How Long is the Saigon River? We booked a home stay and we were the only ones doing this. Do it but be prepared fo very full days and early starts. The tour guide did a nice job explaining the daily itinerary and ensuring everyone was happy. Author of, Assistant Professor of Geology, University of California, Riverside. 9 Best Things To Do In Historic Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam [25] Sediments deposited in the Tonle Sap Great Lake about this time (7.97.3 ka) also show indications of marine influence, suggesting a connection to the South China Sea. [73], KML [20] In marked contrast, the tributary networks of the Salween, Yangtze, and particularly the Mekong, are complex with different sub-basins often exhibiting different, and distinct, drainage patterns. The river divides into two branches below Phnom Penh: the Mekong proper and the Bassac (Basak). 748. A second time, the river leaves the border and flows east into Laos soon passing the city of Pakse. [14], There is little evidence from the last 45 years of data of any systematic changes in the hydrological regime of the Mekong. Glutinous rice, maize, and cassava are the principal crops. From the Golden Triangle tripoint, the Mekong turns southeast to briefly form the border of Laos with Thailand. Length: 7-9 hours. In its more gentle lower stretches, where for a considerable distance it constitutes the boundary between Laos and Thailand, the Mekong inspires both conflict and cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. This experience requires good weather. Interdisciplinary Analyses of a River Delta. Mekong River Cruise See all things to do Mekong River Cruise 4.5 254 reviews #29 of 146 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Ho Chi Minh City Boat Tours Closed now 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Write a review See all photos About Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam. [42][51][53][54] Fish are the staple of the diet in Laos and Cambodia, with around 80% of the Cambodian population's annual protein intake coming from fish caught in the Mekong River system, with no alternative source to replace it. The Mekong enters Cambodia with a sudden plunge at Khone Falls. In 2009, 145 species previously unknown to science were described from the region, including 29 fish species, two bird species, 10 reptiles, five mammals, 96 plants, and six amphibians. Upper Mekong River Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City - Viator Phnom Penh itself has no bridge under construction yet, although two new bridges have recently opened on the Tonle Sap, and the main bridge on the highway to Ho Chi Minh was duplicated in 2010. 180198. Mekong River The Mekong River drains more than 313,000 square miles (810,000 square km) of land, stretching from the Plateau of Tibet to the South China Sea. Author of. At Cho Lon, the former Chinese southern sector of Ho Chi Minh City, it is joined by two ship channels, the Kinh Tau Hu and the Kinh Te. In its upper reaches, the Mekong rises in the Tibetan Plateau between the Salween and Yangtze rivers; the streambed has cut deeply into the rugged landscape through which it flows. During the wars in Indochina in the 1970s, a significant quantity of explosives (sometimes, entire barges loaded with military ordnance) sank in the Cambodian section of the Mekong (as well as in the country's other waterways). 27472751. [14], Reach 4: Pakse to Kratie. The Prek Tamak Bridge, 40km (25mi) north of Phnom Penh opened in 2010. Value for money for an outstanding Mekong Delta tour. The first European to encounter the Mekong was the Portuguese Antnio de Faria in 1540. The lower Mekong, below the point where it forms the border between Myanmar and Laos, is a stream 1,485 miles (2,390 km) in length draining the Khorat Plateau of northeastern Thailand, the western slopes of the Annamese Cordillera in Laos and Vietnam, and most of Cambodia, before reaching the sea through the distributary channels of its delta in southern Vietnam. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China and Southeast Asia. Loved the bird sanctuary, peaceful and beautiful. Saigon River, Vietnamese Song Sai Gon, river in southern Vietnam that rises near Phum Daung, southeastern Cambodia, and flows south and south-southeast for about 140 miles (225 km). Mobile ticket The total length of the Saigon River is 256 kilometers from the upstream to the Can Gio Gate and the section flowing through Ho Chi Minh city is 80 kilometers long. It has a total area of about 25,000 square miles (65,000 square km) and can be divided into three major sections. The Mekong River basin has diverse drainage patterns, topography, and geomorphology, with the river basin divided into upper and . Kuenzer, C., I. Campbell, M. Roch, P. Leinenkugel, V. Q. Tuan and S. Dech (2012): Understanding the impact of hydropower developments in the context of upstreamdownstream relations in the Mekong river basin. [2] Thailand imports a wide variety of products from China, including vegetables, fruit, agricultural products, and fertilisers. Kuenzer, C., H. Guo, J. Huth, P. Leinenkugel, X. Li and S. Dech (2013): Flood Mapping and Flood Dynamics of the Mekong Delta. [60], Critics fear that China's ability to control the Mekong's flow gives it leverage over downstream nations who rely on China's goodwill. An estimated 2.56 million tonnes of inland fish and other aquatic animals are consumed in the lower Mekong every year. This memorable tour is one of the best ways to see one of the region's top attractions and is not to be missed! Hotel pickup for the centrally located hotel in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City only. [2] Despite these difficulties, the Mekong River is already an important link in the transit chain between Kunming and Bangkok with about 300,000 tonnes of goods shipped via this route each year. The main hydrological contributions to the mainstream in this reach come from the Se Kong, Se San, and Sre Pok catchments. The catchment here is steep and narrow with Soil erosion being a major problem and as a result of this, approximately 50% of the sediment in the river comes from the upper basin. They are the key element in the hydrology of this part of the system, especially to the Tonle Sap flow reversal. Ho Chi Minh City Cruise Ports Tours & Tickets, Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito Museum) Tours & Tickets, Saigon River (Song Sai Gon) Tours & Tickets, Cholon (Saigon Chinatown) Tours & Tickets, 3-Days in Ho Chi Minh City: Suggested Itineraries, Vietnam War History Tours in Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Cruises from Ho Chi Minh City, Quan Am Pagoda (Chua Quan Am) Tours & Tickets, Binh Tay Market (Cho Binh Tay) Tours & Tickets, War Remnants Museum (Bao Tang Chung Tich Chien Tranh) Tours & Tickets, Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) Tours & Tickets, Bach Dang Wharf (Ben Bach Dang) Tours & Tickets, Giac Lam Pagoda (Chua Giac Lam) Tours & Tickets, Saigon Opera House (Opra de Sagon) Tours & Tickets, Paris Square (Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris) Tours & Tickets, Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) Tours & Tickets, Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh) Tours & Tickets, Thien Hau Temple (Chua Ba Thien Hau) Tours & Tickets, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station Tours & Tickets, Dong Khoi Street (Duong Dong Khoi) Tours & Tickets, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Sagon) Tours & Tickets, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve Tours & Tickets. In spite of poor fertility, however, agriculture is intensive. [67][68][69] When drought ends and the inevitable floods begin, the effects of Mekong dams on flood pulse dynamics over the entire Lower Mekong are poorly understood. Although the MunChi basin drains 20% of the lower system, average annual runoff is only 250mm. 48 Mekong cruises from Ho Chi Minh City with 70 reviews View Map This rises to 40% during the dry season, even this far downstream. Most of the vegetation in the lower basin is of the tropical broad-leaved variety, although the occurrence of individual species varies with latitude and topography. [14] Here, the river landscape is flat. In: International Journal of Remote Sensing 35 (8), pp. It originates in the "three rivers source area" on the Tibetan Plateau in the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve. [14] From the point where it rises to its mouth, the most precipitous drop in the Mekong occurs in the upper Mekong basin, a stretch of some 2,200km (1,400mi). Dordrecht: Springer, pp. 9. I wish we had more time to spend on each location. In this part of the river, the major source of water flowing into the river comes from melting snow on the Tibetan plateau. The Cai Mep container terminals can accommodate vessels with a draught of 15.2 m, equivalent to the largest container ships in the world. However, Khong is an archaic word meaning "river", loaned from Austroasiatic languages, such as Vietnamese sng (from *krong) and Mon kru "river", which led to Chinese whose Old Chinese pronunciation has been reconstructed as /*kro/[7] and which long served as the proper name of the Yangtze before becoming a generic word for major rivers. The Mekong is one of them. [47][48][52] In Laos alone, 71% of rural households (2.9 million people) rely on fisheries for either subsistence or additional cash income. