The Mekong : A river and its people

Abstract

The Mekong: A River and its People is the first book to take on the challenge of exploring the world's 12th longest river. Flowing 4,200 kilometres from the Tibetan plateau to the South China Sea, the Mekong is one of Asia's most intriguing rivers yet, until now, it has received little attention. The river's long passage passes six countries, and along its banks is met a fascinating variety of peoples who still preserve distinct cultural traditions to a remarkable degree, adding their colour to the natural splendour of the scenery. Over the centuries, however, the Mekong has undeniably been a troubled river, the mute witness of despair and destruction wrought by war and social upheaval. Yet it is also a river of hope, holding a possible key to regional cooperation and economic progress. Today, as developers study grandiose plans for harnessing the river's huge potential, the Mekong faces unprecedented change. The Mekong: A River and its People thus aims to capture the essence of this mighty river before its near pristine and untamed character is lost forever.