Laos and Mekong River

Laos is the only landlocked country in Mekong Region (Yunnan is a landlocked province in China).
Mekong River is joined by 14 major tributaries during the course of it’s 1993 km journey over Laos.
Mekong River is an important artery for transportation in Laos. Such as the link from Thai border – Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.
Khone Falls and Li Phi Falls at the southern end of the country prevents the boats from navigating to the sea, but cargo boats travel along the entire length of Mekong River in Laos during most of the months throughout the year.

Smaller power boats and Pirogues provide an important means of transportation on many of the tributaries of Mekong River.
In the north, Laos shares the 235 kilometer-long Mekong River border with Myanmar.
The country’s plentiful water resources and mountainous terrain enable it to produce and export large quantities of hydroelectric energy. Of the potential capacity of approximately 18,000 megawatts, around 8,000 megawatts have been committed for exporting to Thailand and Vietnam
Much of Laos lacks adequate infrastructure. Laos has no railways, except a short link to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. A short portage railway, the Don Det—Don Khon narrow gauge railway in Champasak Province was built by the French but has been closed since the 1940s.
The major roads connecting the major urban centers, in particular Route 13, have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages far from major roads can be reached only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round.

Speed Boat travelling on Mekong River