The Mekong River cuts a swathe across Cambodia and is an ideal way to link up the neighbouring countries of Laos and Vietnam. Along the river's banks lie some fascinating towns and it provides a habitat for the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin. Take in the Tonlé Sap tributary and you have the makings of a great adventure on the water.

Crossing into Cambodia from Laos at the Dom Kralor-Voen Kham border crossing, head south to Stung Treng by longtail rocket boat. Make a diversion east to Ratanakiri Province  if time allows or continue south by boat to Kratie, the best base for dolphin viewing along the Mekong. Head south again through Kompong Cham  to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh , and soak up the atmosphere here for a few days and nights.

Next, head northwest, taking a fast boat up the Tonlé Sap river to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor . After a few days to take in these treasures, take a small boat south­west to Battambang  along the Stung Sangker, one of the most beautiful boat trips in Cambodia. Return to Phnom Penh by road to pick up a boat taking you to Chau Doc in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. And the adventure doesn't have to stop there, as boats continue all the way to Ho Chi Minh City.