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Understanding the nature and timing of the elevation of Tibet (and the Central Highlands of Vietnam) therefore helps explain the provenance of sediment reaching the delta and the Tonle Sap Great Lake today. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Cargos carried are timber, agricultural products, and construction materials. Wild capture fisheries are largely open access fisheries, which poor rural people can access for food and income. After 3.5 ka, however, the delta had built out beyond the embayment and became subject to wave action and marine currents. This tour ends in Phnom Penh, speed boat will arrive at the Sisowath port in Phnom Penh ( in Cambodia ) about 13:30 and does not return to Ho Chi Minh City. The woman at the desk did not speak any English in the morning and she had no idea that the hotel was expected to arrange transportation for me. He was very informative and made sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Water pollution impacts the river's ecological integrity as a result. The tour guide did explain it to the woman when I checked in, but the message was never relayed. Even though it was only built in the late 1800s, it has long become the symbol of Saigon, with, on the weekends, countless brides and . The reserve protects the headwaters of, from north to south, the Yellow (Huang He), the Yangtze, and the Mekong Rivers. [44] The largest recorded freshwater fish, a 300kg giant freshwater stingray in 2022 and previously a 293kg Mekong giant catfish in 2005, were both caught in the Mekong River.[45]. it s a good tour. 15619.95N 1054849.51E / 15.1055417N 105.8137528E / 15.1055417; 105.8137528 (Pakxe)). [31][32], The Mekong basin is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. The focus turns from hydrology and water discharge to the assessment of water level, over- bank storage and flooding and the hydrodynamics that determine the timing, duration and volume of the seasonal flow reversal into and out of the Great Lake. [38] All of these have declined drastically because of dams, flood control, and overfishing. [14] As elsewhere in the basin, forest cover has been steadily reduced during the last three decades by shifting agriculture and permanent agriculture. Practical Details of this Mekong Tour. The next morning we were reunited with our group but this was done by us swapping boats in the middle of a big river with our guide shouting hurry hurry which again was a negative experience. It only takes 3 hours by bus to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. GPX (secondary coordinates). In: Renaud, F. G. and C. Kuenzer (eds. The flow level falls again, even with the right bank entry of the Mun-Chi system from Thailand. Mais les activits sont agrables, et on profite du voyage. Best Mekong Delta Overnight Cruise from Ho Chi Minh Vietnam 2022/2023 By Bus. The mountainous landscape means that only 16% of the country is farmed under lowland terrace or upland shifting cultivation. [58] China, Laos and Cambodia are planning and/or building more. Buses were almost new, clean and with good wifi. Export from Vinh Xuong Border (in Viet Nam) and import to Kaam Samnor Border (in Cambodia). Then the Mekong meets the ChinaMyanmar border and flows about 10km (6.2mi) along that border until it reaches the tripoint of China, Myanmar and Laos. Explore the Mekong Delta region on this full-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City. Rising in southeastern Qinghai province, China, it flows through the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan province, after which it forms part of the international border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, as well as between Laos and Thailand. The Mekong River is Southeast Asia's longest river, covering approximately 4,900 kilometers from its source in China's Tibetan Plateau to its mouth in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. AUD 28.09. The major portion of the balance comes from Laos, which points to a major distinction in the low-flow hydrology of the river. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre. In: Renaud, F. G. and C. Kuenzer (eds. Table 2: Lower Mekong Mainstream annual flow (1960 to 2004) at selected sites. The contrast between the physical conditions that prevail above and below the Mekongs descent from the Yunnan highlands divide it into two major parts. Immediately after the Sap River joins the Mekong by Phnom Penh, the Bassac River branches off the right (west) bank. The Chinese and Thai governments agreed to build the bridge and share the estimated US$33 million cost. Experience local life as you cruise along the scenic Tien River. Below Kmpng Cham the rivers gradient becomes gentle, and it flows through wide stretches of alluvium in