Exploring New Horizons
 Renowned
as one of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations, Thailand
adds an extra dimension to its myriad of attractions as the most
convenient gateway to the lands of the Mekong.
Yunnan in southern China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam,
as well as north and northeastern Thailand, all share to a greater
or lesser extent the passage of the mighty Mekong, Southeast Asia’s
longest river. Along the banks of this vital waterway have arisen
the major civilisations that have shaped the history of the region,
while the river itself sustains the life of a remarkably diverse
population. All of the Mekong countries are different, each with
its own individual character, so the sights and scenes are as varied
as the lands themselves. From the extraordinary natural beauty of
Yunnan, to the hills and hilltribe villages of northern Thailand,
from the spellbinding ancient ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor to
the templestudded plain of Myanmar’s Bagan, from the old-world
charm of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Lao PDR, to
the intriguing watery world of the Mekong delta in Vietnam, the
choice of sightseeing possibilities is unparalleled.
Located in the heart of the Mekong subregion, Thailand is the ideal
base for exploring the area. Flights from Bangkok afford ready access
to all the capitals and major cities of the other fi ve Mekong countries.
At the same time, road and river communications are being rapidly
expanded to provide a choice of land transport that greatly enhances
touring possibilities.
The Mystique of the Mekong
 Mysterious
and majestic, the Mekong is the world’s 10th largest and 12th
longest river at 4,200 km., and it’s one of the last great
rivers to retain a near pristine character. Awesome in its topography,
intriguing in its cultural fabric, and varied in its demography,
the river continues to inspire a sense of wonder.
WIth its snow-fed headwaters lying high on the Tibetan Plateau,
the Mekong tumbles through spectacular gorges to enter the Chinese
province of Yunnan, an area of mountains and fertile valleys inhabited
by colourful tribal communities. The river then borders Myanmar
and Lao PDR before fl owing into the famous Golden Triangle. From
there it fl ows the length of Lao PDR, where it passes both the
old royal capital of Luang Prabang and the present capital, Vientiane.
After forming the border between northeastern Thailand and Lao PDR,
the Mekong crashes over the spectacular Khone Falls and then passes
into Cambodia, where it enters a broad fl oodplain to fl ow by Phnom
Penh. At the city, the mainstream forks into two broad arms, the
Mekong proper and the Bassac, and then enters Vietnam where it forms
a classic delta of nine streams that flow out into the South China
Sea.
Diverse in its topography, the Mekong has also played a major role
in defi ning the different 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 is to journey through
time, as well to discover the timelessness of nature’s ever
varied grandeur.
|
