The Mekong River is one of the most if not the most important river in all of Southeast Asia. Citizens of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam who live along the banks are quite dependent of the river, either for its fish, and of course its waters. It is the world’s 10th longest river, spanning a length of about 4,900 kilometers, draining an area of 795,000 square kilometers of water and discharging 475 cubic kilometers of water annually.

Archeologists have estimated that there were settlements living in and around the Mekong dating as far back as 2100 BCE. Early civilizations included the Funan (1^st century AD), who were then proceeded by the Chenla (5^th century AD). The Angkor Empire then took over and influenced most of the area until the Kingdom of Siam and the North Vietnamese followed suit.

The Mekong has quite an interesting start point. Contrary to the warm tropical nature of Southeast Asia, the river actually originated from the cold and snowy Himalayas in the Tibetan Plateau.  From here, it runs through the Yunan Province in China before making its way to Myanmar, then forming a border between it, Thailand and Laos before cutting through Cambodia and finally emptying out in the Mekong Delta and South China Sea in Southern Vietnam.

Along the way, the Mekong has her fair share of waterfalls and rapids. Now, that may be good for those looking for a scenic and relaxing sport, but it is quite the opposite for travelers. Those falls have earned the Mekong as one of the toughest rivers to navigate on.

The Mekong Basin may well be one of the world’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity, perhaps even richer than the Amazon! Estimates have about 20,000 plant species, 430 different types of mammals, 1200 birds, 800 reptiles and amphibians and more than 1200 species of fish swimming in its waters, some of which are giants. The Giant River Carp, which can grow as long as 1.5 meters and weigh as much as 70 kilograms, makes its home here. Also included are the 4 meter wingspan 500 kilogram Mekong Freshwater Stingray and the renowned Mekong Giant Catfish, known to grow as long as 3 meters and weigh 300 kilograms! The rare Irrawaddy Dolphin and Siamese Crocodile also call the Mekong River home.

Perhaps you’d like to live some of that Mekong magic? You certainly can! In Cambodia, experience the famed countryside and rural atmosphere along its banks as you cruise along the Mekong. Spend the night on the Mekong Delta in luxury and discover amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items and acres of emerald rice fields that make this region of Southern Vietnam so magical.

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