Tracing the Mekong to Thailand’s Neighboring Countries

Thailand Cities Bangkok Pattaya Phuket Thailand Tours Phuket Tours

From Thailand to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)

The mysterious, powerful and majestic Mekong is the Southeast Asia's longest river of 4,200 km. It is one of the last major rivers to retain a near-pristine condition. Awesome in its topography, fascinating in its cultural fabric, and diversity in its demography, the Mekong continues to inspire a sense of wonder.

With its snow-fed headwaters lying higher up in China's Qinghai Province, near the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong crosses Yunnan Province, an area of mountains and fertile valleys inhabited by colorful tribal communities, forms the border between Myanmar and Laos before flowing into the Golden Triangle. After forming most of the border between Thailand and Laos, the Mekong crashes over the spectacular Khone Falls, then passes into Cambodia where it enters a broad floodplain to flow by Phnom Penh, the main stream forks into two broad arms, the Mekong Proper and the Bassac, and then enters Vietnam, forming a classic delta of nine streams that fan out and drain into the South China Sea.

Diverse in its topography, the Mekong also plays a major role in determining histories and cultures of the lands it borders, as well as the lifestyles of the richly mixed populations it has sustained. To travel the Mekong countries feel like a journey through time, as well as to discover the timelessness of nature's ever-varied grandeur.

Thailand: The lower Mekong, through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, have a huge impact on the habitat of more than 60 million people and over 100 ethnic groups. The river to Chiang Rai in Thailand is an ideal base for exploring Thailand's far north and the hill-tribe villages. Beyond is the ancient town of Chiang Saen, situated on the banks of the Mekong, and the Golden Triangle where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. In the extreme North, along with Mekong skirts in the Northeast, where its passage and tributaries make up a fascinating landscape in Loei, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai. The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong came up in 1994, bringing about a flurry of trade, tourism and investment activities. Today, a series of bridges across the Mekong are in the pipeline which further increases the range of connectivity in the Mekong region.

China: The fascination with China starts in Guangxi, an autonomous region in the south, bordering with Vietnam and the mountainous terrain. This is one of five minority autonomous regions of China, with Guilin as the main center of attraction. The southwestern province of Yunnan, which borders with Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, offers a stunning variety of scenery, from the high, snow-covered mountains of the north to the lush sub-tropical vegetation of south. Province of Sichuan situated on the North of Yunnan is famous for pandas. Interesting towns include natural wonders and cultural heritage sites such as Kunming, the emerging metropolis of Yunnan, the relaxing and laid-back Dali with its colorful Bai ethnic minority, stunning Lijiang World Heritage Site with its many natural wonders, the cultural region of Xishuang with its capital of Jinghong spanning the banks of the Mekong and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, with its history dating back 2,300 years.

Myanmar: This fascinating country offers a remarkable variety of cultural and historical sites. The country is now rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure which attracts large number of visitors across the globe to explore the largest country in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is as diverse in its attractions as it is rich in history. Featuring hundreds of golden shining pagodas, Myanmar is a gateway to a great heritage comprising places with legendary religious, cultural and historical significance. Traveling to Myanmar is not only a journey into a different geographic region with natural beauty ranging from snow-capped mountains to vast and picturesque coastal landscapes, but also a voyage into another time and place which is unspoiled by over development, where people are friendly and hospitable. There are many remarkable places to visit which includes Shwedagon and Sule pagodas in Yangon; Ananda Temple in Bagan; Inle Lake and the intriguing Kyaiktiyo "Golden Rock" pagoda.

Vietnam: Geographically, Vietnam occupies the eastern portion of the Indochina peninsula, facing the South China Sea. The country is defined by two river deltas - The Red River in the north and the Mekong in the south are separated by a long narrow strip bordering the sea and heading back along the central highlands. Both deltas of the river are extremely fertile and are largest rice-producing areas of the country. Country's cultural roots are influenced by China and this is evident in is art, architecture and religion. Its two most outstanding attractions Halong Bay and My Son are World Heritage sites that grip the imagination of the world. Yet more hidden charms are draped across its mountainous terrain. White crescent beaches and luxuriant rainforests can be found. The country's most interesting places and towns include Kiem Lake in Hanoi; the Imperial City of Hue and the Ancient Town of Hoi are World Cultural Heritage Site.

Cambodia: Cambodia is one of the prime tourist destinations of the region. The region is complemented with extensive ruins of temple Angkor which is the main center of attraction among the tourists. Besides this there are more than one hundred ancient temples and monuments resplendent with outstanding sculptures. Empty beaches, mighty rivers, and remote forests also offer visitors another interesting perspective of Cambodia. Cambodia comprises a large flood plain ringed by forested mountains in the border areas along with the Mekong River which flows from north to south. The river provides an important transportation route and brings vital flood waters to the Tonlé Sap, which is the largest freshwater lake of Southeast Asia. The Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve encompasses the great lake and the surrounding areas, Prek Toal in Battambang, Boeng Tonle Chhmar and Stoeng Sen in Kampong Thom. Other important habitats include the dry forest of Mondolkiri, Ratanakiri and Cardamom provinces.

Laos: The attraction of Laos lies in its quiet, traditional character which offers an overview of ancient Asia. Laos plays a host to exceptional World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring natures, and village markets. Laos is a country of dramatic contrasts stretch from the fertile plains of Mekong river valley to the magnificent peaks of highlands where a traditional lifestyle is maintained amidst in remarkable scenery. The countless fascinating sites of Laos enriched with traditional culture, religious arts and crafts, and distinctive architectural styles waiting to be explored. Here you can get an idea of daily life of people of Laos while crossing Mekong down from Houeisai to Luang Prabang, which has declared the World Heritage Site. Most of the terrain is mountainous while major cities are largely located in the valley of the Mekong along the banks of river. The Mekong forms the landscape of Laos, with 4,000 islands and the spectacular waterfalls of Khone Phapheng.

Book a tour to Thailand