CONFLUENCE Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers—Luang Prabang, Laos - River Origins, Destinations and Confluences on Waymarking.com

The city of Luang Prabang lies ~200kms north of the Laos national capital of Vientiane. It is a World Heritage Site and a tourist drawcard, surrounded by hills and jungle, and filled with restaurants, hotels, tourist agencies, and young folk (and a few older vagabonds), all in search of ... something.

The location of the city is due to the presence of these two rivers. They meet just north of the city and form a peninsular, upon which the town exists. The two Rivers moderate somewhat the hot local climate.

Reaching the confluence involves a certain amount of effort, but nothing untoward. Simply walk north along one of the pleasant tree lined streets, past the UNESCO marker (waymarked), to the Nam Khan River whereupon you will see a rather rickety looking bamboo bridge. As Laos is a communist country you will be required to pay the owner of the bridge (a nice little old lady and her family), a fee of 5,000 Kip (~50c), for the privilege of walking across. Interestingly, this bridge only exists during the dry season, when the River is higher the bridge is dismantled and small boats are used to cross over.

Once again on dry land walk westward along the Nam Khan until you reach the Mekong River ~300m. This location provides the best view of the confluence, and is the waymark spot—the north east point of the intersection of the two rivers. There is a boat tourism office here, and a few boats parked in the water. Most of this traffic is tourism related, but there are also some involves locals who wish to travel across and along the Mekong.

This is not a large confluence, however, the existence of the city gives it prominence. In days gone by the southern silk route between Europe and China passed this way, also various armies bent on conquest or revenge for conquest, as did French gun boats and communist terrorists/freedom fighters.

The Mekong is one of the major rivers of Asia, originating in Tibet and then flowing south through, past and dividing all of the countries of the region. The Nam Khan is less prestigious, existing for only a few dozen kilometres, but it is instrumental in the creation of the city.

Parking Coordinates: Not listed Trailhead Coordinates: Not listed Relevant Web Site: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
1. Describe your journey and visit.
2. Date of your visit.
3. At least one original photo (DO NOT include either you or your GPSr).

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   11/13/2011 Maruffel visited it