River Mekong

Facts

Location

Description
The Mekong is a major river in south east Asia. It is the twelfth longest river in the world. The Mekong is called by different names. In Tibet it is known as Dza-chu. In China it is called Lancang Jiang, and in both Thaliand and Vietnam it is called Mae Nam Khong.

There are a lot of rapids in the upper course of the Mekong, but the river is navigable south of Louangphrabang in Laos. The Mekong forms most of the borders between Burma and Laos and Laos and Thailand.

The most famous tributary is the River Kwai. The films Bridge over the River Kwai and Return to the River Kwai were filmed here.

The Mekong river	Rapids on the Mekong river

The Tônlé Sap is a shallow lake in western Cambodia which is part of the Mekong River system. This is the largest lake in south east Asia and is fed by many small streams. During the wet monsoon season the lake becomes deeper, fed by water from the small streams. The water from Lake Tônlé Sap enters the Mekong and ensures that the delta and estuary have enough fresh water. This fresh water is important because the delta is used for growing rice. Too much salt from the South China Sea would damage the rice crop.

Wildlife
There is much wildlife along the Mekong river. Many of its plants and animals are found nowhere else in the World. Most of the Mekong river basin is unspoiled because there hasn't been much industrial development. The Mekong flows through rainforests.

Dams and the Mekong
There are only a few dams along the Mekong. But there are plans to built new dams so that people can control the river better during the dry and flood seasons. The new dams will also mean that people will be able to generate electricity from the dams (hydroelectric power). Farmers will also be able to grow several rice crops every year instead of just one crop.

But there are problems with building the dams. There will be damage to the environment and fishing areas in the delta. Many people will be forced to move out of their homes close to where the dams are built. There may also be more floods because the river is restricted in its flow.

The Mekong and flooding
The Mekong floods in the delta region every year during the monsoon season. The delta is submerged under water. The sediment from the flood makes the soil rich with nutrients. Rice is grown in the delta.

Mekong cruises
Tourism is important to the Mekong. There are many different two or three day cruises along the Mekong. Some cruises visit the mountainous areas north of Laos, other cruises travel round the 4000 islands. The most popular cruise is to the Grand Palace and other magnificent landmarks along the Mekong.

Cruise boat along the Mekong river