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Why is the Mekong River Important to Vietnam?

The Mekong River is one of the most vital rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing through six countries to reach Vietnam. Extending nearly 4900 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, it feeds a vast array of ecosystems and people. For Vietnam, the river is essential, as it changes every aspect of its history, culture, economy, and environment. This essay will highlight why the Mekong River is important to Vietnam, touching upon its historical and cultural significance, economic impact, environmental value, and socio-economic issues.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Mekong River

Mekong River

Ancient Civilizations and Trade Routes

The Mekong River has been key to ancient civilizations- the evidence from archaeological findings showcases that the river basin hosted human settlements thousands of years ago. These ancient civilizations thrived because of the river’s fertile lands, and an abundance of water supply in the region, which provided vast irrigation potentials to grow their crops. Mei and Luet al present that the Mekong was a vital part of the trade route, which allowed people from several central trading hubs to establish a connected path and trade their goods. The Mekong River is important to Vietnam, as it not only provides sustenance but allows people from different regions to connect and sell goods, which had substantial impacts on the region’s economic prosperity

Cultural Heritage

Daily activities on the river

Daily activities on the river

Vietnam’s culture is closely linked to the Mekong River, as it has inspired numerous artworks, literary, and folkloric works. An epic poem “Thank you, Mekong River,” by the celebrated Vietnamese poet Le Tuan Loc is an illustration of just how important to Vietnamese culture the river is. Festivals like the Ok Om Bok Festival in the Mekong Delta commemorate the river’s contributions and the role it plays in their day-to-day lives. Many other cultural practices, customs, and arts have influences from the river.

Religious Importance

The Mekong River holds great religious significance as well. It is worshiped in various religious practices, primarily in Buddhism which prevails in the region. The temples and religious places along the river attract both the followers of that particular religion and tourists, emphasizing the spiritual bond between the river and its people. Also, the water from the river, ideal for religious procedures, is used to purify and renew the participants.

Economic Contributions

Agriculture

The Mekong Delta is one of the most fertile regions in the world which is widely known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. The delta expresses the life-sustaining might of the river facilitating the existence of vast territories of rice paddies. Owing to the particular qualities of the river, the nation is one of the leading exporters of rice. Furthermore, the fish farms and aquaculture in the delta provide a substantial part of the region’s contribution to the economy of the country. The Mekong has the reputation of a living god for the local farmers who require the water for irrigation which ensures the high quality of the soil and huge harvest, essential for the nation’s food supply security. Irrefutably, the Mekong River is important to Vietnam for its agricultural prosperity.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

caught seafood

caught seafood

The Mekong River is the fundamental source of fish and other aquatic life which sustains both industrial and recreational fishing. The river is the natural habitat of a vast number of fish of different species, many of which have either economic or gastronomic value. Noteworthy, the quick exploitation of these resources is severely dangerous which forces the people to look for balance and find new ways of sustaining the fish life for production, carving an advantageous and convenient source of fishing and food for millions of people.

Transportation and Trade

Floating Market

Floating Market

Another vital aspect of the economy of the region is the transportation and trading with the river. The Mekong River is a convenient way of transporting both goods and people. The emphasis is given to the trading ports and markets Can Tho and My Tho which had become a stepping stone in the formation of the different parts of Vietnam as one economic country by entering the foreign market and supporting the local trade with different regions within Vietnam.

Hydroelectric Power

There is comprehensive potential for hydroelectric power generation along the Mekong. Moreover, there are already existing hydroelectric projects, such as the Yali Falls Dam, contributing a great deal to the country’s energy security. However, precisely because these projects can provide sustainable energy to the country, there is also a need to ensure that the economic benefits of hydroelectric power generation do not come at the cost of the health of the river and the surrounding communities. Thus, sustainable management is critical to ensure that hydroelectric power does not hurt the river’s ecosystems. This underscores why the Mekong River is important to Vietnam for its energy needs.

Environmental Importance

Tra Su melaleuca forest

Tra Su melaleuca forest

Biodiversity

The Mekong River is home to a rich biodiversity and is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the world. The river’s ecosystems are estimated to house between 1,200 and 1,700 fish species. Some of these species are considered rare and vulnerable, such as the Mekong giant catfish, Giant freshwater stingray, Anototitrema, Pangasius, and Schistura polychroma. At the same time, the river’s systems are also home to many other plant and animal life, the existence of many of which is at risk. It is crucial to conserve the river’s biodiversity to ensure that the river’s natural resources are not depleted through insufficient management.

Water Resource Management

Water Resources

Water Resources

Water resource management is a vitally important aspect of conserving the Mekong River. The river’s waters are used as an important source of irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. However, several threats and challenges, including pollution, over-extraction, and shared access create a risk for the sustainable use of fresh water. Very timely measures need to be taken by local, national, and international stakeholders to manage water resources by implementing modern, equitable, and sustainable forms of management. Not managing the river’s water resources contributes to the depletion of vital resources and creates a risk for the survivability of the communities inhabiting the area.

Climate Impact

Lastly, the Mekong River serves a vital function in the prevention of the negative impact of climate change. Its vast wetlands and flood plains can help cushion the world from floods, yet climate change also makes water more scarce in the region. The river’s water levels can shift, affecting agricultural production, but the river ecosystem is being steadily damaged by climate change. Comprehensive climate adaptation strategies and technology can be used to manage the river’s health. This illustrates why the Mekong River is important to Vietnam in combating climate impacts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mekong River is important to Vietnam for numerous reasons. It is the source of life, the economy, and the ecosystem of the nation. With its long history and cultural value, the river’s economic and environmental impacts demand sustainable strategies. Unless all these challenges confronting villagers living along its banks, in turn, are addressed, no one will enjoy benefits from that river for future generations. If we now know why the Mekong River is important to Vietnam, then let us begin to take some comprehensive measures. In this way, both development and sustainability can be balanced so that life along this river may hereafter continue flourishing.Don’t forget to regularly follow our Fanpage for more interesting information about traveling Mekong to and to book Mekong Tours at the best prices.