its floodplain. The seasonal variations in water level directly affect trade in this section of the river. Magnificent Mekong River Cruise 2023 - Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City - Cruise Overview Itinerary Explore unique places & cultures PRICE & BUILD REQUEST A QUOTE Shop Old Hanoi's markets. An MRC report claims that dam projects on the Mekong River will reduce aquatic life by 40% by 2020, and predicted that 80% of fish will be depleted by 2040. DOI: 10.1080/01431161.2014.890377. Siem Reap Family Adventure. The Mekong Delta is a network of tributaries in southwest Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. [34] The most species rich orders among the freshwater fish in the river basin are cypriniforms (377 species) and catfish (92 species). [14], In Cambodia, wet rice is the main crop and is grown on the flood plains of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac (the Mekong delta distributary known as the Hu in Vietnam) Rivers. The Mekong Basin can be divided into two parts: the "upper Mekong basin" in Tibet, and the "lower Mekong basin" from Yunnan downstream from China to the South China Sea. To the early European traders, the Mekong River was also known as Mekon River, May-Kiang River and Cambodia River.[8][9][10][11][12]. Here the mainstream begins to break up into an increasing number of branches. The tributary river systems in this part of the basin are small. The impact of road embankments and similar infrastructure developments on the movement of this flood water is an increasingly important consequence of development.[14]. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Mekong cruise Saigon to Phnom Penh | Mekong River Cruises Wild capture fisheries play the most important role in supporting livelihoods. [70], Sewage treatment is rudimentary in towns and urban areas throughout much of the Mekong's length, such as Vientiane in Laos. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey . No AC, but lovely group and great to help make dinner. The ThaiLao Friendship Bridge (Thai: -, RTGS:Saphan Mittraphap Thai-Lao) connects Nong Khai city with Vientiane in Laos. Omissions? Its climate, landscape and land use are the major factors shaping the hydrology of the river. Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam to Cambodia Charms of the Mekong Imgaine an exotic journey to two incredible cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, both provide the perfect start and end to your memorable vacation. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour to all first timers in Vietnam & even those ones who've been but wish to do the Mekong tour again. As someone who enjoying being active, avoiding money traps, and finding a good balance between city exploring and rest, this adventure was not for me.Our days would begin (post-breakfast) around 6:30-7am. Downstream from the Golden Triangle, the river flows for a further 2,600km (1,600mi) through Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia before entering the South China Sea via a complex delta system in Vietnam.[14]. It was an excellent and budget friendly way to see the cultural side of Vietnam with traditional food and entertainment. The boat ride to Phnom Penh was OK as well. The Mekongs important tributaries in this region include the Tha, the Ou, and the Ngum rivers, all draining northern Laos. Around the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, more than 1.2 million people live in fishing communes and depend almost entirely on fishing for their livelihoods. Sail along the Upper River (Tien River) to visit . Highly recommend! If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Consequently, although the Mun and Chi basins drain 15% of the entire Mekong basin, they only contribute 6% of the average annual flow. The northern highlands have highly folded ranges that reach elevations of about 9,000 feet (2,700 metres) above sea level, many with steep slopes. [14], The Mekong delta in Vietnam is farmed intensively and has little natural vegetation left. Downstream of Vientiane this increases to over 600mm as the principal left bank tributaries enter the mainstream, mainly the Nam Ngum and Nam Theun. OAAs account for about 20% of the total Mekong catch. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. In: Sustainability Science 8 (4), pp. English available. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong River easy. The low tide level of the river in Cambodia is lower than the high tide level out at sea, and the flow of the Mekong inverts with the tides throughout its stretch in Vietnam and up to Phnom Penh. Cruise Line: Scenic River. Difficile de s'y retrouver donc. [2] It flows through the Tibetan Autonomous Region and then southeast into Yunnan Province, and then the Three Parallel Rivers Area in the Hengduan Mountains, along with the Yangtze to its east and the Salween River (Nu Jiang in Chinese) to its west. