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The Mekong River: Cambodia's Blue Heart
Flowing from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, the Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world. But in Cambodia, it is more than a river. In Khmer, it is called Tonle Thom ("Great River") or often referred to as the "Mother of Waters." It provides the fish, the irrigation for rice, and the transport that keeps the Kingdom alive.
💧 The Four Faces (Chaktomuk)
Phnom Penh is uniquely located at the Chaktomuk, the exact point where four rivers meet: the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. This convergence creates natural fireworks of water currents and is the center of the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) every November.
Where to Experience the River
1. Kratie (The Dolphins)
This is the most famous stretch. Just north of Kratie town, at Kampi, you can take a small boat to see the rare, endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. These freshwater dolphins look like smiling mini-whales and are a national treasure.
2. Phnom Penh (The Sunset)
The riverside (Sisowath Quay) is the social hub of the capital. Every evening at 5 PM, locals gather for aerobics while tourists take sunset cruises. It is the best place to see the contrast between fishing boats and modern skyscrapers.
3. Stung Treng (The Wilds)
Near the Lao border, the river widens into a maze of wetlands and "flooded forests." This area (Ramsar site) is incredibly biodiverse and perfect for kayaking through trees that grow directly out of the water.
💡 Sunset Cruise Tip
In Phnom Penh, you don't need to book an expensive dinner cruise. Just walk along the riverside near the Royal Palace. You will see many double-decker boats. For $5 USD, you can hop on for a 1-hour sunset cruise. Buy a beer on board and enjoy the breeze!
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