These are the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for lovers of slow travel – travel at a more leisurely pace, where slowing down to experience local life and soak up the beauty of a place is preferable to running around ticking off sights. These destinations boast riverside promenades, paths, parks, and markets, and plenty of opportunities to get on their rivers.
Some of our favourite Southeast Asian cities are set on rivers – Bangkok, Saigon and Phnom Penh to name a few – but with their traffic gridlock and chaotic streets, those big cities aren’t always ideal for slow travellers looking to experience a more relaxed pace of life on their travels.
That’s not to say it’s not possible. Phnom Penh has a wonderful waterfront promenade, Bangkok and Saigon boasts dozens of parks and public gardens between them, and in all three cities it’s possible to do river cruises on both local transport and tourist boats.
But it’s far easier and often more rewarding for travellers to slow down to an unhurried pace and soak up local life in smaller Southeast Asian cities such as Hoi An, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hue, and even Chiang Mai, which has turned into something of a mini Bangkok in recent years. This is our guide as to how to do it. But before I tell you all about the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for slow travellers, I have a favour to ask.
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Now let me tell you about the best Southeast Asian riverside cities for lovers of slow travellers.
Riverside Cities in Southeast Asia for Slow Travellers
These are the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for lovers of slow travel – travellers who are happiest strolling riverside paths, picnicking in waterfront parks and gardens, cruising down a river, lingering over meals with river views, and sipping something as you watch the sun go down over a serene stretch of water.
I have to confess, it was a hard choice as to whether put Vietnam’s Hoi An or Laos’ Luang Prabang at the top of our list of the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for slow travellers. Hoi An and Luang Prabang are what we call ‘same same but different’ here in Southeast Asia.
Both are beautifully preserved, compact, low-rise UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities set on rivers. But whereas Hoi An is bustling during the day, when it’s busy with visitors savouring its delights, Luang Prabang always feels languid, even during its short busy tourist high season.
Cambodia’s Siem Reap hasn’t preserved its colonial-era centre, sadly, with ugly advertising hoardings hiding handsome façades. But the city that serves as the gateway to the UNESCO listed Angkor temples still has character and charm, and a laidback vibe thanks to the narrow Siem Reap River that snakes through town, shaded by lofty trees and lined with waterside paths.
Hue in Central Vietnam is a larger city, and Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand even larger still, but both cities are set on impressive rivers. Hue is easily the more attractive city, with the Huong River or Perfume River one of the most picturesque waterways in Asia, while Chiang Mai’s Ping River still has some life despite being divided by weirs that control its flow and reduce activity.
Hoi An
Located on the north bank of the Thu Bon River, the ancient port city of Hoi An in Central Vietnam tops our list of the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for slow travellers, partly because Hoi An’s riverside setting is so enchanting, but also because there are so many ways to experience the river on the water and from so many spots where you can simply sit by the river and take in local life.
Where to Stay on the Hoi An Riverside
The best lodgings to stay on the Hoi An riverside for lovers of slow travel is Anantara Hoi An, on the perimeter of the old town on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Set in sprawling tropical gardens with a palm-shaded swimming pool and a tranquil riverside location, the colonial-style resort is just a five-minute walk to the lively waterfront fish market and an easy fifteen-minute stroll along the river to the Japanese Bridge and Hoi An’s other star sights.
Things to Do on the Hoi An Riverside
We lived in Hoi An before we moved to Siem Reap and one of my favourite things to do on the Hoi An riverside was to wake in the darkness to watch the local fishermen cruise in on their fishing boats with the catch they’d caught overnight. You’ll need to rise early to take in the action at the waterfront fish markets but it’s worth it.
Come late afternoon, nothing beats a riverside stroll before settling in on a plastic stool with a cold beer to take in the riverside action. Make a beeline to the dock where the local ferries leave to watch the late afternoon-early evening commute. Or simply sit and savour the sunset. Watch Terence’s sunset time lapse in Hoi An for a taste of that experience.
After dark, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the river in Hoi An is on a very pleasant ride on a flat narrow wooden boat on the Hoai River, a tiny tributary of the Thu Bon River that cuts through the heart of Hoi An, creating the islet of An Hoi.
