Mekong river cruise: 5 cultural treasures along the way
The mighty Mekong River flows through Southeast Asia like a ribbon of stories. It has been a lifeline for diverse communities of people, carrying centuries of culture and history along its course. Ready for an adventure? A river cruise on the Mekong here opens doors to experiences that capture both ancient traditions and natural wonders.
Here are five memorable encounters that make a Mekong River cruise journey truly special.
Dining like royalty
In the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, once the royal capital of Laos nestled along the Mekong River, food was an art form in the palace kitchens. Take the famous Lhon Som Moo, also known as Royal Lao Pork Curry, with tender pork – a dish that tells the story of the city's royal heritage dating back to the Lane Xang Kingdom era of the 14th century.
Created in the historic royal kitchens, this unique soup gets its rosy colour from fermented ingredients and was originally served during royal ceremonies and important court gatherings. Today, this once-exclusive royal dish lets you taste a piece of Laotian history, enjoyed with views of the same river that once served the royal palace.
The art of handmade paper
Ever wondered how paper was made before factories? Along the Mekong River, you'll visit a little village, the Ban Xang Khong, who has the answer with their amazing Saa papermaking tradition.
This isn't your ordinary paper – it's an eco-friendly art form where tree bark becomes beautifully decorated sheets. The process involves some serious arm muscle (pounding the bark into pulp) and a dash of creativity (decorating with fresh flowers and leaves). The coolest part? This paper is so durable it can last for centuries – some ancient Buddhist texts written on Saa paper are still perfectly readable today.
Caves and waterfalls to discover
A little way north from Luang Prabang lies Pak Ou Caves – a nature's own art gallery, housing over 4,000 Buddha statues that have called these limestone cliffs home for more than 600 years. Local legend says each statue carries a wish from its giver, making this more than just a cave – it's a treasure trove of hopes and dreams.
Just a bit downstream, the Kuang Si Waterfall offers nature's perfect swimming pools. These three-tiered falls stretch 60 metres high, creating gorgeous turquoise pools that look like they're straight out of a travel magazine. The secret behind that amazing blue colour? It's all thanks to limestone minerals in the water.
Pottery making in Ban Chan village
In between Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall is Ban Chan village, where playing with mud is actually an art form. This 400-year-old riverside community has been crafting pottery for centuries, thanks to its prime location near perfect clay deposits.
Fun fact: the village's special technique of mixing river clay with local minerals creates pottery that's both beautiful and incredibly durable. Watch skilled artisans transform simple clay into stunning vases and household treasures, or better yet, hop on the potter's wheel yourself. Don't worry about making a masterpiece – it's all about embracing the creative process and getting your hands wonderfully dirty.
A touch of France by the river
Back in the 1860s, the Mekong River got some very determined visitors. The French Mekong Expedition, led by Ernest Doudart de Lagrée, was basically a 19th-century version of an epic road trip – except way more challenging.
These explorers spent two years mapping the river, battling rapids, tropical diseases, and probably some very persistent mosquitoes. They travelled over 9,000 kilometres from Saigon to Yunnan, documenting everything from local foods to village customs. Their adventure left us with detailed maps and fascinating stories.
Introducing Bohème – a Mekong river cruise experience – named after the French word meaning living a life of artistic wandering, which embraces a spirit of exploration along the Mekong River.
It brings together local and cultural experiences found along the Mekong River banks, from UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang starting at the award-winning Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel to the capital of Vientiane.
The journey allows you to explore Ban Chan village's pottery making and enjoy the local artisans' craftmanship during a special Artisan Afternoon Tea aboard the cruise right after with organic teas infused in fragrant lemongrass, pandan, and butterfly pea flowers.
Immerse in centuries-old Saa papermaking to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, from refreshing dips in Kuang Si Waterfall to tasting royal pink soup, every day on the cruise brings something new to discover. Each cabin aboard carries the name of a French expedition member, adding a touch of history to your modern adventure.
More than a river cruise – it's your chance to experience the culture and explore the stories this legendary river has to offer directly from its waters.
