Mekong River
The Mekong is the largest river in Southeast Asia and, at about 2,700 mi (4,300 km) in length, is one of the longest rivers in the world. It flows southeastward from China's Qinghai province and forms part of the international border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, as well as between Laos and Thailand. The river crosses Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before it empties into the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City. Near Phnom Penh, the river splits in two, and the Mekong flows toward the east while the Bassac River flows westward. The rivers braid, forming the 25,000 mi2 (64,750 km2) Mekong Delta. Created by sediment, the delta continues to expand as it discharges into the South China Sea through nine mouths. These mouths give the Mekong its Vietnamese name, Song Cuu Long, or River of Nine Dragons.
