The Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the world. Flowing through the heart of South East Asia, the river carves a path to multiple countries and forms habitats for a myriad of different people and wildlife. Here’s a closer look at some of the things that make the Mekong so amazing.
Discovering the Mekong
The Mekong had been a part of life for many local communities since time immemorial. Europeans however, would only discover the great river in the 16th century. In the 1800s, the river was a vital route for the colonists to travel into China via South East Asia.
The Two Parts
The Mekong is generally divided into two main parts – the Upper Mekong and the Lower Mekong. The upper section of the river flows through the untamed wilderness while the lower section hosts colourful floating markets and vibrant local communities.
The Many Names
Being a river that spans multiple countries and regions, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Mekong is referred to by a number of different names. “Turbulent River” is what the Chinese call it, while it’s referred to as the Mae Kong and the Mae Nam Kong in both Laos and Thailand.
The Wildlife
Now, if you’re ever lucky enough to enjoy a luxury Mekong River cruise or perhaps even one of the many overnight Mekong River cruises, be sure to keep your eyes peeled along the banks of the river. After all, the river basin is home to well over 3000 different animal species!