Mekong River

Mekong river is one of the longest river in South-East-Asia, 7th longest in Asia and 11th longest in the world.

Its length is estimated to be about 4,350 km or (2,703 mi). It begins from the high Tibetan Plateau running through six countries; China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. An estimated of over 60 million people who live along the Mekong’s banks depends on it for food, water and transport

For Laos this river is like a blood vein that supplies food to the whole body. Without it the country will slowly disappear. Lao people have lived and played with this river for many centuries. Whether its the rainy season; where the water is flooding the borders, or the dry season; where some parts of the river can be crossed by foot, the river still provides full benefits for people who live along its borders.

Apart from fishing, drinking and washing, the Laotians use this river for agriculture and transportation. They travel along the the river by boat carrying goods from city to city for trade. Today travelers on boats along the river can still see the French's maritime navigation that is left over during the french's rule.

The Mekong is also home to thousands of fish species, including those unique to the area, such as the rare Mekong giant catfish and the Irrawaddy dolphin. In 1995 the Mekong River Commission (MRC) was created to manage the environment and promote sustainable development between the four countries; Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam which shared the lower stretch of the Mekong.

Since 2006 there are at least eight large hydropower dams on the river which have been investigated, one of which is Don Somhong Dam located in Khon Phapeng Falls in southern of Laos. So far all projects are still under investigation. Click here to visit The MRC.

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