Bike Tours and Cruises in the Mekong Delta: Sustainable Adventures with Mekong Plus

The Mekong Delta, with its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an unparalleled destination for travellers seeking meaningful, sustainable adventures. Mekong Plus, a dedicated non-profit organisation, has developed a range of eco-friendly bike tours and cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia, crafted for those looking to explore the region responsibly. Perfect for individuals, families, and companies aiming to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, these tours combine cultural immersion with direct support to Mekong Plus’ community initiatives.

shutterstock 667926280ddfddaef
A group of participants balancing themselves on a monkey bridge

Mekong Plus: Transforming Travel Through Positive Impact

Mekong Plus has a long-standing mission to uplift communities in Vietnam and Cambodia through education, healthcare, and sustainable development projects. The organisation’s tours and cruises are tailored to connect travellers with these initiatives, turning each journey into an experience of active involvement and positive impact. Travellers join Mekong Plus’ dedication to three core values: cultural immersion, environmental responsibility, and community support. Through these values, Mekong Plus’ tours are both engaging and meaningful, offering a unique blend of exploration and impact.

Community Engagement: Unique Activities Await

A unique facet of the Mekong Plus tours is the opportunity to engage actively with local communities. Participants can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities that immerse them in the local culture. These include planting trees, participating in clean-up initiatives to collect plastic waste alongside locals, and taking boat rides through scenic waterways.

You can also cross charming monkey bridges, learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes with villagers, visit farming families to help with gardening, and much more. Each of these experiences not only enriches your journey but also contributes to the well-being of the communities you engage with.

A Journey on Two Wheels: The Mekong Plus Bike Tour

The Mekong Plus bike tour invites travellers to discover the Mekong Delta by cycling through its villages, historical sites, and vibrant local markets. This eco-friendly tour allows travellers to get close to the region’s daily life, with each pedal stroke uncovering the Delta’s unique charm. Ideal for both individual adventurers and corporate teams, the bike tour brings participants into the heart of Mekong Plus’ community projects.

shutterstock 667926280ddfdddd
A group of biking enthusiasts participating to one of Mekong Plus’ bamboo bike tour

For companies, the bike tour doubles as a powerful CSR initiative, providing teams with a shared experience that supports Mekong Plus’ sustainable development projects. Individuals and families find that the bike tour offers a personalised adventure, ideal for meaningful family bonding or solo exploration. As participants cycle through the Mekong Delta, they visit communities where they can learn about and support local development efforts such as sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Exploring the Mekong on the Mekong Plus Cruise

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the Mekong Plus cruise offers an opportunity to experience the region’s beauty and culture in comfort. The cruise departs from Ho Chi Minh City and traces the scenic Mekong River toward Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat. Onboard the RV Toum Tiou II, travellers can enjoy a unique blend of luxury, intimacy, and purposeful exploration.

ff
A boat cruising on the Mekong

The RV Toum Tiou II’s elegant design and comfortable amenities make it an inviting base for exploring the Mekong Delta. Meals on board reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions, serving up Vietnamese and Khmer specialties. Beyond this, the cruise’s itinerary includes stops at Mekong Plus project sites, offering passengers a chance to engage with the community projects they support. Passengers might participate in activities such as community visits, discussions on sustainable agriculture, or workshops with local artisans, making each day an impactful part of their journey.

shutterstock 667926280ddfd
Golden sunset above the Mekong River

Community Projects: Directly Impacting Lives Along the Mekong

 

Central to the Mekong Plus experience is the chance to actively engage with the community projects that make a tangible difference in the region. These initiatives, woven into the travel itinerary, provide a closer look at the vital work Mekong Plus does and give travellers the chance to support it.

 

Agricultural Development

 

Mekong Plus has transformed the region’s agriculture through training programs in sustainable farming practices, including greenhouse vegetable cultivation, garden netting, and biogas systems. These efforts have improved livelihoods for thousands of farmers, and visitors can witness these sustainable practices firsthand, understanding the profound impact of these initiatives.

shutterstock 667926280d
A farmer proudly posing in his field

Education Programs

 

With a focus on education, Mekong Plus has organized communities into solidarity events to support over 21,000 scholarships to underprivileged children, encouraging higher school attendance and academic success. Additionally, health education initiatives covering dental care, respiratory health, and general hygiene have reached thousands of school-aged children, promoting healthier communities. By visiting schools and participating in community activities, visitors see the importance of these educational efforts in creating lasting change.

shutterstock 667926280
School’s over, time to ride back home

Gender Equity and Women Empowerment

 

Mekong Plus champions gender equity through its life-skills programs in secondary schools and legal support initiatives for women facing domestic violence. Travellers can join discussions or attend workshops on gender issues, gaining a deeper understanding of Mekong Plus’ work toward building safer and more equitable communities.

KI8A0583
A woman and her children in rural Vietnam

Supporting Artisans: Mekong Quilts

 

Through its Mekong Quilts initiative, Mekong Plus supports local women who create sustainable products such as quilts, water hyacinth bags, and bamboo bicycles. These handmade items preserve traditional craftsmanship while providing sustainable incomes for artisans. Travelers are encouraged to purchase these products, supporting local artisans and helping Mekong Plus fund its projects further.

shutterstock 667926280
A woman collecting water hyacinth to make handicrafts

Sustainable Travel in the Mekong Delta: Mekong Plus’ Eco-Friendly Approach

 

Mekong Plus promotes responsible tourism through initiatives that minimise environmental impact. For example, bamboo bikes are available on the cycling tours, allowing participants to enjoy the natural scenery in a low-impact way. Onboard the Mekong Plus cruise, carbon emissions are offset through dedicated programs, and travellers can participate in local eco-initiatives like plastic recycling campaigns. These sustainable efforts align perfectly with corporate CSR goals and make Mekong Plus tours ideal for eco-conscious tourists.

 

Plan Your Trip with Mekong Plus: Practical Information

 

Mekong Plus has designed its packages to accommodate a variety of adventurers. Bike tours start at €1300 per person for a 10-day journey, including meals, accommodations, guide services, bike rentals, and a donation that directly supports Mekong Plus projects. For people who only have a few days, cusomized tours are done as well. Electric bikes are available for a small daily supplement, allowing a leisurely experience for those who prefer it.

Cruise packages vary in price based on the length of stay and cabin choice, with each booking directly contributing to Mekong Plus’ community initiatives. Each tour and cruise with Mekong Plus offers meaningful ways to support local communities, making every trip purposeful as well as memorable.

 

Join Mekong Plus for a Journey of Purpose and Adventure

 

Whether you are a company looking to fulfil CSR objectives or a family or group interested in eco-friendly travel, Mekong Plus’ bike tours and cruises offer a unique blend of exploration and social impact. For bookings or inquiries, please reach out to communication@mekongplus.org or chat with us on our Facebook page.

shutterstock 667926280ddfdDDD copy
A group of participants visiting a farm in a village in Vietnam

Together, we can create positive change along the Mekong River and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who call it home.

 

More ways for you to make a generous contribution :

 

Sponsor a child with a scholarship: https://mekongplus.org/en/sponsor-a-child/

Finance a microcredit: https://mekongplus.org/en/finance-a-microcredit/

Join our eco-tours: https://mekongplus.org/en/mekong-bikes/

Buy our handicrafts: https://mekongquilts.com/

Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/

Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus

More stories