Mekong River, Asia's 7th Longest River

The Mekong river is the 11th longest river in the world. It run in six countries - China's Yunnan province, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With it's length of 4,350 kilometers, it is the 7th longest river in Asia. It discharges an estimated of 475 km3/114 cu mi of freshwater to the sea annually and it drains an area of 795,000 km2.

Map of Mekong River. Source: hereticdhammasangha.wordpress.com

Because of it's massive size, no wonder Mekong is home to the world's giant freshwater fishes. This giants are now becoming small in number due to human activities.

Giant catfish of Mekong River. Source: nationalgeographic.com

Giant of barb Mekong River. Source: nationalgeographic.com

The name "MEKONG" originate from the Thai language, Mae Nam Khong, which means "Mother-River Khong".

Evening in the Mekong River. Source: flickr.com/photos/hschmid

Mekong river serves as a major transportation and economic route to all villages around it.

Market in the Mekong River. Source: flickr.com/photos/kateyaeger

Two boats in the Mekong River. Source: flickr.com/photos/hschmid