The rivers and lakes in Laos are one of the main means of transportation. However, due to the presence of a large number of rapids and waterfalls, not all riverine arteries are suitable for navigation. In addition, the Laos rivers are actively used for the construction of hydroelectric power stations and the production of energy resources, for domestic and agricultural needs (irrigation, agriculture).
In view of the presence of the monsoon climate in Laos, the rivers are filled during summer floods and drastically shorten in winter, creating a significant water shortage.
Major rivers in Laos
Consider the most important water artery of the country:
- The Mekong River. It is one of the largest rivers on the Asian territory and on the Indochina Peninsula. It flows not only in Laos, but also in China, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. At the same time, the Mekong partially delineates the territories of Laos with Myanmar and Thailand. The length of the river is 4,500 km, while in Laos its length is 1,850 km. The length of the Mekong is 7th in Asia and 12th in the world. The area of its basin is 810 thousand square meters. km.
Mekong is a river on which stands the capital of Laos - the city of Vientiane , as well as several other cities of the country - Pakse , Savannakhet , Luang Prabang . In addition, several rivers flow into it. The Mekong river is 500 km from Vientiane to Savannakhet, in which its width grows to 1.5 km. For the use of motor boats, as well as flat-bottomed sampans and pies. In addition to shipping, the water flows of the Mekong River in Laos are used for hydropower, for rice cultivation in river floods, where coastal soils are very rich in silt, as well as in fishing and tourism.
- The Ka River. It flows through the territory of Vietnam and Laos, and this river originates on the border of these two countries at the confluence of the rivers Nyong and Mat. The length of the river Ka is about 513 km, the pool area is 27 200 sq. Km. km. Food is provided mainly through rains, floods - in summer and in autumn. Annual water consumption averages 680 cu. m per second.
- The Cong River. Flows in three states of Southeast Asia - in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Start takes on the ridge. The length of the Cong River is about 480 km.
- The Ma River. It flows into the Gulf of South China Sea. The source of the river is in the mountains of Vietnam. The river Ma feeds on rain water, the high water begins in the summer-autumn period. The length of this river reaches 512 km, and the basin area is 28,400 sq. Km. km. The average annual water discharge varies within the range of 52 cubic meters. m per second.
- The river U. Its length is 448 km. The source of the river U takes in the north of Laos, in the province of Phongsali. The river is fed by rain, in summer and autumn there is a high water. The U River flows into the Mekong, and its waters are widely used for irrigation. In addition, V is a very important transport artery in the north of Laos.
- The river Tyu. It flows in Laos and Vietnam, and the extent in both countries is almost the same (165 km in Laos, 160 - in Vietnam). The origins of this river are located in the north-east of Laos, in the province of Huaphan. On the right, Tyu flows into the Ma River.