Thailand - Experience The-Mekong - Holidays in Thailand

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The Mekong

Known in Thailand as the Mae Nam Khong or 'the mother of all rivers', the Mekong River is one of the world's longest. Having its icy source in China's Qinghai Province near Tibet, this picturesque river descends southeast 4,200km to the warm tropical waters of the South China Sea passing through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and emerging into the rich Vietnamese delta on its way to the ocean. The Mekong River separates Thailand from Laos along much of the two country's frontiers.

Much of the beautiful lush countryside surrounding the swirling Mekong River is home to a panorama of paddy fields and a large majority of the 90 million people who rely on it are involved in rice production. Fishing is another important livelihood in the Mekong area and it has been estimated that as many as 1,200 species of fish inhabit the river. Certainly, no other river in the world is home to so many species of giant fish, the most notable of which is the Giant Mekong Catfish.

The dramatic stretch around Isan in north eastern Thailand is one of the most accessible places to view the river and a serene boat trip is highly recommended. Observe hills and cliffs as you meander the winding river and gaze at pretty gardens and into rural villages. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to enjoy the river as the pink and orange hues of the sky reflecting on the darkening water of the Mekong is especially romantic.

The Mekong has acquired a mythological character since every year in October, around the time of the full moon, mysterious pink fireballs ascend from the riverbed and shoot out high into the night sky. The locals believe it to be naga - the great serpent of the underwater world - spitting fireballs into the sky to celebrate the Buddha's return to earth at the end of Buddhist Lent. This astonishing event is marked in Nakhon Phanom by the colourful festival of Bang Fai Phaya Nak whose dragon-boat races, concerts, parades and, of course, naga fireballs attract as many as 400,000 visitors every year.