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Seek adventure in Siem . There were also so many additional activities on this tour that was not mentioned initially on the description of this tour, we were so amazed with the amount of activities we have done and for that we are eternally grateful. Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam to Cambodia - Blue Danube Holidays Rome2Rio makes travelling from Mekong River to Ho Chi Minh City easy. [2] When fisheries are discussed, catches are typically divided between the wild capture fishery (i.e., fish and other aquatic animals caught in their natural habitat), and aquaculture (fish reared under controlled conditions). 27522779. From Can Tho, a suggestion for you is to book a cruise to start exploring the beauty of neighboring provinces in the Mekong River region. Learn more 3 days (approx.) Behold the haunting beauty of Ta Prohm Temple, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins. Major tributary systems develop in the lower basin. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. The last glacial period came to an abrupt end about 19,000 years ago (19 ka) when sea levels rose rapidly, reaching a maximum of about 4.5 m above present levels in the early Holocene about 8 ka. Overall it was a great experience. Private 3-Day Mekong Delta River Tour from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City [36] Between 1997 and 2015, an average of two new species per week were discovered in the region. Highlights: boat in coconut kingdom and boat at Tra Su. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. There is one bridge over the Mekong entirely within Laos. [35], New species are regularly described from the Mekong. *** Note: The exact pickup time in the above prescribed ranges varies according to the position of the customers hotels or the pickup points required. In the south of Yunnan, in Simao and Xishuangbanna Prefectures, the river changes as the valley opens out, the floodplain becomes wider, and the river becomes wider and slower. Most of our time was spent on busses and boats (so many boats), and we'd get out at several stops for only 20-60 minutes - just enough time to break out of our post-nap hazes before being shuffled back onto the bus.As well, as the days went on, our guide grew from friendly to irritated and detached.Many of the stops felt like money traps: tipping our boat drivers or rowers, being pressure to buy candy, and quickly going through your typical artisan markets.The greatest highlight for me was meeting my fellow travelers. Hanoi Agreement between Cambodia and Viet Nam on Waterway Transportation, 13 December 1998. HK$ 398 HK$ 428. In the dry season when the floods subside, the Sab reverses its flow to drain southeastward into the Mekong. The bridge opened for traffic on 11 December 2001. The French invaded the region in the mid-19th century, capturing Saigon in 1861, and establishing a protectorate over Cambodia in 1863. [14], The internal drainage patterns of the Mekong are unusual when compared to those of other large rivers. Locals are blaming low water on the newly constructed Xayaburi Dam, as it enters its test phase prior to the start of commercial operation in October 2019. The very flat Mekong delta area in Vietnam is thus prone to flooding, especially in the provinces of An Giang and Dong Thap (ng Thp), near the Cambodian border. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. GPX (all coordinates) PRIVATE CAR. [61] China has been the driving force behind the demolition plan as it aims to expand trade in the area. Absolutely loved this tour. (2017). It is at Pakse in Champasak Province. Among Asian rivers, only the Yangtze and Ganges have larger minimum flows. The only negative experience was at the first hotel. Great value for the money. Private 3-Day Mekong Delta River Tour from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City 17 Reviews Phnom Penh, Cambodia Share Save to Wishlist From $339.00 Price varies by group size Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. At Phnom Penh the river is joined on the right bank by the river and lake system the Tonl Sap. Both drought and flood are common hazards in the Delta, which many people believe is the most sensitive to upstream hydrological change. Travel the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia on this three-day trip that showcases the best of this iconic destination. Between the falls and Krchh there are rapids interspersed with alluvial plains. I so enjoyed eating and laughing with wonderful people from all over the world.If I were to do journey again, I would skip this tour and bus directly to the speed boat launch point just before the Cambodian border. