Get To Know The Mekong River, One Of The Most Important In Asia
The Mekong River flows through six Asian countries: China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is one of the most important rivers in the world. In this article we will discover more about it, as well as the tourist possibilities it offers. Can you come with us? Without a doubt, it will not leave you indifferent.
Mekong River Features
The Mekong River has a basin of no less than 810,000 km² and an annual discharge of 475 km³. However, seasonal variations in its flow, as well as the presence of waterfalls and rapids along its route, make river navigation difficult.
Regarding its origin, the Mekong River is born on the Tibetan plateau, in the Himalayas, at a height of 5,224 meters. As we have said, it travels through six countries, the last one being Vietnam. There it was known as the River of the Nine Dragons because it divided into nine arms before flowing into the South China Sea.
On the other hand, and how could it be otherwise, the Mekong River has numerous tributaries. Some of the most important are the Tha, Ou, Ngum, Mun, Kading, Xe Bang Fai, Banghiang, Kok, Nam On, Srepok, or Kong rivers.
Mekong River Wealth
The Mekong River provides livelihoods for millions of people on the Indochina peninsula, mainly due to the amount of fish that is taken from its waters. And it is home to some 1,200 species of fish, such as the Siamese mud carp, the Mekong catfish or the Belgian Irrawaddy River dolphin.
However, the construction of large dams or the fishing techniques employed are posing a threat to the Mekong. And it is also important for the quality of life of the inhabitants of the villages or towns along the river.
Tourist claims of the Mekong River
In the Mekong River there is a phenomenon in which fireballs rise from its depths to shine brightly before disappearing again.
They are reddish in color, are the size of an egg, and have been seen in tens of thousands in one night. Its appearance coincides mainly with the end of the Buddhist Festival of Lent, in Nong Khai, in Thailand.
The origin of this phenomenon, known as the Naga fireball, has not yet been discovered by scientists. It is believed, however, that it could be due to some type of fermentation at the bottom of the river.
The locals think something very different. They attribute it to the serpent-god Naga, who would fire the flames to greet the Buddha after finishing the Vassa.
Navigate the river
Another tourist possibility that it offers is to travel some of its sections by boat. To do this, you just have to go, for example, to Huay Xai. This is a city bathed by the Mekong River on the Thai-Laos border.
The tour goes to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it cannot be missed.
The price of the journey is two hundred and forty thousand kips, which is equivalent to about twenty-four euros. You can spend the night in the small town of Pak Beng, the first stop on the tour. A good option is to go to Bounmme Guesthouse, one of the largest and most popular accommodations among tourists.
The Mekong River and its surroundings offer many other unique experiences. You can explore the Yunnan province in China or meet the mountain tribes of northern Laos. It is also possible to relax on the islands and beaches that make up Si Phan Don. Or explore the exciting aquatic world of the delta of this fabulous river.
