The Mekong River

The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Asia. It is about 2,700 miles long. The river starts in the mountains of Tibet and flows south through six countries. Millions of people depend on the Mekong for food, water, and travel.

A Busy River

The Mekong River flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. People use the river to move goods in boats of all sizes. Floating markets sell food and things right from boats. Farmers grow rice in fields watered by the river. The Mekong is like a watery highway for Southeast Asia.

Fish and Wildlife

The Mekong River has more kinds of big fish than almost any other river. Giant catfish that weigh as much as a cow live in the water. Rare river dolphins swim in some parts of the Mekong. Many families catch fish from the river to eat. The river also has tigers, monkeys, and birds living near its banks.

Fun Facts

• The Mekong giant catfish can grow up to 10 feet long.
• The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is called the 'rice bowl' because so much rice grows there.
• Every year, the Mekong changes direction in one spot in Cambodia when the river rises.

Did You Know?

More than 60 million people depend on the Mekong River for their food and way of life.