Rivers of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has many large rivers that are important for transport, farming and water supply. The Mekong is the major and longest river in Southeast Asia. It flows through six countries — China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam — before reaching the South China Sea through a delta in Vietnam.
Key idea
The Mekong is the major river of Southeast Asia. Its delta lies in Vietnam.
Other important rivers include the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Chao Phraya in Thailand. In Malaysia the longest river is the Rajang in Sarawak, while in Peninsular Malaysia it is the Pahang river.
Stages of a river
A river has three stages: the upper course, the middle course and the lower course. In the upper course the water is fast and there are waterfalls and V-shaped valleys. In the lower course the river flows slowly and forms meanders and a delta at its mouth.
Example
In the Mekong delta in Vietnam, the fertile soil is used to grow rice on a large scale.
These rivers are very important to the people of Southeast Asia. They provide water for drinking and irrigation, a cheap route for boats and trade, fish for food, and fertile land along their banks and deltas. Because of this, many large settlements and even capital cities, such as Bangkok on the Chao Phraya, grew up beside major rivers.
Remember
Waterfalls and rapids form in the upper course; a delta forms in the lower course.