Mekong Tours 2 days 1 night with IMPRESS TRAVEL

Mekong Boat Trip
Mekong Boat Trip
Mekong Cycling Around
Mekong Cycling Around
Mekong Floating Market Enjoy Pine Apple
Mekong Floating Market Enjoy Pine Apple
Mekong Learning The Food
Mekong Learning The Food
Mekong Pier Boat
Mekong Pier Boat
Mekong River Delta Learn To Pedal
Mekong River Delta Learn To Pedal
Mekong River BD
Mekong River BD
Mekong
Mekong
Mekong Floating Market
Mekong Floating Market
Mekong Boat Trip
Mekong Cycling Around
Mekong Floating Market Enjoy Pine Apple
Mekong Learning The Food
Mekong Pier Boat
Mekong River Delta Learn To Pedal
Mekong River BD
Mekong
Mekong Floating Market

The Mekong River, the ‘Mother of Waters’, is the heart and soul of mainland South-East Asia. Millions of people depend on its waters. It’s a way of life, a home for the spirits, the defining element in the everlasting battle for survival, and the foundation and boundaries of cultures and kingdoms across eons. The river speaks of the past and the future, of the eternally recurring cycles of nature, of the people living upstream and downstream, of survival, beauty and danger.

Foreigners can’t appreciate the role of the river in the lives of those who live in the Mekong basin. It influences every aspect of their daily existence, shaping not only the land, but also the people themselves.

The Mekong Basin extends over 795,000km2. More than 70 million people, 55 million of which inhabit the watershed area lying within Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, depend on the river and its tributaries for food, water and transport. At 4,350km, the Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the 12th longest in the world.

The river runs from its source deep in China’s Tsinghai Province through the eastern part of Tibet. From Yunnan province, it becomes the border between Myanmar and Laos, and between Laos and Thailand. From there it surges across Cambodia to Phnom Penh, where the Bassac River branches off. The two rivers continue to divide into nine outlets, the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons) of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and finally discharge into the East Sea. The river is navigable from the delta to Southern Laos, where massive waterfalls near the Cambodian border prevent boats from travelling further.

About nine-tenths of the people in the Lower Mekong Basin are engaged in agriculture, mostly rice production on a massive scale, for which irrigation from the Mekong River is essential. A substantial proportion is exported, thus providing the staple diet of a far greater number than just those living in the area.

The Mekong River is also very rich in fish, the single most important source of animal protein in the diet of people living in the Lower Mekong Basin.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HO CHI MINH CITY TO CAN THO HOTEL (L)

  • Impress Travel’s Mekong Tours Team will pick you up at the hotel, then leaving Ho Chi Minh City at 8.00 AM
  • We need 2 hour driving to Cai Be, We emerge the beautiful scenery of the countryside in the Mekong river delta of Vietnam.
    Visit Cai Be floating market by Sampan that is the well-known floating market in Mekong delta ( Note: the market today is not as busy as in past times)
  • To enjoy the traditional music & performance show – Dai Ca Tai Tu that was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of the world, we enjoy the Mekong’s fresh fruits while watching the show.
  • Ride a rowing boat via the water coconut canals.
  • Do a biking tour through the rural villages to Mr. Sau Ca Family’s orchard
  • Enjoy local lunch with Mr. Sau Ca family
    Relax before getting on a Sampan to Vinh Long the car/ van will pick you up to drive to Can Tho city ( One hour driving to Can Tho)
  • Arrival in Can Tho then checks in the hotel, free time to explore Can Tho city at night.
  • The tour guide will recommend you the best place for dinner in Can Tho city.

What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Can Tho, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Cai Be

Day 02

Cai Rang floating market – Khmer Pagoda – Lunch – Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

  • Good morning Mekong Delta with quiet and fresh air,
  • Enjoy buffet breakfast at hotel and morning tea break before leaving by Sampan to visit Cai Rang Floating market.
  • Ride a bicycle through the countryside to Khmer Pagoda & local farms.
  • Have a lunch and tea break
  • Mekong Tours – Impress Travel Team will bring you back to Ho Chi Minh City (3.5-hour driving)

What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel breakfast, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Can Tho

What’s included in this trip:

  • Accommodation based on Twin/Double sharing room, ( notice: a single room is surcharged following single supplement policy/ all room night including daily hotel breakfast.
  • All the meals as mentioned in the detailed itinerary
  • Entrance Fee to visit attractive places are mentioned as itinerary
  • Private Car/Van/Bus with air-conditioned and good experienced driver.
  • Boat trip in My Tho, Cai Be
  • Experienced English speaking tour guides as specified ( French-speaking guide/ Chinese speaking guide are available on request )
  • Complimentary drink water and Tissue on Van/Bus/Van as mentioned on itinerary


  • What’s excluded in this trip:

  • International Ticket Fare with insurance surcharge and Fuel surcharge
  • Arport tax.
  • Visa Fees & Travels insurance
  • Porter Charges & Camera Fees.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) do not mentioned as in this itinerary
  • Tipping for Tour guides, Bus driver, Crew
  • Other personal expenses such as beverages, telephone calls, laundry services, Minibar, etc….
  • Other services are not specifically mentioned in the tour Itinerary and the above Inclusion

 
Hotels in Can Tho
Star Hotel Room Type
3-Star hotel in Can Tho Hau Giang Hotel Superior
4-Star hotel in Can Tho Muong Thanh Hotel Superior
5-Star hotel in Can Tho Victoria Hotel Superior

Mekong Delta Travel Map

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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