The boats are typically helmed by a little old lady in a conical hat, sometimes joined by a grandkid or two, who will row you out into the centre of the Hoai River, where you’ll get a chance to release a candle-lit lantern on the river – or simply take in the starry sky and pretty lights of the illuminated town.
Where to Eat on the Hoi An Riverside
A feast of Hoi An specialties in the courtyard at riverside Mai Fish (45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street) is a must for lovers of waterfront locations. The restaurant is located in a handsome, yellow French colonial style mansion filled with art deco furniture, and a courtyard garden dripping with bougainvillea. Book a table in the courtyard and order the grilled lemongrass and sesame pork skewers served on a large platter with loads of aromatic herbs and vegetables.
Where to Drink on the Hoi An Riverside
The best spot for sunset drinks on the Hoi An riverside is the upstairs balcony of waterside Mango Rooms, a restaurant, café and bar spread across several breezy rooms. It’s essential to book your balcony stools for the 5pm happy hour so wander by in the afternoon to reserve your spots.
Order your pretty passionfruit sangrias before you head upstairs to settle in to savour the soft golden light on the handsome yellow merchant houses on the opposite bank of the river. If you’re in Hoi An for more than one night (and we hope you are!), we also recommend Mango Mango and the Market Bar, two of Hoi An’s best bars.
Luang Prabang
The former royal capital of Luang Prabang in Laos is an atypical Southeast Asian city in that the laidback city is always tranquil and not in the least bit chaotic, even in the high tourist season. The late afternoon influx of backpackers from the slow boats and the trading activity at the morning markets are about as much bustle as you’ll see in this little riverside city.
Lovely languid Luang Prabang is located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River in northwestern Laos, with a lush leafy peninsula formed by the smaller tributary of the Nam Khan River. The sleepy streets and lanes that criss-cross the town are lined with French colonial villas, Buddhist temples and Chinese shop-houses, with the river never more than a few minutes away.
One of the things we really love about Luang Prabang is getting there. It’s hard to beat travelling to Luang Prabang by boat from Thailand along the Mekong River. There is a fast boat and a slow boat and we recommend the latter. We loved our few sultry days cruising down the Mekong on the Luang Say boat.
Where to Stay on the Luang Prabang Riverside
Overlooking the Mekong River, Belle Rive Boutique Hotel is one of Luang Prabang’s best boutique hotels and has one of the best locations on the Luang Prabang riverside in the heart of the historical quarter. Rooms are set across four buildings and boast breathtaking Mekong River views from balconies or street-side terraces. Luang Prabang’s glittering temples are a short stroll away.
Set on the banks of the Nam Khan river bank in a cluster of lemon-coloured colonial-style buildings with grey-blue shutters and peppermint doors, The Apsara Rive Droite is a lovely hotel with bougainvillea filled gardens and a jade-green swimming pool. Private balconies offer river views and there’s a public lounge and bar where you can relax with a book or drink, or both.
Things to Do on the Luang Prabang Riverside
Some of the best things to do in Luang Prabang include observing the early morning alms-giving ritual (from a respectful distance), discovering the countless mural-clad temples, learning to weave on a traditional loom, ambling the lush botanic gardens, and climbing Phousi Hill. No matter what you do, the Mekong River is never far from view.
Set in lush gardens on the Mekong River, the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre is the place to learn about Lao textiles, get weaving lessons, watch demos of every stage of the production process, and buy exquisite textiles. The Silk Road Café offers breathtaking river views and is a fantastic spot for a leisurely lunch or a glass of wine as the sun goes down. A free tuk-tuk runs between Ock Pop Tok and their shop in town from 8am-8pm.
One of the most rewarding things to do in Luang Prabang is to hike up Phousi Hill or Mount Phousi for the panoramic vistas of the picturesque old town, the surrounding mountains, the stupas, shrines and shimmering Buddhas that speckle the hill, and the majestic Mekong River and Khan River. Time your climb for late afternoon so you can savour a Mekong River sunset before closing time.
