You've surely heard of mekong river in many movies. This famous river has been the scene of multiple battles and chases, but also exotic boat trips in some of its navigable sections, along its more than 4.000 kilometers of route. Since his birth in the Tibetan Quinghai plateau, he has traveled the lands of China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the world, but the extreme variations in the different seasons of the year, the existence of rapids and waterfalls make navigation difficult. Half of its journey is through Chinese lands, where it is also known as the Lancang River or Turbulent River. Further on, the Mekong River forms the border between Myanmar and Laos for 200 kilometers, at the end of which the Ruak River meets its tributary. This is precisely the dividing point between the Upper and Lower Mekong. After bathing the lands of several countries and influencing the lives of more than 90 million people, the Mekong River flows into the China Sea.
Last summer, I finally sailed through the waters of the Mekong; something that I was very excited about for a long time. It's like climbing the Statue of Liberty in New York, navigating the Seine in Paris or see the Big Ben en London.
This intriguing walk through the Mekong took place during a trip to Luang Prabang, (Laos), an incomparable city, located forming a beautiful valley between the Mekong River and the Khan River. Despite the incessant rain that fell that day, the landscape was unmatched, lush green and alive. Dare I say, the rain enhanced the scene as it made it more real and exciting. In addition, the boats are already prepared with a metal roof, to protect themselves from rainwater, something to which they are very accustomed and to which they owe their abundant and beautiful vegetation.
Boat trips on the river give you the chance to enjoy the riverside towns or villages from another perspective and with the serenity that the murmur and rolling of the water bring.
Don't forget the camera and have fun!