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Part 4
Mother Water , the literal translation of Mekong in the Khmer language, forms Cambodia's lifeline. At Phnom Penh it crosses the Tonle Sap River, forming another offshoot, the Bassac River. For most of the year the Tonle Sap flows into the Mekong, creating a distinct swirl of colors as the blue Mekong water mixes with the muddy Tonle Sap. An amazing phenomenon occurs, however, when the volume of the Mekong swells in the late rainy season. The rushing waters, carrying various debris from thousands of kilometers up river, force the Tonle Sap to change directions. The river switches flow from Southeast to Northwest, filling Cambodia's great lake with the Mekong's overflow. At this time of year, Cambodians celebrate with countrywide row boat races on the river that is sometimes flowing one way and sometimes another.
From Phnom Penh southwards, the river becomes heavily fished as it continues towards the delta and the South China Sea.
The Mekong brings fertile silt, fresh water and an abundance of fish to the numerous countries through which it flows. It is one river in the world that defied all attempts at navigating it. It is second only to South America's Amazon in terms of the diversity of fish species. The Mekong is a river of boundless beauty and endless mystery just waiting to be discovered.
Back to Part 1.
Mother Water
Phnom Penh Royal Palace
Farming
Fishing Boat on the Mekong River
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