1 Chatuchak Weekend Market
2 Doi Inthanon
3 Grand Palace
4 Khao Sok National Park
5 Mekong River
6 Phang-nga Bay
7 Prasat Phanom Rung
8 Similan Islands
9 Sukhothai Historical Park
10 Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
One of the world's great waterways, the Mekong flows for more than 4,500km - a third of which it spends dallying between Thailand and Laos.
Until recently the Mekong formed part of the 'bamboo curtain' between communist and non-communist Asia. It is now fast becoming a gateway to Laos and Cambodia, as well as a fascinating crossroads for Indo-Chinese culture.
Rising in a distant region of China, the Mekong passes through six countries before emptying into the South China Sea. For 1,500km of this course, the mighty river flows partly in Thai territory, first appearing at Sop Ruak in the far north and forming the border between Thailand and Laos as far as Chiang Kham (town of the giant Mekong catfish or plaa beuk) before cutting back into Laos. It reappears in Thailand near Chiang Khan in Isaan, Thailand's northeastern region, and again forms the Thai-Lao border in a great arc, finally disappearing into Laos just beyond Khong Jiam on its way to the thunderous Khone Falls. The Mekong is Isaan's lifeline, a constant source of water. As a consequence, the riverside settlements which border it from Chiang Khan in the north to Mukdahan and beyond in the east are the most favoured parts of Isaan - and the most interesting towns to visit. The Mekong can be experienced in the north at Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, or during the long and relaxing drive from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai and even on to Mukdahan.Address: The border in north and northeast Thailand
Restaurant: Restaurants the complete length
Bus: Regular air-conditioned buses to all major towns on the river from Bangkok
Train: Train to Nong Khai
Boat: Boats from Chiang Saen to Sop Ruak
| COUNTRY |
| Thailand
|
| Viewing |
| Top Ten |
| What To See |
| Where To ... |
| Practical Matters |
| REGION |
| CITIES |
| MAPS |
| World |
| Europe |
| TRAVEL BOOK |
| Book Info |
| Order Online |
 |