Inspired by Emerald Cruises
The Mekong winds through six countries, from the Tibetan Plateau to Vietnam’s lush delta. While most visit in the dry season, seasoned travellers are turning to the region’s best-kept secret - the Green Season. Running from May to October, this rain-kissed period offers lush scenery, fewer crowds and a more authentic slice of Southeast Asia. It’s a time when nature thrives, traditions shine and the river reveals a more intimate side.
The Perfect Time to Cruise
The Green Season coincides with Southeast Asia’s main rainy period. But unlike monsoons in other parts of the world, the rain here usually arrives in short, intense bursts, often in the late afternoon, leaving the rest of the day open for exploration and relaxation. Rather than dampening your experience, these showers often bring a refreshing reprieve from the tropical heat and transform the landscape into a paradise.
Discover a Quieter Side of Asia
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering Asia’s wonders without the crowds, the Green Season offers peaceful moments to soak up the region’s most iconic locations. Travelling in the off-peak months means easier access to landmarks, museums and markets, with more meaningful moments among locals. In Siem Reap, fewer visitors at Angkor Wat and surrounding temples create a quieter, more reflective experience of this UNESCO-listed wonder.
Celebrating the Season
One of the Green Season’s unexpected highlights is the opportunity to witness seasonal festivals that embrace the rhythm of nature. In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually in September or October) brings city streets alive with colourful lanterns, lion dances and the sweet scent of mooncakes. Over in Cambodia, the spectacular Khmer Water Festival (Bon Om Touk), typically held in late October or early November, marks the end of the rainy season and the unique reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow. Expect dragon boat races, fireworks and street celebrations, especially in Phnom Penh.
Supporting Sustainable Travel
Travelling during the Green Season doesn’t just benefit you, it also supports local communities. By visiting during the quieter months, you help spread tourism income more evenly throughout the year. This contributes to more sustainable economic growth, eases pressure on heavily trafficked sites during peak periods and supports local businesses when they need it most.
Nature in Full Bloom
Rain refreshes the land, rice fields glow in every shade of green, and tropical blooms burst to life, turning the landscape into a living postcard. Wildlife thrives as you spot butterflies, kingfishers and rare birds as you drift through lush forests and wetlands. In Tram Chim National Park, part of Vietnam’s internationally recognised Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary, over a quarter of the country’s bird species can be spotted, including endangered varieties that come to breed. Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, comes alive during the rainy season, swelling with water and revealing a world of floating villages and mangrove-lined waterways.
Greater Access and Deeper Connections
One of the lesser-known advantages of cruising the Mekong during the Green Season is higher water levels, which actually enhance your travel experience. With more accessible riverbanks and fewer logistical obstacles, stepping off the ship to explore becomes easier and smoother. Smaller boats can also travel further into the Mekong Delta’s intricate network of narrow canals and backwaters, allowing you to reach hidden communities and secluded landscapes that aren’t accessible in the dry season.
In short, the Green Season on the Mekong isn’t something to avoid instead it’s something to embrace. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to start planning your next great escape to the Mekong at its most alive and alluring!
