Great Mekong River
The Mekong River flows through six Asian countries including China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, and provide food for 100 million people with nearly 100 ethnic groups. Each year, the river provided to 1.3 million tons of fish. With 4,350 kilometers long, the Mekong River is the longest river in Southeast Asia. The Mekong River flow through many countries, therefore it has many names. However, the most common name is the Mekong River. Mekong cruise vietnam
Mekong originates from the Himalayas. Water flows rolling down the slopes and spills over the deep gorge as waves. In China, this is called the Lancang River (Lancang Jiang). Until leaving this country, the river flow almost half the length and fell from a height of about 4,500 meters. Only part of the Mekong River fall from a height of 500 meters, so water flows more smoothly. When it leaves China, the Mekong River became the border of Myanmar and Laos, and also the majority of the border between Laos and Thailand. In Cambodia, the Mekong River splits the two branches and flows into Vietnam, then splits into small tributaries before emptying into the South China Sea.
In the late 1860s, the French ran counter Mekong River to try to find the way to China. However, they were disappointed when encountered rapids near the town of Kratie in Cambodia and a series of very dangerous falls in Laos called the Khone Falls. Khone Falls amount of water poured more water volume of any waterfall in the world, even double that of Niagara Falls border between Canada and the United States.
Most important rivers
Mekong River is important for the economy of Southeast Asia. Both Vientiane – capital of Laos, and Phnom Penh – capital of Cambodia, are port cities located on the river. The Mekong River downstream is the lifeline of the people of Vietnam. Here, it is divided into seven branches, forming a broad delta with 40,000 square kilometers, and 3,200 kilometers of waterways. The River brings about plenty of water and fertile silt on farmland, so that farmers can plant three crops of rice annually. Indeed, Vietnam ranks second in the world, after Thailand in rice exports. Halong bay cruises
The Mekong River has about 1,200 kinds of fish. There are several types, including shrimp, was raised for the business people. A fish that many people prefer is trey riel fish. This fish is well known for the people of Cambodia named this fish that their money is called riel. Mekong River is also a catfish species currently at risk of extinction. This fish can be up to 2.75 meters. In 2005, they had caught one 290 kilograms of weight, perhaps it is the largest freshwater fish ever found anywhere in the world! Another kind of fish in this river also on the verge of extinction is the Irrawaddy dolphin. The researchers said that probably they have less than 100 animals.
In addition the Mekong River provides livelihoods for millions of people. It is also waterways for ships of all kinds, from the ferry to the big ship and full cargo ship of goods crossing on the river. The river is also attracting a lot of visitors. Many people not only visit Khone Falls, but also go further to get to Vientiane. The city is famous for its canals, the temples, and the stilt house. Vientiane is the center of commerce, politics, and religion for over 1,000 years. From Vientiane, one can venture to go against the river to Luang Prabang. This port city was the capital of a wide country including Thailand and Laos. At one time, even under the French rule, this city is also the capital of the Lao royal family. The atmosphere of the French colonial period still remains in this historic city.
Some other beautiful and interesting tourist attractions:
Golden Triangle is famous in the world where borders between the three countries of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Many tourists come here has enlisted to take commemorative photograph next to the old triangular plaque inscription with the Golden Triangle by the diversity of cultures. The first unique point of this region is generally a geographical space, the same river, but citizens bring different life and customs. The first thing visitors should do that is going Sop Ruak hill for a panoramic view of 3 countries Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The uniqueness of each country’s culture is most evident possibly in here: Thailand – bustling, colorful; Laos – quiet, ancient and Myanmar – silent, mysterious. Golden triangle has known as the “three countries – one destination”.
There have been recent changes along the Mekong River making people think. It is indiscriminate fishing method, deforestation, and building huge dams. It was found seemingly hopeless in this situation. However, this problem still can save.
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