reflect the rich heritage of the region. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities like kayaking and cycling along the riverbanks, providing unique perspectives of the breathtaking landscapes. The Mekong region is also famed for its culinary delights, featuring fresh river fish and local delicacies that entice food lovers from around the world. With its blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, the Mekong River emerges as a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in Thailand. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic experiences, encounter friendly locals, and appreciate the stunning sunsets that paint the sky over this remarkable river. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, the Mekong River offers a diverse array of experiences that leave lasting memories.
แม่น้ำแม่โขง (เมืองมหาสารคาม, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Mekong River is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking , Thailand
The Mekong can be reached along much of the northeastern border of Thailand. It’s well worth a stop wherever you may encounter it.
I spent 2 days cruising down the Mekong in a slow boat as part of a small group tour and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it! We sailed along the border between Thailand and Laos and then into Laos to Luang Prabang. The scenery was great, particularly in Laos and we visited the Pak Ouy caves. We slept off the boat each night. I’d certainly recommend it!
On the first day, we visited two caves, up steep flights of steps to see lots of Buddhas, which was interesting, and big events for the Buddhists. We were just unlucky with the weather, as it was bearable during the day and absolutely freezing at night; in fact it was so cold it was impossible to sleep. Built for that climate the ‘hotel’ had no glass in the windows, and only a thin duvet. Do not believe the organiser’s literature when it says you only need a thin sweater; you may need much more, take a Rab, just in case, and warm pyjamas. However, the staff there were great and the Laos dance by some children enchanting. We took the most expensive option for the boat, but it didn’t help us with the cold. The staff on board were good and the food was goodish. The next morning it was so cold, they had to put the sides of the boat down to shield us from the weather. In the afternoon, however, the sun came out and then it became an enjoyable experience.We visited two villages on the river, which were very much mixed blessings. The poverty is daunting, and challenging, with two long lines of women and children sitting in the dust all challenging you to buy silk goods. It is almost impossible to get to the end of this daunting walk without wanting to buy something, but, forewarned by the guide, and knowing that it wasn’t Laos silk, but a mix of inferior Chinese silk and cotton ; further it is a conundrum about whether they made it, or had it shipped in and you were paying more than in a town. We wanted to help and bought something, which we immediately got washed at the hotel. We both felt a little guilty for not having done more. We arrived at Luang Prabang tired, but, on the whole, glad we had done it as the company were not responsible for the weather, although they are changing their literature to ensure it does not mislead about cold weather clothing.
4,350 km long, the Mekong is the world’s 12th-longest river. It rises in the Tibetan Plateau, runs through China’s Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, before disgorging into the South China Sea.As far as Thailand is concerned it is its largest river, and in many ways, its most important, for it forms the international boarder between parts of Laos and Cambodia.It is also important to Thailand as a means of transportation of goods to China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and vise a versa, as a source of fishing, and as irrigation water for rice padi.There is a Friendship Bridge connecting Nong Khai in Thailand’s north with Laos, and another Friendship Bridge has more recently been built further south, from Mukdahan to Laos. In both these places there are large markets featuring products from all of the neighbouring countries.It is possible to do river cruises the length of the Mekong from Vietnam to China, but I have only had the opportunity for far smaller cruises.A few years ago with friends from Australia I did an interesting longboat day-long cruise on the Mekong in the area of the “Golden Triangle” where the international borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos intersect. On a clear day, you can look north and see the mountains that form the border with China. Here it is possible to theoretically make a trip to Laos without the benefit of a visa. The longboat will pull in at the small Laos island of Done Xao, where you are allowed to disembark and Laos officials will give you a “fake” visa stamp in your passport as a souvenir. You can spent an interesting hour wandering around the island, and if you are really brave you can sample some Laos whiskey that has been matured with snakes, scorpions, the fetus of a deer, or other exotic animals included in the bottle.Two months ago a friend from Australia and I were in Nong Khai and took a two-hour evening cruise up the river. We sailed under the Friendship Bridge and all the way up to Vientiane on the east bank of the river, before turning around and returning to Nong Khai. What was most memorable was that on the return trip we kept close to the Laos border and everywhere men, women and children gave us rousing cheers and waves as we sailed past. .
This trip on the Mekong River was done in conjunction with a trip to the Golden Triagle, where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. It is worth doing and an experience. A great feeling to be here between the three countries. A day trip is highly recommended.
I can’t find a page for Nagi of Mekong so I’ll just leave this here and hope if you are looking for a long boat cruise from Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang you choose them. The cruise was two days with a night in Pak Beng. There are a few options if you are wanting to take the Mekong River to Luang Prabang from Thailand I highly recommend it. We had friends take the public Long Boat which most hostels will set you up with. The price is much cheaper but the safety and comfort are pretty poor. Our friends during low season were stuck sitting on the floor for 7 hours. The price isn’t bad, I’d recommend staying at Teak Garden in Chaing Khong and pay extra to avoid staying at Mekong Riverside Lodge, it doesn’t have A/C and the mosquito net is pretty small my friend and I stayed there and had to push our beds together and felt like we were getting bit the whole night. The boat is nice we only had 10 people on our and we each had our own table and the food was good. The boat pulled over once because the winds were strong. They were safe and very nice. The views are INSANELY beautiful. You will feel like you are in a screensaver.
The Mekong is one of the world’s great rivers, rising in the Himalayas, running through China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea.We drove to Chiang Sean on the northern tip of Thailand and took a long boat trip on the Mekong.At one point in the middle of the river we were looking at the Thai-Myanmar border on the left bank and Laos on the right bank.Then the boat took us to Done Sao Island, which belongs to Laos. We were permitted to land without passports and spent 30 minutes browsing the stalls set up for the tourist trade.The hour long boat trip was 500 Baht.
The Mekong flows beside the northern Thai city of Nong Khai, providing the border between Thailand and Laos on the other side of the river.There is a promenade that runs along several hundred meters of the river, providing a very pleasant early morning walk, or evening stroll. It passes alongside many restaurants with outside facilities, and the Tha Sadet Markets.On the Friendship Bridge end of the promenade, a terrace is being built on the other side of the promenade wall, which will provide improved facilities for exercisers, strollers, or just people who want to sit back and take it all in at a leisurely pace.When we visited the first pylons were being driven down into the embankment.I do not know when the work is due for completion, but believe it will only be a few months.
Once again I had a great time with this tour. Honestly, this tour was VIP service!! It started with the Limousine Van I was picked up in. I thought to myself, “Wow!!” I am really going first class here!! Then you had Tu my tour guide who spoke very good English and was attentive, patient and thorough. She was Amazing!! Tu is highly educated in Vietnam and Asian culture .I highly recommend Vietnam VIP Adventure Makong River/ Island Tour if coming to Saigon!! Inwas so impressed by my first tour, I booked this Second tour in 2 days.. They did not disappoint.