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Corrections? Cn Th Bridge crosses the second channelthe right, main distributary of the Mekong, the Bassac (Song Hau). This tour crams in a lot some good, some bad. The first phase, from 2015 to 2020, involves a survey, a design, and an assessment of the environmental and social impacts of the project. Traditional forms of trade in small boats linking communities continue today, however the river is also becoming an important link in international trade routes, connecting the six Mekong countries to each other, and also to the rest of the world. Ship. The mighty Mekong River is Southeast Asia's longest river and cruising around the canals, waterways, and floating markets of the Mekong Deltaoften called the "rice bowl" of Vietnamoffers a startling contrast to the busy urban center of Ho Chi Minh City. The earliest recorded civilization was the 1st century Indianised-Khmer culture of Funan, in the Mekong delta. [27] At this time the delta was advancing at a rate of 1718 m per year. About this activity Free cancellation Journey Along The Mekong - 7 Night Cruise. See the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat. When you visit Ho Chi Minh City, a day (or two) in the Mekong Delta should definitely be on your itinerary. Our Git Suong did everything possible to make us feel comfortable looking after us through the whole trip. The two rivers, the Bassac to the west and the Mekong to the east, enter Vietnam shortly after this. Small changes in water level determine the direction of water movement, including the large-scale reversal of flow into and out of the Tonle Sap basin from the Mekong River. [55], It is estimated that 40 million rural people, more than two-thirds of the rural population in the lower Mekong basin, are engaged in the wild capture fishery. Shifting cultivation is common in the uplands of northern Laos and is reported to account for as much as 27% of the total land under rice cultivation. Thursday, July 13, 2023, 10:00 GMT+7. Agreement on Commercial Navigation on LancangMekong River among the governments of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, adopted at Tachileik, 20 April 2000. [14] Although this part of northeast Thailand has an annual rainfall of more than 1,000mm, a high evaporation rate means it is classified as a semi-arid region. From 8 Ma to the present, however, the contribution from the Three Rivers Area fell to 40%, while that from the Central Highlands rose from 11 to 51%. Mekong River Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh - Klook Singapore Mekong River Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh English/Vietnamese Join in group Optional hotel pick up 9hr 30min Duration 4.8 ( 934 reviews ) 9K+ booked SST Travel: 57 Le Thi Hong Gam, Nguyen Thai Binh, HCM Wishlist Gallery S$ 25.19 Select options 10% off Special offer All promotions Interdisciplinary Analyses of a River Delta. [48][51][52] Fish are the cheapest source of animal protein in the region and any decline in the fishery is likely to significantly impact nutrition, especially among the poor. [2], Waterborne trade in the lower Mekong countries of Vietnam and Cambodia has grown significantly, with trends in container traffic at Phnom Penh port and general cargo through Can Tho port both showing steady increases until 2009 when a decrease in cargo volumes can be attributed to the global financial crisis and a subsequent decline in demand for the export of garments to the US. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. If its cancelled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Pursuant to the plan, the city will collect garbage and . Travelers MUST have a Cambodian entry visa in order to enter Cambodia. 4 days / from 1025 USD. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. [14] From here on downstream the terrain is flat and water levels rather than flow volumes determine the movement of water across the landscape. Where: Pick up from your Ho Chi Minh City hotel. Accommodation was basic but nice. Here are your options for Mekong Delta tours. 75 Reviews. The Mekong River Delta cruise experience: A few hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this waterway and its 39,000 sq km surround remains one of the most densely populated parts of the country. Mekong River Cruises | Luxury Vietnam River Cruises & Tours We enjoyed it very much. Escape the city and see a different side of southern Vietnam during a 2-day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. The first group are left bank tributaries that drain the high rainfall areas of Laos.