Mekong River

The 2,700-mile-long Mighty Mekong is the 12th-longest river in the world and the main artery of Southeast Asia. Its flowing waters are the beating pulse for a region that includes the fertile delta in Ho Chi Minh City, the scenic hills of Laos, the thick forests in Thailand and Cambodia and even the Yunnan province of China and the Tibetan Plateau. 
The Mekong River serves as a hub for life in Southeast Asia, and it’s home to some of the region’s most unique biodiversity. Farmers grow exotic fruits along the lush shores; fishermen cast handmade nets in search of the day’s catch; and bustling communities come to life each morning along the banks of this massive river.  
A trip along the Mekong River provides travelers with a quiet break from the electricity of city streets, while still granting easy—and scenic—access to some of Southeast Asia’s most-popular cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang and Vientiane. River tours in small traditional boats, tubing and even high-speed vessels offer visitors a chance to get up close with the culture and community that thrives along the Mekong’s waters. 

Practical Info

The Mekong River is easily accessible from several major cities, including Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Vientiane in Laos and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The river is home to some of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and lucky travelers may even spot one of the estimated 85 Irrawaddy dolphins that exist only in the Mekong’s waters.