The development of the Lancang-Mekong River has revealed the huge potential of the tourism industry in Southeast Asia.

 

Xinhua News Agency Sunday quotes authorities in southwest China's Yunnan province as saying "The rebuilding of the Upper Mekong Navigation Channel has created a safer environment for cruising." In addition, the Channel also brings with possibilities of a new tourism route linking Southeast Asia and Yunnan province, which the river runs across.

 

The 4,880-kilometer long river has sections in China's Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. More than 90 minority groups reside in the basin area.

 

Xinhua reports China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand are now looking for a suitable time to rebuild the channels between the Thailand-Laos section, which will allow the current tourist spots along the route to be linked altogether.

 

Statistics show the number of travelers to Lancang-Mekong River is increasing annually with a steady rate of seven percent. Unique natural sceneries and the rich culture along the river are big attractions to travelers.

 

(CRIENGLISH.com December 31, 2006)