The Mekong River begins in the mountains in the Tibetan Plateau. It flows through Yunnan, China and forms the border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos and most of the border between Thailand and Laos. The Mekong flows through Cambodia and across the Vietnam Delta before emptying in the South China Sea.

• Draw a map that shows the route of the Mekong River.

The Mekong River is called by many different names, depending on which country it is in.

• Match the country with the name of the river and the meaning.

Country Name of River Meaning

Tibetan Plateau Tonle Thom Mother of Waters

Southwest China Mae Nam Khong River of Nine Dragons

Laos and Thailand Cuu Long Great Water

Cambodia Lancang Jiang Water of Stone

Vietnam Dza Chu Turbulent Water

The Tonle Sap River flows in opposite directions at different times of the year. During the summer (July to October) monsoon, the Mekong swells and backs up into the Tonle Sap River, expanding the size of the lake from 1000 square miles to about 4,000 square miles.

Traveling from Siem Reap, you can drive to the boat dock on the shores of Lake Tonle Sap. Once on the boat, you travel to the floating village where you'll see bamboo fish-holding pens. The fish pens hold thousands of fish.

Floating "stores" travel in the lake going from one boat to another to sell different items like fruits, vegetables, and plastic containers.

In November the Tonle Sap begins its reverse flow into the Mekong River. People begin to move inland. Families move their boats and live in temporary huts that are built on stilts. This is the best time for people to fish. By February it shrinks to a third of its size. As the water receeds, fish can't escape the fishing nets, traps, mud, and trees. One of the species of fish that lives in the deeper water is elephant fish.

• Draw two maps, one during the wet season (reverse flow into the Tonle Sap) and another during the dry season (receding flow)

• Match the pictures that show the floating village, selling of products, huts on stilts, holding pen for the fish, and the elephant fish (cooked).

Phnom Penh is the only major port on the Mekong above the delta. Large ships can come to this port. Smaller vessels can navigate upriver to Siem Reap. At Phnom Penh, the Mekong meets the Bassac and the Tonle Sap tributaries.

• Find a picture that shows the Mekong and Bassac River.

My Tho is on the Upper Mekong River (Tien Giang) of the Mekong Delta. In the early 18th c. people moved south to the swampy area. There were reptiles, birds, and tigers in this area. They cut the trees to flatten the area and began to grow wet rice.

People grow rice with waters from the Mekong. In the Mekong Delta, they can grow 3-4 crops a year. The Mekong Delta has the highest yield, 6-10 tons (60% of total), in Vietnam.

Water buffalo are used to plow the fields along the Mekong.

To improve the land, the people sub-crop with crops like pineapple, sugar cane, and peanuts.

Traveling by boat is the best way to see the delta. Covered wooden boats usually take tourists to the islands which are in the center of the Mekong. They are Tan Long (Dragon), Quy (tortoise), Phung (Phoenix), and Thoi Son (Unicorn).

On the island people walk or row their boats in the irrigation canals. Fruit trees (longan- dragon eyes, banana, papaya, jack fruit, pineapple) are abundant on the island.

• Find the pictures that show the canals, the island, and the fruit trees. What are the canals used for? How do people depend on the water? How have they adapted to the island?

Thailand is on the other side of the Mekong River. The Mekong is very important for people in Laos to survive, especially those who live along the river. People sell drinks and food along the river.

1. Mount Phousi is a high rocky outcrop with forested slopes. At the summit (328 steps from the bottom) are sacred shrines and a stupa. The Mekong River can be seen from this point.

• Look for a map of Laos. Find the height of Mount Phousi. Which direction is the Mekong River from Mount Phousi?

2. Boat ride on the Mekong

a. Fishing traps - People leave the traps along the river.

b. Ban Sang Hae - a village where rice whiskey (laolao) is made during the rainy season. The villagers grow the glutinous rice. After harvesting the rice, they wash, cook, and ferment the sticky rice in water and yeast. The rice water is then distilled into whiskey. The villagers use the bad rice crop for whiskey and the good crop for eating.

c. Jungleclad banks and limestone gorges are seen on the sides of the Mekong.

d. Pak Ou Cave - Sacred caves in limestone cliffs are filled with Buddha statues. Here the Mekong meets the Nam Ou tributary.

e. Many hilltribes such as the Hmong live in the mountains near Luang Prabang. Story cloths and other Hmong crafts can be found here.

• Match the pictures with the items above.

• It has been said that people live near, on, or in the Mekong River. Using the information gathered, defend that statement.

• How do people use the Mekong River?

• How is life on the Mekong?

• How do people adapt to the Mekong's seasonal changes?

• How do people change the Mekong River?

• How are people saving the Mekong River? Which of the following ways show that people want to save the Mekong River? Why do you think so?

Riparian governments

Working idependently and through structures like the Mekong River Commission

Community groups

Stakeholders

Local and international NGOs

Private investment

Construction interests

• Many different groups want to decide what to do with the Mekong River. Who do you agree/disagree with? Why? or Why not?

Nations of the region want to tap it, control it, and develop it.

Environmentalists want to protect it.

Millions depend on it for their way of life.