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Mekong

The Mekong River passes through breath-taking scenery of mountains, rice paddies and ancient architecture, as it covers nearly three thousand miles on its journey through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Floating villages and markets pass by and excursions to historic monasteries and Ha Long Bay are not to be missed.

The Mekong passes through the great capitals of Hanoi and Phnom Phen. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride to the great temples and ancient pagodas which are a feature of this region such as, Angkor Wat and the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Ho Chi Minh city.

The name 'Mekong' comes from the Lao and Thai term 'Mae Nam Khong', which can be literally translated as 'Kong, the Mother of Water'. The river meets with many others on its long journey and is referred to as the 'Tien River' once it enters Vietnam.

For those who want to extend your Asian adventure and take in more of this part of the world, take a look at our Myanmar river cruises as well.

Mekong Factfile

  • The Mekong River has several names with different meanings. The Chinese call it 'Lancang Jiang' which means 'Turbulent River'. The Thai and Lao call it 'Mae Nam Kong' which means 'Mother Water'. The Vietnamese call it 'Cuu Long' meaning 'New Dragons'
  • The Mekong River flows through several countries including China, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, before discharging into the South China Sea
  • The Mekong River is the world's twelfth longest river and the seventh longest in Asia, its estimated length is 4,350 km
  • The Mekong River's source is the Lasagongma Spring on the Tibetan Plateau in China
  • The Mekong Sub-region is home to 430 mammal species, 1,200 bird species, 800 reptile species, 20,000 plant species, and at least 850 fish species
  • The Mekong River region is considered to be the second most diverse in the world, following the Amazon River