Where to Eat on the Luang Prabang Riverside
The Silk Road Cafe on the banks of the Mekong River at Ock Pop Tok, above, is lovely for lunch or an early dinner, as is Tamarind, overlooking the Nam Khan River. Chef Joy Ngeuamboupha’s restaurant serves up some of the finest Lao food in Luang Prabang, along with water views from the riverside tables opposite Tamarind. Joy also offers the best Lao cooking classes in Luang Prabang, which kick off with an excellent market tour.
Where to Drink on the Luang Prabang Riverside
The wooden deck of the Belle Rive Terrace boasts the most jaw-dropping views of the Mekong River, the boats docked below and the magnificent mountains on the opposite river bank. It’s a superb spot for a glass of wine and snack of local seaweed and rice crackers with dips as you watch the sun go down.
Siem Reap
Cambodia’s Siem Reap is another one of the best riverside cities in Southeast Asia for slow travellers. We’re biased, of course, as ‘temple town’ as Siem Reap is fondly called, has been our home for years. While most travellers head to Siem Reap for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor temples, and rightly so, they’re spectacular, the city is a delight to spend time in, and the riverside is one of the most pleasant places to hang out at.
Where to Stay on the Siem Reap Riverside
Centrally located in Wat Bo Village, one of Siem Reap’s coolest neighbourhoods, Treeline Urban Resort is a contemporary design hotel on the banks of the Siem Reap River. One of the city’s most stylish boutique hotels, Treeline has one of Siem Reap’s best swimming pools. From the sun-beds by the alluring second-floor infinity pool you’ll be gazing out at the gorgeous green canopy of lofty trees than line the riverside.
Things to Do on the Siem Reap Riverside
Most visitors to Siem Reap will spend their mornings exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, returning to Siem Reap for lunch, a swim and nap or spa. After you’ve recovered, a stroll along the shady paths of the Siem Reap riverside is a fantastic way to absorb everyday life.
There are plenty of park benches where you can sit to rest your weary feet if the temples have worn you out. You’ll see local fishermen throwing in their nets, canoodling couples swinging their legs from the boardwalk, groups of young teens strumming guitars, and local joggers and walkers doing laps of the riverside.
After dark, you can head upriver to watch an apsara dance performance by the Sacred Dancers of Angkor at the Divine Sala, a beautiful stage behind two traditional wooden houses opposite the Siem Reap river that serve as the headquarters of the Nginn Karet Foundation. Tickets essential and go toward supporting the dancers and musicians as well as the preservation of this ancient art form.
Where to Eat on the Siem Reap Riverside
One of Siem Reap’s best Cambodian restaurants, Chanrey Tree is set in a traditional-inspired house with a gorgeous courtyard garden overlooking the Siem Reap. Chanrey Tree is a must for lunch or an early dinner in the evening. Order the rice crackers with Natang sauce, prahok k’tis, and Cambodia ’tempura’, including delicious deep-fried frangipanis for starters.
For mains I recommend the frog legs char kroeung, a stir-fry with Cambodian kroeung, a herb-based spice paste made with lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir lime, and galangal, and the Khmer chicken roasted with honey, rice brandy, young jackfruit and lemongrass, served with a prahok dipping sauce.
Where to Drink on the Siem Reap Riverside
If you checked into Treeline hotel, you can enjoy sundowners at the poolside Canopy Bar overlooking the riverside. Order a Cambodian-made Seekers Mekong Dry Gin with kaffir lime. Or wander along the riverside road, Achasva Street, and you’ll stumble across alfresco pop-up bars between Streets 26 and 27 that are popular with young locals.
On the opposite side of the river, Sokhak River Lounge offers gobsmacking views of the Siem Reap river and neighbouring pagoda rooftops from its dramatic sky bar, which drips with ferns hanging from the ceiling. Or you can enjoy the bustle of the busy riverside road and nearby street food vendors from the ground floor café-bar.
Are you a lover of slow travel? Have you been to any of our best riverside cities in Southeast Asia? We’d love to hear what your favourite Southeast Asian destinations are for slow travellers.
