The mighty Mekong River begins in the middle of China, carving its way south from the vast Tibetan Plateau, eventually forming the border between Myanmar and Laos, then between Laos and Thailand. The waterway winds through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally draining into the South China Sea. Already the name "MEKONG" sounds like a hidden, unexplored treasure, a river winding through wild and rugged mountains, jungles and hardly accessible areas.
Laos lies almost entirely within the Lower Mekong Basin. Its climate, landscape and land use are the major factors shaping the hydrology of the river. Laos actually has the greatest share of the Mekong River. It's vitally important to the country; even the broad blue stripe in their National Flag represents the Mekong. With few good roads and mountainous terrain, these waters are Laos' principal transportation and communication artery, and its' predominant fishing area. That’s why the Mekong called the "Sea of Laos."
Lao officialdom at the riverside border post was surprisingly laid back with a familiar scene: the ubiquitous wat, high above on a hill. Its' detailed low sloped two-tiered roof and brightly coloured outer murals were still intact; around which resident saffron-robed monks went about their business. The steep climb up the wats' never-ending steps in the midday furnace made the entire group's thoughts switch abruptly to lunch and shade. You can have chance to see elephants for the Lao Kingdom was once known as the "land of a million elephants" although there are woefully few remaining today.
The Mekong River is not easily navigable along its entire length, but for most of Laos it is a reasonably dependable transport link. Scheduled ferries and charter boats between major towns and cities are readily available for the adventurous travelers. It is even today an exciting and life enhancing experience when traveling to the lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful towns in South-East Asia and rates number one destination by Times Magazine. The Nam Ou and the Mekong rivers converge on a sharp river bend and a staggering limestone rock, Phaa Hen juts out of the water. The Pak Ou caves are located opposite dizzyingly perched up a 350m-limestone cliff with around 4,000 wooden images of Buddha of different shapes and sizes standing erect on different levels of rock. From PakBeng to the acient town of Luang Prabang, then Vientiane and the 4000 islands of the Bolaven Plateu, the breathaking lamdscapes and charming sceneries of local life along the mighty Mekong River will give you the ultimate experience.
As the landlocked Laos is home for more than 60 tribes of ethnic groups, during the trip along the river, you will have chance to enjoy the quiet and calm atmosphere of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks.
The river is integral to the Laotian way of life. It is vital to the Lao people, providing water for laundry, cooking, washing, playing, fishing, travelling and irrigation.
A journey along the river offers travellers unforgettable scenes of daily life in rural Laos. Buffaloes, bathing children and the sound of the ever-present engine, the images and sound will carve a noisy furrow through the heart of one of the gentlest nations on earth.
