Thailand

As the fourth-largest river in Asia by discharge, the Mekong invites an unprecedented cruise between Laos, Thailand, and the Chinese Yunnan. Here's a detailed overview of the attraction.

Mekong, the famous river at the border of Thailand and Laos

If any river in Asia deserves a pleasure cruise, it is undoubtedly the Mekong River. Separating Laos from the Kingdom of Siam, this gigantic waterway plays a vital role in the economy of Southeast Asia. It serves as irrigation, allows for river traffic, and opens up the possibility for locals to perpetuate their traditional way of life, which relies on rice cultivation and fishing. Visit the Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos. A trip to Vientiane. Tour the typical hillside villages of the Golden Triangle. During a boat ride, the Mekong will reveal romantic landscapes of rice fields interspersed with jumps and rapids where sports enthusiasts can excel. Embark on the Mekong without delay and find out what you can expect from an authentic trip to Thailand.

Notes from the past

Linguists will here be confronted with the kind of controversy that fascinates them. According to some, the name of the river is derived from Mae Khong, which means "mother of all rivers." This is how the Tai tribe, the first to occupy the riverbanks, named it. Others, seeing a similarity between Kong and Ganges, argue that the Mekong got its name from Ganga, the sacred river of India. Finally, some believe that Mekong is formed from "khong," which evokes a kind of crocodile in the Thai language.

This etymological war, by the way, illustrates the importance of the river on the Asian continent. Human settlements along the Mekong date back more than two thousand years before our era. This is evidenced by the archaeological site of Ban Chiang. Also attesting to this are the Roman coins found near An Giang. The Mekong Delta is said to have been the cradle of the Funan civilization.

The Mekong River traverses six countries in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, China, and Vietnam. Europe owes the discovery of the Mekong to the Portuguese explorer Antonio de Faria, who landed on its banks in 1540. Given the extreme ruggedness of the terrain, the French gave up navigating the river. However, they dominated much of the river trade from 1893 until 1975, when the Indochina Wars saw France and the United States bow to Vietnam.

Today: a hub of cruise tourism

Due to the exceptional length of its course, which spans several countries, the Mekong River is favored by cruise companies. Regardless of the vessel, whether aboard a luxury cruise ship or swaying in a traditional slow boat, visiting various villages that differ deeply in ambiance, traditions, and cultures is an exciting experience. If you're planning a honeymoon or a getaway for two to reignite your flame, a cruise on the Mekong is a great idea. It's also a very reasonable compromise between an active holiday and a romantic vacation.

Boat ride on the Mekong

The Mekong is a natural border between the territories of Laos and Thailand. In the northern part of Thailand, the river passes through the Golden Triangle before flowing into the Riak after crossing the gorges and ravines of southern China. Along the cruise, a stop is essential in the small, typical towns: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Saen.

Near the Mekong

Luang Prabang: From a tourist perspective, the flagship city of Laos is undoubtedly Luang Prabang, which bears the flattering nickname of the pearl of the Mekong. It presents itself as a fishing hub. Different species of giant fish, such as catfish, catfish, and rays, thrive in the river.

Aside from the pleasures of fishing, Luang Prabang is a starting point for an adventurous journey to northern Laos. Canoe trips punctuated by waterfalls and rapids, paddle races, or similar extreme sports are organized. Feeling like hiking? Head to the Pak Ou Caves, at the intersection of the Nam Ou and the Mekong. Perched on a cliff, this cave complex hides a considerable number of Buddha statues and statuettes.

Chiang Rai: Along the Mekong, Chiang Rai is an ocean of hills and mountains where indigenous tribes have been entrenched since time immemorial. Delightfully wandering in tea gardens, walking along rice fields, strolling with domestic buffaloes—Chiang Rai embodies the rustic scenes of life in northern Thailand. You will visit Karen and Akha villages, where wooden huts serve as houses and where hunting and gathering are still common.

Chiang Saen: This mountain village is located at the gates of Burma, in the Golden Triangle. Three monuments are absolutely included in your itinerary: the Opium Museum, which exposes visitors to the art of cultivating, harvesting, and manufacturing the drug; Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, which houses an 88-meter-high stupa—the tallest Buddhist monument in Siam—that must be captured in photos; and the Golden Triangle Viewpoint or Golden Triangle Park, known for offering one of the best viewpoints of the Mekong River.

Huay Xai: Once the visit to Luang Prabang is over, continue the cruise to northern Laos: Prabeng, Huay Xai, Luang Namtha, or Muang La. Magnificent panoramas alternate before your eyes. Rocky cliffs on the banks, colorful fishing boats, hillside villages crowned with greenery… In some places, it is distressing to observe hills on fire. This is a direct consequence of slash-and-burn farming, which gives an indication of Laos' underdevelopment.

Practical information

How to get there?

In most cases, cruising on the Mekong is part of the tourist circuit between Siam and Laos. If you plan this part of the cruise, the simplest way is to take a flight to Luang Prabang. After visiting this royal city of Laos, you will sail on the Mekong and can then travel somewhere in Asia. Luang Prabang International Airport has air connections with major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Angkor.

The best time to visit

Humidity is a constant concern for tourists traveling to this side of Thailand. The Mekong Basin and the neighboring regions are characterized by heavy rains. The months of April, May, June, July, August, and September are the rainiest. Boat rides on the Mekong are not advisable during this time of the year, as river floods cause damage. This is particularly the case in Laotian cities, where there are no dikes to prevent floods. Travel experts advise scheduling the departure date between the first two and the last two months of the year.